https://healthaajkal.com/Indian health news, expert perspectives and research explainers.en-INhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/affordable-on-paper-unaffordable-in-practice-the-true-cost-of-cancer-care/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/affordable-on-paper-unaffordable-in-practice-the-true-cost-of-cancer-care/The government is regulating cancer drug prices, but the bill that drives families into debt is rarely the drug alone. Oncologists say affordability has to be measured across the whole pathway of care.Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/festive-food-everyday-balance-five-ways-to-celebrate-more-mindfully/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/festive-food-everyday-balance-five-ways-to-celebrate-more-mindfully/The State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India, a study undertaken by PepsiCo India in partnership with Euromonitor International and the Indian Institute of Millet Research, found that 89% of respondents wanted protein to be easier to incorporate into familiar everyday foods.Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTDieteticshttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/strengthening-early-cancer-diagnosis-capabilities-a-pragmatic-roadmap/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/strengthening-early-cancer-diagnosis-capabilities-a-pragmatic-roadmap/An individual in India faces a 1 in 9 (11%) lifetime risk of developing cancer. With about 1.6 million new cancer cases (and 900,000 deaths) annually, the disease is projected to reach 2.8 million annual cases by 2050.Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/when-a-child-turns-violent-what-the-panchkula-classroom-attack-says-about-young-minds/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/when-a-child-turns-violent-what-the-panchkula-classroom-attack-says-about-young-minds/A six-year-old girl was seriously injured after an eight-year-old boy allegedly assaulted her inside a Panchkula classroom, in an incident that has left parents and educators shaken.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTPsychologyhttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/fatty-liver-is-not-harmless-how-a-silent-condition-may-raise-cancer-risk/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/fatty-liver-is-not-harmless-how-a-silent-condition-may-raise-cancer-risk/In India, fatty liver disease is increasingly recognised as a significant cause of liver cancer. Because early fatty liver is silent, many patients only see a doctor when the disease has already advanced.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGastroenterologyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/every-minute-counts-dr-anurag-lamba-on-recognising-stroke-and-acting-fast-this-world-stroke-day/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/every-minute-counts-dr-anurag-lamba-on-recognising-stroke-and-acting-fast-this-world-stroke-day/Every Indian should learn the FAST signs of stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency help), along with other red flags such as sudden vision problems, loss of balance, dizziness and severe unexplained headache, says Dr Anurag Lamba, Director of Neurology, Paras Health Panchkula. Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-hidden-side-of-stroke-recovery-a-conversation-with-neelam-mishra/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-hidden-side-of-stroke-recovery-a-conversation-with-neelam-mishra/Stroke can affect much more than movement. It can change how a person thinks, feels and connects with others. On World Stroke Day, we speak with Neelam Mishra, an experienced clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation consultant helping adults and families across Delhi NCR, about the often-overlooked challenges of stroke recovery and how families can help.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-silent-emergency-missing-from-india-s-health-conversation/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-silent-emergency-missing-from-india-s-health-conversation/Many families do not recognise its warning signs, mistake them for tiredness or age, and lose precious hours before reaching a hospital. In this conversation, Dr Nitin Kumar Rai, Consultant Neurologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida, explains why stroke gets less public attention, how media representation shapes awareness, which misconceptions he encounters most in clinical practice, and why delay in seeking care can mean lasting disability.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealth https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/mega-free-health-camp-puts-spotlight-on-preventive-healthcare/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/mega-free-health-camp-puts-spotlight-on-preventive-healthcare/Healing Hands Multispeciality Clinic organised the camp in association with Khushi Commune and the Indian Red Cross Society. It aimed to promote public health awareness and encourage timely medical check-ups, particularly among senior citizens.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/before-the-first-breath-how-polluted-air-may-be-shaping-india-s-children/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/before-the-first-breath-how-polluted-air-may-be-shaping-india-s-children/As smog settles over North India each winter, the concern is usually about children and adults who are already breathing it. A quieter worry is the unborn child.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/delhi-s-air-turns-poor-as-grap-stage-i-kicks-in-doctors-urge-caution/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/delhi-s-air-turns-poor-as-grap-stage-i-kicks-in-doctors-urge-caution/That scratchy throat in the morning, the cough that lingers a little too long, the extra effort on the stairs: for many Delhiites, the first signs of bad air show up in the body well before they show up in the headlines. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/experts-call-for-early-diagnosis-local-innovation-to-tackle-financial-burden-of-cancer/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/experts-call-for-early-diagnosis-local-innovation-to-tackle-financial-burden-of-cancer/Highlight the need to focus on PHC training, nutrition support and local innovationWed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/silent-bone-loss-why-doctors-want-indians-to-think-about-osteoporosis-earlier/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/silent-bone-loss-why-doctors-want-indians-to-think-about-osteoporosis-earlier/A new Indian study suggests nearly 1 in 7 healthy men in the analysed studies had osteoporosis. Doctors say screening, simple exercise and nutrition can prevent fractures.