These plans are suited for individuals and families with regular OPD needs -- those managing chronic illnesses and families with young children or elderly members.
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.
The number of suspected typhoid infections linked to a water pipeline leak in Gandhinagar has risen to 108. Authorities are working to resolve the issue and provide treatment.
Google on Tuesday announced funding support of USD 8 million to India's AI Centers of Excellence for health, agriculture, education, and sustainable cities, and committed USD 4,00,000 to support development of India's health foundation model.
With medical inflation hovering at around 13-14 per cent annually, policyholders must reassess their sum insured once every two years.
On stage, Sing And Tonic comes across as effortless with tight harmonies, confident vocals and a chemistry that feels instinctive. What the audience doesn't immediately see is that, once the lights go off, the band members step back into lives that are just as demanding.
Tier-II, Tier-III, and rural regions accounted for 62 per cent of all new health insurance policies sold by insurers so far in 2025-26 (FY26), according to a Policybazaar report. These regions are also witnessing a rise in the sum assured opted by customers.
'Whether it's paneer for vegetarians or chicken and fish for non-vegetarians, the overall intake of protein is not sufficient.'
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.
The government on Saturday said a committee will be formed to propose safety measures for healthcare professionals even as OPD services were hit across the country as doctors joined the 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to protest the alleged rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata.
Around 70 people were undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital in Puri, with nine reported to be in critical condition, an official said.
Healthcare services at AIIMS-Patna remain affected as resident doctors continue their strike against the alleged high-handedness of a local MLA. The strike stems from an incident where the MLA and his guards allegedly assaulted staff and brandished a firearm within the hospital premises.
'As we get older, our health risks increase, and this makes health insurance significantly more expensive for seniors.'
'Opt for a minimum cover of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, especially in urban and metro areas.'
Most traditional health insurance plans didn't cover the cost of such treatments earlier, but several recently launched policies do offer such coverage -- some as a rider, and a few as standalone covers, points out Sarbajeet K Sen.
'Many of these patients arrive at emergency departments in distress, struggling to breathe and requiring immediate medical intervention.'
Before you buy a cashless benefit plan at lower premiums, check if you can make full use of it. Most don't even exhaust the entire benefit.
Long queues were seen at outpatient department ticket counters in government hospitals, where senior doctors joined their junior colleagues in the protest.
Healthcare services remained affected at state-run hospitals in West Bengal as junior doctors continued their cease-work protest.
The protest continued even as the Supreme Court intervened in the matter and constituted a 10-member National Task Force to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
The Indian Medical Association has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services from 6 am on August 17 to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and the subsequent vandalism at the facility.
The incident took place at Doctor Hedgewar Hospital in Karkardooma in New Delhi late on Saturday night while the doctor was providing critical care.
The protesting doctors said they would not work in the Outpatient Department but would partially work in emergency and essential services.
Giving an instant reaction to passage of the Bill, which fixes the retirement age of the director of AIIMS at 65 years, the Resident Doctors Association said the OPD services would not operate from Thursday.
'But it is only now being detected more via a test that costs about Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.' 'The HMPV virus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms in most people, but can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.'
As the outpatient departments (OPDs) at government hospitals are closed on Sundays, the rush was less even as senior doctors were attending the emergency department to provide treatment to the visiting patients.
Non-emergency services, such as OPD and diagnostics, and elective surgeries at city-based health facilities, including at Centre-run AIIMS, Safdarjung hospital and RML hospital, are hit since Monday.
'In continuation of the Office Memorandum dated January 20, all clinical services including the Outpatient Services (OPD) shall remain open to prevent any inconvenience to patients and to facilitate patient care services,' a fresh office memorandum issued by AIIMS said on Sunday.
According to the Federation of Resident Doctors Association, during the indefinite strike, all outpatient departments, operation theatres, and ward duties will be shut, but emergency services will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that urgent patient care remains unaffected.
Private hospitals, especially smaller standalone ones, are staring at a crisis that they were not prepared for. Analysts say larger corporate chains have to brace up for at least six months for business to return to normal.
Most people do not know how to use it. At best, it provides tax benefit.
The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its appeal to the doctors protesting over the rape and killing of the medic to resume work and directed that no coercive action would be taken against them.
Two months after a junior doctor was brutally raped and killed, the doctors' protest in Kolkata rages on.
'Accidents are unpredictable, whether it's a mishap during Diwali, a fracture during travel, or a fall in the bathroom.'
Both private and government hospitals have joined the protest, fighting for justice for the victim and demanding a security act for doctors.
The fire broke out on the second floor at the old Raj Kumari OPD of the main AIIMS building around 11.55 am, officials said, adding 13 fire tenders were put into service and the blaze was brought under control around 1 pm, officials said.
Ending the logjam persisting for 42 days in the wake of the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar hospital, the agitating medics withdrew the 'cease work' after holding a march to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Salt Lake in Kolkata from the state health department's headquarters, where they had been demonstrating for over a week.
Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday to press for various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.
As part of the celebrations, Govindas or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids to break 'Dahi Handis' (claypots filled with curd) suspended in mid-air.
The government has proposed to encourage setting up of stand-alone health insurance companies, which could provide cover even for routine OPD treatment in hospitals and nursing homes without getting admitted.
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