Category Archives: Health

India Launches AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for Travellers from Ebola-Affected Countries

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a digital health declaration system for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, to strengthen public health screening and border preparedness.

The upgraded platform will require travellers from identified high-risk countries to submit health and travel details online before arrival in India. This will help authorities assess risk in advance and streamline screening at airports.

Officials said the system is designed to improve early detection of potential health risks, support faster response measures, and enhance contact tracing if required. It is part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen surveillance against infectious diseases.

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 is an upgraded version of the earlier system used during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes improved data tracking and integration features for better monitoring of international arrivals.

Passengers from Ebola-affected countries will need to complete the mandatory online form before travel. Airport health teams will conduct additional screening based on risk assessment protocols.

Health authorities said the initiative aims to balance public safety with smooth passenger movement while ensuring strict monitoring of arrivals from affected regions.

The government stated that the platform reflects its continued focus on preparedness, early warning systems, and safeguarding public health at international entry points.

New Peer-Reviewed Study Published Ahead of World Vitiligo Day Demonstrates Improved Outcomes When GliSODin® Is Combined With Targeted Phototherapy

Research Published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine Shows Significant Improvements in Repigmentation and Quality of Life for Patients With Localized Vitiligo

PARIS, France, June 25: New clinical research published in the peer-reviewed journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine demonstrates that combining oral gliadin-protected superoxide dismutase (GP-SOD), the patented antioxidant technology behind GliSODin®, with targeted phototherapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with localized vitiligo compared to phototherapy alone.

The study, Combination of Oral Gliadin-Protected Superoxide Dismutase With Targeted Phototherapy in Vitiligo: A Prospective, Comparative, Randomized, Single-Blinded Study, was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Pr. Giovanni Leone of the Photodermatology and Vitiligo Treatment Center at Israelite Hospital in Rome, Italy, in collaboration with researchers from Nice University Hospital and Université Côte d’Azur in France, including renowned vitiligo expert Pr. Thierry Passeron.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the loss of skin pigment, affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasingly, researchers have identified oxidative stress as an important factor in the disease process, prompting interest in therapies that support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.

The six-month randomized study evaluated 40 adults with localized non-segmental vitiligo. All participants received targeted excimer lamp phototherapy, while half also received oral GP-SOD. Researchers found that patients receiving the combination treatment experienced significantly greater repigmentation compared to those receiving phototherapy alone. In addition, patients receiving GP-SOD reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life. The treatment was also well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

“These findings reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress in vitiligo and suggest that addressing this pathway may help improve patient outcomes when combined with established treatment approaches, in particular the combination with phototherapy has been shown to be one of the best approaches to stabilize vitiligo and increase the pigmentation response,” said Pr. Giovanni Leone.

These findings add to a growing body of clinical research supporting the role of GP-SOD as an adjunct to phototherapy in vitiligo treatment. Previous research published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology demonstrated improved repigmentation outcomes when oral GP-SOD was combined with NB-UVB phototherapy. This latest study is among the first to specifically evaluate its use alongside targeted phototherapy for localized vitiligo. Researchers concluded that combining GP-SOD with UVB phototherapy resulted in significant improvements in repigmentation, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

“At GliSODin, our mission has always been to support the body’s natural ability to defend itself against oxidative stress,” said François Vix, CEO of GliSODin. “We are encouraged to see continued independent clinical research exploring the role of GP-SOD in conditions where oxidative stress is believed to play a key role.”

The publication arrives just ahead of World Vitiligo Day on June 25, an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting individuals living with vitiligo.

Toray Develops Breakthrough Hydrophilic Coating for Contact Lenses and Other Silicone-Based Medical Devices

Tokyo, Japan, June 24: Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that it has developed an innovative hydrophilic coating that enhances the wettability of silicone materials by more than 20 times. This breakthrough enables silicone to achieve durable hydrophilicity, opening new possibilities for contact lenses and a broad range of medical device applications.

Silicone materials are widely used in medical devices, including contact lenses and catheters, due to their flexibility and excellent biocompatibility. However, silicone’s inherently hydrophobic nature limits its suitability for applications requiring high wettability or lubricity. In contact lenses, poor wettability can lead to dryness and foreign-body sensations, while in catheters it can reduce maneuverability and increase the risk of blockages. Although various approaches, such as surface modification and material redesign, have been explored to improve silicone hydrophilicity, these methods often complicate manufacturing processes and present challenges in achieving adequate hydrophilicity and long-term clinical durability.

