Only 20% of employers offer health screening as 70% of employees battle lifestyle diseases in India: Report
The findings highlight the need for a shift from episodic, event-based wellness efforts to always-on, digital-first health ecosystems that enhance productivity, support talent retention, and ensure business continuity. These outcomes are increasingly critical in a workforce landscape defined by hybrid work models, evolving employee priorities, and rising chronic health risks.
The report—titled Workplace Health Reimagined: Corporate India's Readiness for Digital Health Leadership—is the second edition of MediBuddy's corporate wellness survey. It reveals how employee well-being is no longer a peripheral concern but a core business strategy in India Inc., especially in the face of rising medical inflation (14%), growing chronic disease burden, and increasing demand for inclusive, preventive care.
In today's hybrid work environment, companies are increasingly prioritising both physical and mental health while adopting continuous care models. Technology is central to this transformation, with AI-powered insights, personalised engagement, and mobile-first platforms enabling more targeted and effective healthcare delivery. India's digital health infrastructure is rapidly scaling, supported by government initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and IRDAI's push for 100% cashless insurance claims, which are accelerating the transition to integrated, outpatient-first systems.
The report highlights key health indicators, noting that non-communicable diseases now account for 63% of all deaths in India, with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke affecting working-age individuals at median ages of 32, 34, and 36 respectively. The doctor-to-population ratio remains below WHO guidelines, and 70% of India's rural and semi-urban populations face significant barriers to diagnostics and preventive care. Further, only 41% of Indian households have health insurance, leaving more than 50 crore people—primarily gig, daily wage, and informal sector workers—vulnerable to catastrophic health expenses.
Out-of-pocket expenses continue to dominate India's healthcare spending, accounting for 63% of total expenditure. OPD insurance penetration remains below 0.1%, a stark contrast to over 85% in the US and 95% in Singapore, despite outpatient care constituting nearly 70% of out-of-pocket health costs.
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Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Mothers Against Vaping' asks Health Ministry to curb nicotine pouches, flags teen addiction risk
New Delhi: An anti-vaping group has appealed to the Union Health Ministry to impose an immediate ban on nicotine pouches and gums, describing it as a fast-emerging trend and dangerous addiction among teenagers. In formal representations sent to both the Union Health Minister and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Mothers Against Vaping has called for urgent regulatory action on nicotine pouches, terming them as a potential "next gateway" product just like vapes and e-cigarettes. The group, a united front of mothers combatting the " vaping crisis " among youths, has also urged the government to stop pharmaceutical firms, owned or funded by global tobacco multinational companies, from applying for licenses to market nicotine pouches in the country. Mothers Against Vaping said the pouches are allegedly being falsely marketed by global tobacco interests as a "safer alternative" to smoking, a narrative it added has "already misled many young people". The group, in their representations, has requested the government to launch a thorough investigation into such pharmaceutical companies, alleging multinational tobacco corporations of allegedly using them as front companies to gain backdoor access to the Indian market. It cited a recent acquisition of an Indian pharma and nutraceutical firm by an MNC, claiming that it has applied for a license to introduce nicotine pouches. "This acquisition was made solely to bypass existing tobacco control laws and mislead vigilant regulators," the group said. It claimed that large tobacco companies are allegedly actively commissioning research and manipulating policies to promote their new-age nicotine products. Mothers Against Vaping said it had earlier released a white paper on it titled 'Please Stop This'. The white paper claimed that the MNCs are running a propaganda campaign to undermine regulatory efforts and frameworks in many foreign countries, including in Japan, where vapes and HNBs (heat-not-burn devices) production are now a success. The World Health Organization (WHO), too, has campaigned against tobacco industry 's "tactics to influence public health policies " to protect young people from their products. According to the global health body, the tobacco industry profits from damaging health with their products and has attempted to get a seat at the policymaking table with governments to lobby against health policies. The government has to carefully study the intent of various lobbying effort to indirectly or directly promote these new-age gateway devices, the group said in a statement. In India, the government already permits the sale of medically regulated NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) products such as nicotine gums, lozenges, strips, and patches. Under the current provisions of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, nicotine gums containing up to 2 mg of nicotine are exempt from requiring a sales licence or a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, the group said. "This regulatory loophole is enabling such products to be sold over the counter without oversight or restriction, creating a pathway for potentially harmful nicotine products to enter the market unchecked," it said. The nicotine pouches offer a new and novel method to deliver the toxic and addictive substance and the small packets contain nicotine powder or salts, and most of them contain 1.5 to 8 milligrams of nicotine, the group added. "However, some can contain as much as 50 milligrams per pouch, which is equivalent to smoking eight cigarettes. Also, they do not require spitting, making them further easy to use undetected, unlike traditional smokeless tobacco," it said. Clinical Psychologist and Mothers Against Vaping member D Bhavna Barmi said, "It is a matter of high alarm that manufacturers of nicotine pouches are actively targeting impressionable teenagers through calculated marketing strategies. These companies are using sleek, modern packaging, colourful branding, and flavours like mint, fruit and bubble-gum to make nicotine seem fun and harmless. "These subtle but powerful psychological cues make teenagers perceive nicotine pouches as a trendy lifestyle accessory and are lured into trying them out, leading to addiction." Some health experts early exposure to nicotine of this kind and other such chemicals can inflict serious damage on a child's physical health. Dr Rajesh Gupta, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hospital, and a member of Mothers Against Vaping, said that these products are often marketed as "smokeless" or "tobacco-free", but that does not make them harmless. 