News for '-health-ministry'

60 Drug Samples Fail Quality Standards in February: Health Ministry

60 Drug Samples Fail Quality Standards in February: Health Ministry

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Central Drugs Laboratories identified 60 drug samples as 'not of standard quality' in February, while state labs found 134 substandard samples. Investigations are underway for spurious drugs manufactured by unauthorised companies.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and fatalities, with Indian nationals among the crew. Health authorities are tracing those who disembarked.

Ebola outbreak: India boosts surveillance; experts say no need to panic

Ebola outbreak: India boosts surveillance; experts say no need to panic

Rediff.com1 days ago

Following the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and reinforcing surveillance measures to prevent the virus's potential spread into the country. Health experts emphasise the importance of vigilance and preparedness.

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved several key policy changes, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer for border fencing, and the adoption of new criminal laws.

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A women's group has demanded an inquiry into visuals purportedly showing cricketer Riyan Parag using a vape-like device during an IPL match, questioning whether the incident was an attempt to normalise banned products.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

UP Police Crack Down on Illegal Oxytocin Trade, Arrest Gang Member

UP Police Crack Down on Illegal Oxytocin Trade, Arrest Gang Member

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a member of an interstate gang involved in the illegal smuggling of oxytocin injections in Lucknow and seized a large quantity of the drug.

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Inspections conducted across 49 entities including pharmacies, wholesalers, and clinics to detect violations and misleading marketing practices.

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The fragile ceasefire in West Asia between the US and Iran to halt the hostilities in the region for two weeks faces renewed uncertainty as Tehran reportedly moved to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again due to Israel's intensified offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which US President Trump says was "not included" as part of the ceasefire deal.

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Lebanese army has begun evacuating some of its forward positions along the border with Israel and redeploying troops to other posts, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported on Tuesday, amid intensified Israeli military activity in the area.

Warning labels for samosas, jalebis, laddos? Health Ministry clarifies

Warning labels for samosas, jalebis, laddos? Health Ministry clarifies

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

It advises about display of boards in various workplaces such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, meeting rooms etc., to raise awareness on harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items.

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the strikes were conducted in support of offensives by Hezbollah and residents of southern Lebanon, and described them as the beginning of a series of pre-announced operations against Israel.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Netanyahu asserts that Israel can play a role in helping Iranians achieve political change and cast off tyranny, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision lies with the Iranian people.

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The National Health Authority (NHA) is promoting the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) to standardise and simplify health insurance claims processing in India, aiming for a seamless and reliable digital infrastructure similar to UPI.

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

IDF international spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said the Israeli military targeted several Hezbollah positions, including command and control centres, launch sites and senior operatives.

'Euthanasia will restore his dignity': Rana's family

'Euthanasia will restore his dignity': Rana's family

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has allowed passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013, highlighting the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the right to die with dignity.

CDSCO allows immediate lab testing of drugs to speed up approvals

CDSCO allows immediate lab testing of drugs to speed up approvals

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Centre has allowed companies to begin lab testing immediately after filing applications instead of waiting for detailed scrutiny, in a move to expedite approvals for manufacture, or import of new drugs.

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government on Sunday gave a strong push to upgradation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and pharma sector with the Union Budget 2026-27 announcing a slew of steps, including those aimed at making India a global hub for allied healthcare professionals and biopharma manufacturing.

4 Indian students stabbed in Russia, attacker linked to neo-Nazi group

4 Indian students stabbed in Russia, attacker linked to neo-Nazi group

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Four Indian students were among those injured in a stabbing attack at a university in Russia's Bashkortostan Republic. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the Indian Embassy is providing assistance.

SC to examine NEET-PG cut-off reduction impact on education standards

SC to examine NEET-PG cut-off reduction impact on education standards

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court will examine whether the reduction in NEET-PG qualifying marks affects the standard of postgraduate medical education, following petitions challenging the cut-off reduction for the current academic year.

Centre mandates blue strip on antimicrobial drugs to curb overuse

Centre mandates blue strip on antimicrobial drugs to curb overuse

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

The Union health ministry has issued draft rules to mandate a blue vertical strip on all antimicrobial drug labels, aiming to rein in over-the-counter misuse and tackle India's growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem.

Centre Proposes Stricter Cough Syrup Rules

Centre Proposes Stricter Cough Syrup Rules

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Following the death of 22 children due to consumption of contaminated cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh three months ago, the Union health ministry has proposed amendments in the country's drug rules to ensure a tougher criterion for their over-the-counter (OTC) sales in India.

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'To fill these seats, eligibility is being diluted. We are compromising merit and producing degree holders instead of good doctors.'

Govt Bans Sale Of Oral Nimesulide

Govt Bans Sale Of Oral Nimesulide

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The Union health ministry has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations containing the popular painkiller nimesulide above 100 milligrams for human use, citing health risks.

SC reserves verdict on euthanasia plea for man in coma since 2013

SC reserves verdict on euthanasia plea for man in coma since 2013

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on a plea seeking passive euthanasia for a man who has been in a comatose state for over 12 years after suffering a fall in 2013. The court heard arguments regarding the withdrawal of artificial life support and the ethical considerations involved.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Health ministry advisory urges rational use of cough syrups in children after 11 deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Alerted Centre, MP govt about toxic cough syrup: TN minister

Alerted Centre, MP govt about toxic cough syrup: TN minister

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Tamil Nadu government alerted Madhya Pradesh and the Union Health Ministry about the presence of a toxic substance in Coldrif cough syrup, averting a major tragedy, according to state Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

Open Chest Clinics: Govt Tells States, UTs

Open Chest Clinics: Govt Tells States, UTs

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The clinics are expected to operate for at least two hours daily, particularly between September and March -- the period when air pollution levels are typically high.

Centre Moves To Bar Drugmakers Over Fake Information

Centre Moves To Bar Drugmakers Over Fake Information

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

At present, there is no provision under Drugs Rules, 1945 to address issues of wrong information to obtain regulatory approvals.

Tharoor questions India's 'relative absence' at Gaza summit

Tharoor questions India's 'relative absence' at Gaza summit

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday said India's presence at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, at the level of a Minister of State, was in stark contrast to the heads of state gathered there, and wondered whether the decision reflects "strategic restraint" or "missed opportunity".

Good news for central govt employees on healthcare front

Good news for central govt employees on healthcare front

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Now a multi-dimensional rate structure has been created for CGHS cardholders in all categories based on four different parameters, with semi-private rooms forming the base for package rates.

Nepal's Gen-Z protest toll rises to 30, number of injured crosses 1000

Nepal's Gen-Z protest toll rises to 30, number of injured crosses 1000

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The National Trauma Centre is caring for 161 patients, and Everest Hospital is treating 109. In all, 28 hospitals across the country are providing care to those affected, the ministry added.

Deepika Aims To Improve Mental Health

Deepika Aims To Improve Mental Health

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

As India's first mental health ambassador, Deepika Padukone will drive de-stigmatisation initiatives, encourage help-seeking and preventive practices.

Cough syrup deaths: Many states ban Coldrif; MP suspends officials

Cough syrup deaths: Many states ban Coldrif; MP suspends officials

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed in Madhya Pradesh to investigate the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, suspected to be linked to a toxic cough syrup. The investigation includes arrests, exhumations, and a ban on the implicated cough syrup.

TN special teams to monitor drug firms after cough syrup deaths

TN special teams to monitor drug firms after cough syrup deaths

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Tamil Nadu has formed special teams to monitor drug manufacturers after deaths of infants in Madhya Pradesh were linked to a cough syrup made by a Tamil Nadu-based company. Inspections are being conducted at pharmaceutical firms across the state.