Latest news with #UnionMinistryofHealth
India Gazette
15-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Union health ministry proposes display of 'Sugar' and 'Oil' boards to avoid, reduce consumption of fat, oil, salt and sugar
By Shalini Bhardwaj New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): In a major push to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the rise of obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases like diabetes and heart disease among others, the Union Health Ministry has proposed to prominently display boards indicating the amount of oil and sugar content in popular snacks, such as pizzas and burgers as well as samosas, vada paav, kachori among others, in schools, offices, institutions, Departments/Offices/autonomous bodies and organisations. The directions have been mentioned in a letter written by the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health, Punya Salila Srivastava which states, 'We are proposing the display of Sugar and Oil Boards as an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings. These boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions, etc., displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods.' 'In the same spirit, I request you to issue directions kindly to Departments/Offices/autonomous bodies and other public institutions/organisations under your Ministry to Install Oil and Sugar Board displays (Digital/ Static posters etc) in common areas (cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces) to raise awareness on harmful consumption,' Srivastava requested The directions issued mentions about the high fat and Sugary drinks like Pizzas 471g includes 1377 kcal 40g of fat,1 Burger 247g includes 20.5g of fat, French fries 117g 342 kcal 17 g fat, 10 Pakoras 130g 351Kcal 26g of fat, 1 Samosa 100g 362kcal 28g of fat etc. 'Print health messages on all official stationery (letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, etc.) and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity,' stated the directions. 'India is witnessing a rise in obesity among both adults and children. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. The prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity. As per The Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecasting study, published in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, making it the country with the second-highest global burden,' the letter read. 'Obesity significantly raises the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers. It also affects mental health, mobility, and quality of life, and imposes a heavy economic burden through increased healthcare costs and productivity losses. Early prevention and health promotion are critical to reversing these trends,' the letter further emphasised, on obesity related illnesses. 'Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has given a clarion call to combat obesity through lifestyle changes. At the Opening Ceremony of the 384th National Games in Dehradun on 28th January 2025, Hon'ble Prime Minister invoked the Fit India Campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat. In his Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10% reduction in oil consumption,' Srivastava said 'In response to this national appeal, and as part of the Ministry's flagship initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), it is imperative to promote sustainable behavioural changes in our workplaces. These include reducing excessive consumption of oil and sugar, both of which are key contributors to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related disorders,' the letter said. (ANI)
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19 cases spike in Manipur, advisories issued
Imphal: A sharp rise in Covid-19 cases is being reported over the past week, raising alarm among health authorities and prompting them to issue fresh advisories for testing, surveillance, and public awareness. The state, which was reporting minimal daily cases for the past several months, has now recorded a significant increase in new infections along with a steep rise in the test positivity rate, indicating the active spread of the virus within communities. According to health department officials, the daily number of confirmed cases surged within a short span, with the test positivity rate climbing to over 14% in some districts. However, the number of hospitalisations remains low, and no new Covid-related fatalities have been reported so far. Health experts attributed the sudden spike to multiple factors, including the relaxation of Covid-appropriate behaviour, a decline in booster dose vaccinations, and the emergence of new variants that are believed to be more transmissible, though relatively mild in symptoms. The Covid-19 update as of June 24 shows that since June 1, a total of 554 samples were tested in the state, out of which 171 tested positive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir en Cervecería Nacional CFD podría proporcionarte un ingreso adicional Empieza a invertir Registro Undo A total of 34 patients were discharged so far, and no deaths have been reported. On June 24 alone, 13 new positive cases were detected, with 6 cases from Imphal West and 7 from Imphal East. Fourteen patients recovered and were discharged on the same day. With this, the number of active cases stands at 137. Among them, 124 are under home isolation, and 14 have already recovered under home-based care. Officials from the Union Ministry of Health have directed the state govt to enhance testing and strengthen hospital preparedness, including the availability of oxygen support, essential medicines, and isolation beds.
