Probiotics and oral electrolytes sales have been growing at a fast clip in the gastrointestinal therapy segment, clocking a 23% and 21% five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), respectively, according to data sourced from market research firm Pharmarack. Antidiarrheals and anti-flatulents have also grown in strong double digits - 36% and 29%, respectively. Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, Pharmarack said that the gastrointestinal segment is one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian Pharma Market (IPM), and is now ranked the second biggest therapy after cardiac.

AIIMS New Delhi is experiencing severe staff shortages, with hundreds of vacant posts for doctors and faculty members. A parliamentary committee has urged the health ministry to offer competitive compensation and prioritize the filling of these positions. Additionally, the slow progress of AIIMS' expansion projects has been criticized.

Scientists at Osaka University in Japan have devised a new AI model to estimate a person’s biological age — a measure of how well their body has aged, rather than just counting the years since birth. Using just 5 drops of blood, this new method analyses 22 key steroids and their interactions to provide a more precise health assessment. This offers a potential step forward in personalized health management, allowing for earlier detection of age-related health risks and tailored interventions.

ResMed, a global health technology leader has unveiled the findings of its 5th annual Global Sleep Survey. Study of 30,026 respondents suggests, although sleep awareness is on the rise, countless individuals still struggle in silence. Globally, nearly 1 in 4 respondents (22%) resign themselves to poor sleep rather than seeking support. 49% of Indians reported struggling to fall asleep at least 3 times a week. In India, women (17%) are more likely than men (12%) to take sick leave due to poor sleep.

Frequent use of steroid-based treatments for respiratory issues, allergies & skin conditions can heighten the risk of glaucoma. Experts at AIIMS stress the importance of regular eye check-ups for early detection. Lifelong care and awareness programs at the primary care level are essential for preserving vision.

Prices of key anti-diabetic drug empagliflozin crashed by as much as 90% to ₹5.5 per tablet as several pharma companies launched generic versions of this Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) drug, which went off patent earlier this month. The move will make the drug more accessible to India’s diabetic patients and eventually grow the market by 5-6 fold in volumes. The innovator drug named Jardiance by BI costs around ₹60 per tablet. Delhi-based Mankind Pharma launched a range of empagliflozin products, including its combinations, priced between ₹5.5 and ₹13.5 per tablet.

The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to over Rs 1,500 crore by former trustees, impacting hospital services. Complaints were lodged, leading to FIRs. Forensic audits revealed manipulation and fund siphoning, and bizarrely, black magic rituals were also discovered on-site.

A 34-year-old female lost her baby boy after 9 months in the neo-natal ICU of AIIMS, Delhi, but she kept his memory alive by saving 30 new-borns. She donated nearly 25 litres of her breast milk for them even when hers could hardly have any. She couldn’t save her child, but she did so many more. She agreed to help mothers who were either sick themselves, could not produce enough milk or were deceased. Donor breast milk can reduce the risk of sepsis in premature babies by 19 per cent compared to formula.

Ayush-approved medicines used in integrative research will not require extra safety trials or preclinical studies but non-codified traditional medicines must undergo the entire regulatory approval process, according to a new set of guidelines issued by the ICMR. It said the addendum aimed at strengthening the scientific foundation of Ayush-based integrative healthcare by ensuring ethical rigour and regulatory compliance in research that explores integration of traditional and modern medical practices.

According to a study by Redcliffe Labs, 1 in 5 women are at risk of thyroid disorders, which can lead to fatigue, metabolic issues, and hormonal imbalances and 3 in 5 women are at risk of anaemia, making them 3 times more vulnerable than men. Anaemia, if left unaddressed, can lead to chronic fatigue, reduced immunity, and long-term health complications. The study, based on health data from over 1 million women, highlights an alarming increase in anaemia, thyroid disorders, arthritis, diabetes, and lipid imbalances.