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/study-links-heart-disease-risk-to-affluence-doctors-say-rural-gap-closing/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/study-links-heart-disease-risk-to-affluence-doctors-say-rural-gap-closing/A study of 65,364 Indians aged 45 and above has found that people who stayed well-off from childhood into adulthood were more likely to report certain heart conditions than those who remained poor.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/dont-wait-and-watch-doctors-message-to-indian-women-on-breast-cancer/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/dont-wait-and-watch-doctors-message-to-indian-women-on-breast-cancer/Every year, more than 2.3 lakh Indian women hear the words: "you have breast cancer." It is now the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for roughly 27% of all female cancer cases, ahead of cervical cancer, which long held that spot.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/research/research-notes-increasing-incidence-of-stroke-in-younger-adults/https://healthaajkal.com/research/research-notes-increasing-incidence-of-stroke-in-younger-adults/Younger adults are having more strokes, and scientists are still searching for the reason. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealth https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/experts-say-india-must-shift-to-prevention-as-lancet-commission-flags-17-threats-to-human-survival/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/experts-say-india-must-shift-to-prevention-as-lancet-commission-flags-17-threats-to-human-survival/A new Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health has identified 17 interconnected threats that may cause enormous losses of healthy life across 204 countries and territories by the year 2100. These range from air pollution, climate change, antimicrobial resistance and obesity to inequality, poor mental health and childhood malnutrition.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/arthritis-in-india-why-early-diagnosis-and-timely-treatment-matter/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/arthritis-in-india-why-early-diagnosis-and-timely-treatment-matter/Nearly one in every six Indians is affected by arthritis-related joint problems. Behind this staggering number are millions of people struggling with everyday activities, from climbing stairs and getting out of bed to walking to the neighbourhood market or playing with their grandchildren.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/nearly-half-of-indias-startup-workforce-struggles-with-low-wellbeing-study-finds/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/nearly-half-of-indias-startup-workforce-struggles-with-low-wellbeing-study-finds/A new study on mental health in India's startup ecosystem suggests that the people powering the sector are under far more strain than the usual conversation about founder burnout would indicate.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/world-mental-health-day-hearing-the-voices-we-have-long-ignored/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/world-mental-health-day-hearing-the-voices-we-have-long-ignored/As per available data, nearly 10.6 per cent of Indian adults live with a diagnosable mental health disorder, and nearly 15 per cent need active intervention. The lifetime prevalence is 13.7 per cent. Yet behind every percentage is a person who, in all likelihood, has told no one.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/research/air-pollution-beyond-lungs/https://healthaajkal.com/research/air-pollution-beyond-lungs/The numbers are staggering: nearly 21 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and 9.8 million lost their lives to the disease. Now, a major global study warns that things are about to get worse — much worse — unless the world changes course.Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Studyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/russian-lab-workers-death-revives-plague-fears-what-india-should-know/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/russian-lab-workers-death-revives-plague-fears-what-india-should-know/Authorities have not confirmed plague, and experts see no immediate danger to India, but the episode is a reminder of the country's own history with the disease.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealth https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-quiet-giant-of-digital-health-how-esanjeevani-hit-500-million-consultations/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/the-quiet-giant-of-digital-health-how-esanjeevani-hit-500-million-consultations/While hundreds of AI and telehealth ventures chase headlines, one government platform has been steadily doing the work. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/control-matters-a-daily-guide-to-healthy-blood-pressure/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/control-matters-a-daily-guide-to-healthy-blood-pressure/One in four adult Indians has high blood pressure, and it is so common that many of us treat it as a normal part of life. Dr Bibhu Anand's "Control Matters" gently disagrees. The book says that what you do every day makes a real difference to both your BP numbers and your heart health.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/survey-finds-nearly-one-in-11-students-in-higher-education-reported-frequent-suicidal-thoughts/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/survey-finds-nearly-one-in-11-students-in-higher-education-reported-frequent-suicidal-thoughts/Behind the statistics is a simple, troubling picture: a large number of young people in India's colleges and universities are struggling, and many do not feel the institutions around them are equipped to help.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTMental Healthhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/survey-finds-three-in-four-urban-indian-workers-low-on-vitamin-b12-one-in-three-showing-blood-sugar-problems/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/survey-finds-three-in-four-urban-indian-workers-low-on-vitamin-b12-one-in-three-showing-blood-sugar-problems/Loop Health's Workforce Health Index 2026 also flags widespread vitamin D shortfalls and high stress among employees in their thirties and beyond.