Hans India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
5.72 crore people screened for Sickle Cell Disease: Centre
With the screening of 5.72 crore people, India is stepping closer to a sickle cell-free future, said the Union Ministry of Health on Thursday on Sickle Cell Day. World Sickle Cell Day is observed on June 19 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder. Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy. The genetic blood disorder affects the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health complications. "This World Sickle Cell Day, India is stepping closer to a sickle cell-free future!" the Ministry said in a post on the social media platform X. The disease is particularly prevalent in India, especially among the tribal population, though it also affects non-tribals. As per the government data, India has the largest tribal population density globally, with 8.6 per cent of the population, or 67.8 million people, identified as tribal according to the 2011 Census. To address the burden, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023. The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India before 2047. The Ministry noted that "as of June 3, 2025, a total of 5.72 crore people have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease, achieving over 75 per cent of the three-year target". Notably, more than 2.65 crore screenings were conducted in just one year since April 2024. States have issued 2.50 crore sickle cell status cards, helping to identify 1.98 lakh diseased patients and 14 lakh individuals with the sickle cell trait. All diagnosed patients are currently receiving appropriate treatment, the Ministry said. Union Minister of Health J.P. Nadda stated that the Sickle Cell Day raises awareness about the challenges faced by those living with the debilitating genetic disease. "This day offers a platform to educate communities, promote early diagnosis, and support ongoing research," he added on X, while stressing the need to break stigma and offer care to those affected. Further, the Ministry informed that frequent fever to recurring pain, swelling, or poor growth in children may be symptoms of complications in sickle cell anaemia. Other common symptoms include frequent infections, recurring episodes of jaundice, repeated pain in any parts of the body, swelling in hands, feet or joints, poor growth or weight gain, breathlessness or difficulty in breathing, enlarged spleen, blood in urine, sores or ulcers in the leg. "Don't delay, consult a doctor immediately. Early action can make all the difference," the Ministry added on X.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Action against pvt hosp for promoting free hysterectomy
Jaipur: The Union Ministry of Health has directed the state health department to take action against a private hospital in Udaipur for allegedly using a social media platform to encourage free hysterectomy. Officials said that the hospital's activities violated guidelines designed to discourage the unnecessary removal of the uterus for profit. The hospital produced reels for social media, thereby flouting the Centre's norms. The ministry's guidelines emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations that prevent hospitals from promoting surgical procedures for financial gain. "It has come to the notice of this directorate that this hospital is doing awareness generation by blog on free hysterectomy in their hospital. In this regard, it is informed that this directorate is working towards finalising guidelines to avoid unnecessary hysterectomy, and a committee was formed to finalise alternative treatment guidelines and develop awareness-generating materials to avoid unnecessary hysterectomy. However, the blog by the hospital is contradictory to these guidelines. Take strict necessary action against this hospital," Amita Bali Vohra, DDG, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Has Toyota Done It Again? The New RAV4 Is Finally Here (Take A Peek) FrequentSearches | Search Ads Learn More Undo Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is the most common non-obstetric gynaecological surgery among women in the reproductive age group. Unnecessary hysterectomies are performed in cases where medical or non-invasive treatment would be sufficient. There are also reports of potential coercion for financial benefits under health insurance schemes and concerns pertaining to the lack of information provided to women on side effects, says the guidelines to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies issued by the Ministry of Health. Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), which raised the issue of advertisement for encouraging hysterectomies in Udaipur, demanded strict action against the hospital.
Mint
10-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
COVID-19 update, 10 June 2025: India's active tally nears 7,000; Maharashtra reports 89 new cases, Delhi woman succumbs
Covid-19 Update, June 10: The active Covid-19 tally in India on Tuesday neared the 7,000-mark, with states like Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka continuing to report the most number of cases. The coronavirus cases have been steadily surging over the past few weeks, from just 257 on May 22 to nearly 7,000 on June 10. Over the past 24 hours, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India surged to 6,815, according to data from the Union Ministry of Health's Covid dashboard. India has been recording a steady rise in Covid-19 cases since the last week of May. India recorded as many as 324 Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, as per the health ministry's data. During this time, 783 people were discharged from hospitals or recovered. The death toll due to Covid-19 related causes have climbed to 68 since the start of this year, with three patients from Delhi, Kerala and Jharkhand succumbing to the viral infection in the past 24 hours. Two patients from Karnataka and one from Maharashtra also succumbed to the disease, as per PTI. In Delhi, a 90-year-old woman with co-morbidities died due to Covid-19. The patient had respiratory acidosis, Congestive Heart Failure (CCF) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), according to the health ministry data. This pushed Delhi's Covid-19 toll since January 1, 2025 to eight. Jharkhand reported its first death due to Covid-19 since the beginning of this year, as well as the current wave. A 44-year-old man, who had tested positive for the infection, died in Ranchi while receiving treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences here. The man had aspirational pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, hypertension and hypothyroidism. Jharkhand currently has six active cases of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Kerala reported its 16th Covid-19 death this year as a 79-year-old man with co-morbidities succumbed to the infection. He had Type 2 diabetes among other diseases, as per the health ministry. Kerala has the highest number of active cases at 2,053. The state reported 96 new cases over the past 24 hours, while 255 people recovered from Covid-19 during the same period. Kerala is the only state that has over 2,000 active cases, with Gujarat rallying behind at 1,109. Of these, Surat has reported 58 cases, with the active tally standing at 166. Karnataka reported the most number of cases at 136 over the past 24 hours, followed by Gujarat at 129 and Kerala at 96. Interestingly, Delhi recorded a dip in cases in the past 24 hours, with 691 active cases. In Karnataka, two deaths have been reported. Maharashtra reported 89 new Covid-19 cases and one death on Tuesday, as per state health officials. The news of the death was not updated on the Centre's Covid-19 dashboard. Of the latest cases, 32 were recorded in Mumbai and 23 in Pune. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday hailed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's support during the Covid-19 pandemic and said that the Centre stepped up when the previous government was 'hiding'.
