The Ayush market has seen exponential growth, increasing from $2.85 billion in 2014 to $ 43.4 billion in 2023, according to Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy. He also highlighted that exports from the sector have doubled, rising from $ 1.09 billion to $ 2.16 billion. The Ministry of Ayush has undergone a transformative journey over the past decade, positioning India as a global leader in traditional medicine.

While the apex drug regulator does not mention the brand names, it flagged several formulations and drug combinations in its drug alerts. 618 drugs including painkillers, anti-infectives and medications for type-2 diabetes were among the class of drugs flagged as not of standard quality (NSQ) and spurious the most in 2024, according to data collated from drug alerts issued by the CDSCO.

The FSSAI has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a high-risk food category, mandating stricter regulatory controls and annual facility inspections. The manufacturers require to undergo mandatory third-party food safety audits and comply with enhanced quality standards. Central licence holders in this category must now submit to annual inspections aimed at mitigating potential health risks associated with packaged water production.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case where two parents allege their daughters died from Covishield vaccine side effects. The government maintains the vaccination program was voluntary and safe, citing billions of doses administered. The parents argue the government misrepresented the vaccine's safety and seek compensation and an independent investigation.

Men with type 2 diabetes planning pregnancy can be reassured that taking the drug metformin may not increase the risk of birth defects in their baby. According to a large study, fathers of 2,075 (0.3%) babies in Norway and 15,276 (0.6%) babies in Taiwan used metformin during the sperm development period. Team found no increased risk of any congenital malformations among infants born to those fathers.

India aims for universal healthcare access by 2047. A new report proposes a tiered system. This system uses data and AI. It categorizes the population by income. The goal is to improve government schemes and insurance. India needs more healthcare investment. The current system is costly and inefficient. Claim sizes and medical inflation are rising. Reforms are urgently needed.

UK scientists are launching a trial to explore whether an ingredient commonly found in grape juice and wine could keep bowel cancer at bay. The team would probe a chemical called resveratrol -- a naturally occurring ingredient found in grapes, blueberries, raspberries and peanuts -- for potential cancer prevention. The trial is also testing multiple potential prevention drugs for bowel cancer, including aspirin and metformin. While drinking red wine does not prevent cancer and is a major risk factor, the research focused on purified resveratrol.

Carrots, spinach, asparagus & tomatoes are always considered as nutritional superstars, full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But it’s a myth that eating them raw can help preserve nutrients better than when they are cooked. Many argue that cooking destroys vitamins & minerals present within the vegetable. While this is partially true for any heat-sensitive nutrient like vitamin C, the reality is more nuanced. Fact is raw vegetables aren’t always the healthier choice. The fiber and natural compounds of raw vegetables can cause bloating, gas or discomfort, especially among those with sensitive stomachs and other issues in the gut.

In winter, digestion gets affected as body’s metabolism slows down to conserve heat. Benefits of soaking almonds overnight before consumption: 1) Improves their digestibility and nutrient absorption 2) Are less likely to cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, since soaking softens the almond’s tough skin 3) Removes enzyme inhibitors, allowing body to better access the almond’s vitamins and minerals. Benefits of soaking raisins before consumption: 1) Enhance their sweetness, 2) Enhances digestibility and their antioxidant activity, needed for immune system, especially during the colder months.

According to a recent medical study, the wearing of sarees may put a large number of Indian women at risk of skin cancer. The connection may seem unusual, the research seems to raise a specific concern. The researchers have said that the tightly tied waist cord worn on an underskirt increased pressure, causes continuous rubbing on the skin, moisture and sweat build-up, which could cause skin cancer. What is your opinion on this?