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Studyhttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/indias-healthcare-future-is-being-rewritten-in-tier-2-and-tier-3-cities/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/indias-healthcare-future-is-being-rewritten-in-tier-2-and-tier-3-cities/Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets have become the fastest-growing segment of the country's medical sector, expanding at roughly 18% a year, faster than the metros they once depended on.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/blogs/ai-in-healthcare-how-artificial-intelligence-is-reshaping-patient-care-in-2026/https://healthaajkal.com/blogs/ai-in-healthcare-how-artificial-intelligence-is-reshaping-patient-care-in-2026/From radiology scans in Punjab to diabetic eye screenings in Kerala, artificial intelligence in healthcare has moved out of pilot projects and into everyday practice across India.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTArtificial Intelligencehttps://healthaajkal.com/blogs/indias-growing-burden-of-lifestyle-diseases/https://healthaajkal.com/blogs/indias-growing-burden-of-lifestyle-diseases/Read how non-communicable diseases are India's next big challenge. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcare https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/parliamentary-panel-wants-twice-yearly-kidney-checks-for-every-indian-adult/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/parliamentary-panel-wants-twice-yearly-kidney-checks-for-every-indian-adult/With kidney disease quietly spreading across the country, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has proposed that every adult aged 20 and above get their kidney function checked twice a year.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/india-reaffirms-commitment-to-global-pandemic-preparedness/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/india-reaffirms-commitment-to-global-pandemic-preparedness/Union Health Secretary calls for fair pathogen access and benefit sharing under WHO Pandemic AgreementSat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPandemichttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/government-cracks-down-on-unregulated-stem-cell-treatments/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/government-cracks-down-on-unregulated-stem-cell-treatments/The Union Health Ministry has sent out a fresh advisory to all states and Union Territories, warning against the unchecked use of stem cell therapy outside approved medical conditions. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/blood-pressure-explained/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/blood-pressure-explained/H1N1 belongs to the Influenza A family of viruses, which has several subtypes -- A, B, and C -- with influenza A being the most common and the one most often linked to heart complications.Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCardiologyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/hospital-boom-smaller-cities/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/hospital-boom-smaller-cities/The World Health Organisation has issued a serious warning for India, categorising the country as "high to very high" risk as an intensifying El Nino pattern combines with unstable monsoon weather to create a two-pronged health emergency. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/research/understanding-long-covid/https://healthaajkal.com/research/understanding-long-covid/Researchers at UCLA have developed a new "off-the-shelf" cell therapy that transforms cord blood stem cells into T cells capable of attacking solid tumours.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Studyhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/india-crosses-80-lakh-hpv-vaccine-doses-in-push-against-cervical-cancer/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/india-crosses-80-lakh-hpv-vaccine-doses-in-push-against-cervical-cancer/India has hit a major public health milestone, administering more than 80 lakh doses of the HPV vaccine since the National HPV Vaccination Campaign began.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolicyhttps://healthaajkal.com/research/ultra-processed-foods/https://healthaajkal.com/research/ultra-processed-foods/The same drug millions take for diabetes and weight loss might be quietly helping their lungs too.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDecodedhttps://healthaajkal.com/research/sleep-regularity/https://healthaajkal.com/research/sleep-regularity/That daily cup of coffee might be doing far more than perking you up. New research suggests caffeine could be quietly switching on an ancient cellular system tied to slower ageing, stronger stress resistance, and better DNA repair. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTStudy Watchhttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/balanced-everyday-thali/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/balanced-everyday-thali/A Lancet study reveals that second-hand smoke deaths have surged by nearly 50% in India since 1990.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcarehttps://healthaajkal.com/research/intense-movement-heart-health/https://healthaajkal.com/research/intense-movement-heart-health/A new long-term study has found that drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily is linked to more than double the risk of developing gastric, or stomach, cancer.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Studyhttps://healthaajkal.com/research/dementia-prevention-research/https://healthaajkal.com/research/dementia-prevention-research/Melatonin, one of the world's most widely used sleep supplements, may not be as harmless as commonly believed.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Studyhttps://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/adult-acne/https://healthaajkal.com/expert-articles/adult-acne/A bit of cough and mild fever is usually brushed off as just another change of season. But if a severe headache sets in alongside a stiff neck, it may not be an ordinary viral infection at all, as it could point to H1N1, commonly known as swine flu.Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicinehttps://healthaajkal.com/health-news/indias-40-crore-missing-middle-too-rich-for-subsidies-too-poor-for-private-care/https://healthaajkal.com/health-news/indias-40-crore-missing-middle-too-rich-for-subsidies-too-poor-for-private-care/More than 40 crore Indians -- over a quarter of the country's population -- are stuck in a healthcare no-man's-land: ineligible for government health schemes and unable to afford the spiralling cost of private treatment. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTHealthcare