While the rise in cases is evident across women of all ages, special attention must be paid to the relative degree of this increase, too – only 20 per cent of Indian women are above 50 years of age, yet this section of the population contributes to roughly half of the total breast cancer cases in the country.
Drug-eluting stents (DES) are used to treat heart artery blockages. Under the updated price structure notified by the state government, USFDA-approved stents are capped at ₹25,000 per stent, whereas those approved by the domestic regulator are capped at ₹12,000 per stent.
India’s declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has raised concerns about demographic shifts, with experts stressing the need for greater awareness, government-backed initiatives, and financial support for fertility treatments. Despite 25 to 30 million Indians facing infertility, only 2% seek medical help, highlighting accessibility challenges. Industry leaders advocate for expanding IVF services beyond metro cities, leveraging AI and digital health solutions, and enhancing public-private partnerships. While technology promises to improve success rates and affordability, ethical concerns remain. Strengthening policy support and innovation can help bridge the fertility treatment gap and secure India’s demographic future.
As reproductive technologies evolve, innovations like CRISPR gene editing, artificial wombs, and AI-driven embryo selection offer hope for higher IVF success rates and genetic disorder prevention. However, they also raise ethical concerns about 'designer babies,' the redefinition of motherhood, and potential misuse. Experts at the 5th ETHealthworld Fertility Conclave emphasized the need for robust regulations, ethical safeguards, and responsible adoption to balance scientific progress with societal well-being, ensuring a sustainable future for fertility treatments.
India faces an acute shortage of oncologists, with just one oncologist available for every 2,000 cancer patients—significantly higher than the ratio of 1 per 100 in the US
At the 5th edition of the ETHealthWorld's Fertility Conclave, industry experts, notable practitioners, and stakeholders gathered to exchange insights, share best practices, and explore collaborative opportunities to enhance access and affordability of fertility care. They also highlighted the ethical concerns that may arise with the introduction of newer advancements like gene editing, artificial wombs, etc.
In an exclusive interview with Rashmi Mabiyan Kaur, Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Chest and Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, sheds light on the growing burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), the role of new medications like Bedaquiline and Delamanid, and the urgent need for policy reforms to strengthen India’s TB elimination efforts. Edited excerpts:
The BPaLM regimen promises a breakthrough in MDR-TB treatment with a shorter, all-oral approach. However, high costs, limited access, and supply challenges threaten its impact. While experts hail its potential, success depends on rapid deployment, strong political will, and robust infrastructure. On World TB Day, as India strives to eliminate TB by 2025, the question remains—can BPaLM deliver on its promise, or will systemic barriers hinder progress?
India's struggle with TB has been hampered by late diagnosis, treatment non-adherence, and stigma. All these, though, are actively being confronted with community-led interventions. Communities are at the center of increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, ensuring treatment adherence, and above all, lessening stigma.
AIIMS Delhi faces a severe staff shortage, with 430 doctors and 2,109 faculty vacancies, straining healthcare delivery. Despite a ₹5,200 crore budget, only 82 per cent of funds were used. Long wait times and brain drain worsen the crisis. To strengthen India’s healthcare, AIIMS must be made efficient and well-functioning—a legacy institution from 1956 now begging for attention.
Given the high cost and complexity of achieving certifications like FDA clearance or CE marking approvals, would it be possible to explore ways to support smaller organizations in managing these challenges? Perhaps there could be opportunities for regulators to simplify processes or enhance international collaboration, which would provide significant relief to the industry and foster innovation.
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