To overcome these limitations, Toray leveraged its proprietary polymer molecular design and precision polymerization technologies to develop a novel hydrophilic polymer with a strong affinity for silicone. By utilizing the polymer’s self-assembly properties, the company successfully created a highly durable, nanometer-scale hydrophilic coating on silicone surfaces.

The ultra-thin coating imparts hydrophilicity while preserving the silicone’s intrinsic physical properties. By bringing the hydrophilic polymer into contact with the surface of commercially available silicone hydrogels and applying heat, Toray can form a hydrophilic coating layer approximately 20 nanometers thick. Tests demonstrated that the coated surfaces exhibited more than a 20-fold improvement in wettability compared with uncoated surfaces, while the coefficient of friction decreased by approximately 90%. The coating also maintained high durability even after repeated rubbing.

Applying this hydrophilic coating to contact lenses is expected to significantly enhance wearer comfort during prolonged use. In addition, studies have shown that the coating suppresses the adhesion of biological substances to silicone elastomers, suggesting potential applications in medical devices such as stents and catheters, where improved lubricity and reduced blockage could enhance performance and patient outcomes.

Toray plans to actively promote this coating technology and expand its application across a wide range of medical device materials.

Through continued innovation in advanced materials and healthcare technologies, Toray remains committed to helping create a world in which people can lead healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives.

500 Robotic Knee Replacements Restore Mobility to Hundreds at CARE Hospitals

“Robotic technology has significantly enhanced the precision of knee replacement surgery. However, the surgeon’s expertise, clinical judgement, and ability to tailor treatment to each patient remain equally important. Many of our patients who were once unable to walk independently are now leading active lives again. Several have resumed their jobs, agricultural work, and daily routines. This milestone is not merely about successful surgeries, it represents restoring mobility, independence, and livelihoods.”

“Symptoms such as pain while climbing stairs, morning stiffness, swelling of the knees, difficulty in walking, or reduced walking endurance should not be ignored. Early consultation can help slow disease progression. Weight management, regular exercise, physiotherapy, and timely treatment play a crucial role in preserving joint health.”

“Our goal is to provide world-class robotic orthopaedic care closer to home for the people of North Andhra. By combining advanced technology with clinical excellence, we are helping patients achieve faster recovery and improved quality of life. Greater awareness about knee health and timely treatment can prevent years of pain, disability, and reduced mobility.”

Ebola Cases in DR Congo Cross 1,000 as WHO Flags Unusually High Early Spread

June 24: The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 1,094 Ebola cases amid a sharp early surge in the outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting the unusually high caseload recorded in the first month.

Health authorities said the rapid rise in infections has triggered intensified response measures, including expanded surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness across affected regions.

The WHO has expressed concern over the pace of transmission in the initial phase of the outbreak, warning that swift and coordinated containment efforts are essential to prevent wider community spread.

National health agencies, working with international partners, are strengthening treatment facilities, scaling up diagnostic capacity and accelerating vaccination efforts in high-risk areas.

Officials have urged communities to remain vigilant, report symptoms early and cooperate with health teams to support containment efforts and reduce further transmission.

Public health responses are also focusing on improving awareness, reinforcing infection prevention measures and ensuring timely medical intervention in remote and vulnerable regions.

The outbreak remains under close monitoring as authorities continue efforts to control its spread.

India Emerges as Global Generics Powerhouse, Says Expert

June 24: India’s strong position in global pharmaceutical markets, particularly its approximately 20 per cent share in global generic drug exports, provides a solid foundation for sustained industry growth, according to industry experts.

Experts note that this leadership in generics reflects India’s robust manufacturing ecosystem, cost competitiveness and deep expertise in producing high-quality, affordable medicines for global markets.

The country’s pharmaceutical sector continues to play a critical role in global healthcare supply chains, supplying essential medicines to both developed and emerging economies. This has strengthened India’s reputation as a “pharmacy of the world.”

Analysts believe the sector’s growth potential remains strong, supported by rising global demand for affordable healthcare solutions, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in research, development and manufacturing capacity.

India’s established regulatory compliance standards and large-scale production capabilities are also seen as key factors enabling sustained export growth in the generics segment.

With increasing focus on self-reliance and value-added pharmaceutical production, the industry is expected to further expand its global footprint in the coming years, strengthening India’s position in the international pharmaceutical market.

Organic Tattva Introduces ‘Shuddhasana’: Because Wellness Begins Long Before You Step on the Yoga Mat

New Delhi, June 24: While Yoga Day often celebrates physical postures and mindfulness practices, Organic Tattva is shifting the conversation to what truly fuels holistic wellness: purity on the plate.

