Fight for rare disease awareness: Insights from Dr Ramaiah Muthyala
Have you ever heard of Erdheim-Chester disease or Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva? Chances are, you haven’t. These are just two examples from a long list of rare diseases, conditions so uncommon that they often go undiagnosed, misunderstood, or mismanaged for years. Affecting a small fraction of the population, rare diseases can have a profound impact on those who live with...
Bridging the gaps in rare diseases policy
Rare diseases affect millions of people worldwide, yet they often remain overlooked in mainstream healthcare policies. These consist of 7,500 conditions that affect multiple systems, with a shortage of specialised medical professionals, limited testing facilities, and restricted treatment options making diagnosis a challenge. With India’s vast and diverse population, the country bears a significant burden (70 million approx.) of...
Empowering women through access to reproductive healthcare
The theme for World Health Day this year is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This theme focuses on enhancing the health and survival of mothers and newborns with the goal of increasing awareness of avoidable maternal and infant deaths. This day provides a timely opportunity to not only reflect on the challenges that persist regarding women’s reproductive health but more...
Is India ready to tackle impact of climate change on health?
The year 2024 was marked by extreme weather events that claimed hundreds of lives across India and left many picking up the pieces. In March, a young boy walked across a dried-up riverbed in Gujarat during a heatwave, the scorched ground cracking beneath his feet. Three months later, in July, a woman watched in horror as a massive landslide...
The case for preventive mental health policies
Conversations around mental health have gained momentum, breaking long-held stigmas and encouraging people to speak openly about their struggles. We see more discussions online, celebrities sharing their journeys, and workplaces introducing wellness programmes. But while awareness is growing, there is still one big question: How do you know if you are actually okay? Mental well-being is not as easy...
Redefining cancer care: Innovations with empathy and compassion
The theme for World Cancer Day 2025–2027 is “United by Unique.” It highlights the importance of personalized and compassionate care, recognizing that every individual has unique needs, stories, and perspectives. This day provides a timely opportunity to not only reflect on the challenges that persist, but more importantly outline what’s needed to move from discussion to the real-life implementation...
Indian e-Pharmacies under renewed scrutiny by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
The Indian government is likely to take strong action against the misuse of drugs by the e-pharmacies, including their closure, news agency ANI said, citing sources. The report said that the e-pharma companies’ model is problematic as it can be detrimental to patients’ health. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/epharmacies-under-radar-centre-likely-to-initiate-stern-action-11676587508512.html Recently, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) served notices to illegal e-pharmacies selling medicines on...
Rare diseases continue to blight India
Rare diseases continue to reap a considerable toll in India as patients struggle to avail treatment despite notified policies from the Central Government. “Rare diseases are a serious public health concern in India, with an estimated burden of about 80 to 96 million cases reported annually,” said Dr Prashanth Bagali, Practice Head-Oncology at Strand Life Sciences in comments to the Hindustan...
Plantations and the risks of KFD
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) – colloquially known as ‘monkey fever’ – is a disease known to spike on a yearly basis in and around Karnataka. An estimated 500 cases of KFD are reported in India every year. Though the disease shows only a limited number of cases on a yearly basis, it is of particular concern due to its mortality...
Why is it important for you to know about NDHM and NDHB in India on World Health Day 2023?
Today, on World Health Day (WHD), India, like the rest of the world is celebrating 75th anniversary of World Health Organisation (WHO). In 1948, several countries came together to form WHO with a mission to improve public health. 75 years later, with many successful healthcare interventions, WHO continues to motivate action to address health challenges of today and tomorrow. This...