With the launch of its new sprouts campaign featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Organic Tattva introduces the philosophy of Shuddhasana the practice of embracing purity in everyday food choices. The brand believes that wellness doesn’t begin when you step onto a yoga mat; it begins with the food you consume every day.

The message comes at a critical time when food transparency is under the spotlight, and regulators are cracking down on misleading health and organic claims. As consumers navigate a growing number of wellness labels, Organic Tattva is encouraging them to look beyond surface-level claims and ask deeper questions about quality, safety and authenticity.

In the pulses category, terms such as “unpolished” have become common, but it’s not sufficient. However, Organic Tattva believes true purity demands far more than a single processing claim. The brand’s organic dals and pulses are backed by:

• Non-fumigated processing practices

• Testing for over 250 pesticide residues

• Certified organic sourcing

• End-to-end traceability and quality assurance

• No artificial preservation methods

For Organic Tattva, Shuddhasana is not merely a campaign , it is a commitment to helping consumers make informed choices rooted in purity and trust.

Kriti Mehrotra, Co-Founder, Organic Tattva, said:“Yoga is not limited to an hour on the mat. The choices we make every day from what we eat to what we feed our families are equally important. Through Shddhasana, we want to inspire consumers to embrace purity as a way of life. In food, purity goes far beyond labels like ‘unpolished.’ Consumers deserve to know whether their dals are non-fumigated, whether they have been tested for pesticide residues and whether every stage of sourcing and processing meets the highest standards. At Organic Tattva, our promise is simple: complete transparency, uncompromising quality and food that families can trust.”

The company’s Yoga Day initiative highlights sprouts as one of nature’s most wholesome foods while reinforcing a larger message: wellness starts with purity. In an increasingly crowded health-food landscape, Organic Tattva believes consumers should expect evidence not just claims.

Because true wellness is not just about Asanas. It is about Shuddhasana.

McAfee Study Finds 66 Percent of Indians Have Faced Health and Wellness Scams

India, June 23: As health and wellness content continues to dominate online conversations, new research from McAfee reveals a growing wave of scams, misinformation, and AI-generated deception targeting Indian consumers. The findings highlight how scammers are increasingly exploiting trust in influencers, wellness trends, and emerging AI technologies to spread misleading health advice and fraudulent schemes.

McAfee research reveals that 71% of India especially young adults are being targeted by health scams which are increasingly engineered to exploit urgency, trust, and everyday online behavior. Nearly one-third of Indians surveyed reported being pushed to take immediate action through tactics such as visiting a website promoted in an ad (31%), clicking links shared via social media or messaging apps (31%), downloading an app or file (26%), or scanning a QR code (23%).

The scams themselves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and wide-ranging from fake weight-loss or fitness products (23%) and misleading information about diseases or medical products (20%), to fake supplements or vitamins (18%) and fraudulent medical treatments or “cures” (18%). Consumers are also encountering impersonation scams involving healthcare providers or pharmacies (13%) and even government health agencies (10%), underscoring how cybercriminals are blending health misinformation with social engineering tactics to make scams appear more credible, urgent, and difficult to detect.

“Health and wellness have become a bigger part of people’s daily lives online, but so have the risks,” said Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering, McAfee India. “Scammers are getting better at making fake health advice, products, and offers look credible, especially as AI makes these scams easier to create and harder to spot. That’s why it’s so important for Consumers to pause, verify information through trusted sources, and think twice before clicking suspicious links or offers.”

Social Media Remains the Epicenter of Health Advice and Health Scams

Health scams are no longer confined to suspicious websites or spam emails. They are increasingly appearing across social media feeds, messaging apps, online advertisements, and influencer-led content.

• 64% of Indians surveyed encounter health or wellness advice on social media at least weekly
• More than one-third (34%) of people surveyed encounter health advice daily or multiple times per day on social media
• Social media is also the #1 place people surveyed encounter health scams (53%), followed by messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram (37%), phone calls (33%), websites or online ads (30%), email (26%), online marketplaces (24%), text messages (23%), and in-person interactions (19%)

Influencers Continue to Shape Health Decisions

Misinformation is increasingly exploiting the trust consumers place in celebrities and influencers, making manipulated health content appear more credible and authentic. In fact, 55% of Indians say celebrity or influencer endorsements impact their likelihood to trust health advice, highlighting how scammers are leveraging emotional trust, credibility, and social influence to make misleading wellness claims appear authentic and believable.

• More than half of Indians surveyed (54%) say they have seen health or wellness content that appeared to be endorsed by a celebrity or public figure and was later revealed or suspected to be fake, misleading, or AI-generated
• Among those who have encountered celebrity or influencer-endorsed health content, the leading platforms are YouTube (68%), Instagram (67%), Facebook (43%), social media advertisements (42%), online ads or sponsored posts (30%), X/Twitter (25%), messaging apps (22%), websites or blogs (19%), Snapchat (18%), traditional media (16%), email (15%), and text messages (13%)
• 66% of 25–34-year-olds have seen fake or suspicious celebrity-linked health content

How to Protect Yourself from Health & Wellness Scams

McAfee helps consumers fight back by combining digital education with proactive AI protection. Its technology scans text, QR codes, and websites to flag phishing and scams before they cause harm-helping consumers verify what’s real before they click, share, or buy.

McAfee’s Top Tips to Stay Safe Online:

• Protect Your Privacy: Limit how much personal data you share.
• Automate Safety: Use AI-powered scam protection tools to block threats before they reach you.
• Keep Funds Secure: Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Flag Red Flags: Avoid sudden requests involving QR codes, instant payments, or verification codes.

Consumer Research Methodology

A McAfee survey focused on online scams and their impact on consumers, was conducted online in January 2026. A total of 7,000 adults globally participated, including 1,000 adults age 18+ in India.

Preventive Health Measures Could Deliver Massive Global Savings: WEF

New Delhi, June 23, 2026: Investing in simple preventive healthcare measures could help the world save nearly USD 6 trillion by 2040, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report.

The report highlights that shifting focus from treating diseases to preventing them can significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving overall public health outcomes. It notes that early diagnosis, routine health check-ups, vaccinations, healthier lifestyles, and timely medical interventions can help avoid the progression of serious and costly illnesses.

According to the findings, a large share of global healthcare expenditure is driven by chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Many of these conditions can be managed more effectively—or even prevented—through early action and consistent primary healthcare support.

The WEF report further emphasizes that preventive healthcare not only reduces pressure on healthcare systems but also improves workforce productivity and quality of life. Healthier populations are likely to contribute more effectively to economic growth, reducing absenteeism and long-term medical dependency.

Experts suggest that stronger primary healthcare networks, increased public awareness, and greater investment in digital health tools such as telemedicine and early screening technologies will be key to achieving these outcomes.

The report also calls for collaboration between governments, private sector players, and healthcare providers to build systems that prioritize prevention alongside treatment.

Overall, the findings underline a clear message: investing in preventive healthcare today could lead to substantial economic savings and healthier societies in the decades ahead.

Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai Celebrates International Yoga Day 2026

Mumbai, June 23 : Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai celebrated International Yoga Day 2026, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” with a series of wellness initiatives, including a special yoga session at the hospital and a community yoga programme at Ghatkopar Metro Station. The celebrations commenced on June 20 with a special yoga session at the hospital involving Mumbai Traffic Police personnel, promoting physical and mental well-being among frontline workers. On June 21, the hospital extended the celebrations to the community through a large-scale yoga programme at Ghatkopar Metro Station, bringing together people across age groups to embrace yoga as a way of achieving better health, flexibility, mindfulness and overall well-being.

Certified male and female yoga instructors conducted guided sessions focusing on balance, strength, breathing techniques and mental wellness. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from commuters and residents alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere dedicated to healthy living. The yoga sessions at the metro station complemented the hospital’s employee and Traffic Police engagement held a day earlier, underscoring the importance of incorporating wellness practices into everyday life and making yoga accessible to all sections of society.

India is home to one of the world’s largest working populations, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, long working hours, stress and lack of physical activity have contributed to a growing burden of lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. As preventive healthcare gains importance, yoga has emerged as a simple yet powerful practice that promotes physical fitness, improves flexibility, reduces stress and supports mental well-being. Incorporating yoga into daily life is essential not only for healthy ageing but also for preventing chronic diseases and fostering a healthier and more productive society.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sameer Kulkarni, CEO, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, said,

 “Healthy ageing is not only about adding years to life, but adding life to years. Yoga is one of the most powerful and accessible ways to maintain physical fitness, mental clarity and emotional balance at every stage of life. Through these International Yoga Day initiatives, we aim to encourage people across generations to embrace yoga as a part of their daily routine and adopt a preventive approach towards long-term health and wellness.”

The celebrations reflected the hospital’s continued commitment to community well-being through awareness-led initiatives that encourage active lifestyles, disease prevention and overall wellness. By taking yoga beyond conventional spaces and into the community, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital seeks to inspire individuals to make healthy and mindful living an integral part of their everyday lives.