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News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Javitri For Skincare: Your Kitchen Has The Remedy For Your Blemishes And Acne
Monsoon may bring relief from the heat, but it also leaves many battling dull, oily, and tired-looking skin. If you're done relying on chemical-heavy skincare products that offer little relief, it might be time to turn to an age-old remedy from your own kitchen. Mace (Javitri), a vibrant, aromatic spice known for enhancing food taste, could also be the key to restoring your skin's natural glow and health. (News18 Hindi) Mace, the red lacy covering of the nutmeg seed, is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities help nourish the skin from within, giving it a radiant glow. When used in powdered form, mace deeply cleanses the skin and helps remove dead skin cells, acne, and blackheads. (News18 Hindi) 3/7 You can also use mace to make a natural, homemade face pack. Grind the spice and mix it with rose water and honey. Applying this twice a week can leave your skin soft, firm, and visibly brighter. (News18 Hindi) Mace is known for its anti-ageing benefits too. Its natural compounds help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting skin cell regeneration and keeping the skin youthful and healthy. (News18 Hindi) 5/7 It also works as a natural stress reliever. Adding a pinch of mace to warm milk before bed can help reduce mental stress and improve sleep quality, both of which contribute to a fresher, more radiant appearance the next morning. (News18 Hindi) Mace is particularly beneficial for women, especially in managing skin issues related to hormonal imbalances, such as acne, oily skin, or dullness. However, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake may lead to side effects like dizziness or nervousness. (News18 Hindi) Many spices in the Indian kitchen are not just to enhance flavour, but also traditional remedies with Ayurvedic value. Mace is one such spice, commonly used in biryanis, sweets, and spice blends, yet it doubles up as a natural skincare wonder. (News18 Hindi)
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Meth, Yaba, Ice — these are top drugs fuelling ‘chemsex', finds AIIMS Delhi survey
Meth, Yaba, or Ice — all different forms of methamphetamine — are the most commonly used drugs during chemsex, a practice involving sexual activity under the influence of stimulants. This was revealed in a recent survey conducted by doctors at AIIMS Delhi. Yaba is a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine, while Ice is the crystal form of meth. Doctors said sexual activities performed under the influence of these stimulants have led to more HIV positive cases and other sexually transmitted diseases. Chemsex has been studied in several parts of the world, but has been an under-studied area in India. According to Dr Siddharth Sarkar, Additional Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, anecdotally, use of substances in the context of sexual encounters has been increasing in India, especially 'among men having sex with men'. Chemsex has also been associated with a greater number of sexual partners and less frequent use of condoms. The survey noted that use of 'chems' like methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, etc., has been associated with improved mood, increased energy, and lack of fatigue, which leads to enhanced sexual experiences. Additionally, they may result in feelings of enhanced connection, cause disinhibition, and result in relaxation of sphincters. The online survey was conducted by doctors from the AIIMS psychiatry department last year. Here's what it found -It said that among 136 recruited participants (75.7% males, 44.1% of whom self-identified as homosexual), chemsex was practised by 46 participants (33.8% of the sample). -'Meth', 'Yaba', or 'Ice' were the commonest substances reported to be used, followed by MDMA, poppers, and cocaine. -Twenty-one individuals (i.e., 45.7% of the participants having chemsex) were also involved in slamsex, a specific form of chemsex that involves taking drugs via IV injection, either immediately before or while having sex. Out of these, seven were tested and were also found to be HIV positive. -About two-thirds of those who had chemsex had reported that their partners also used drugs or substances. While the research did not have direct, immediate benefits to the people surveyed, Dr Sarkar said the information gathered is helpful in better understanding chemsex. Dr Sarkar, who conducted the survey, said the most common motivation was to improve sexual pleasure, but this also resulted in several mental health issues. 'Adverse experiences were also reported, with gaps in memory and feelings of fear or anxiety being the commonest,' he said. Dr Sarkar said chemsex was more common in individuals who had greater numbers of partners, had indulged in group sex, had tested HIV positive, had sexually transmitted infections, or had taken Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a medication that can be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by an individual who engages in risky practices. He said this highlights the pattern of chemsex in the Indian population. 'With the limited sampling, the study suggests that risk mitigation strategies may be contemplated by individuals who indulge in the use of drugs (especially injection drug use) to facilitate sexual intercourse,' he said. Dr Sarkar said that while the sample size was low, and the identity of the respondents was kept anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, there have been instances where patients have landed in the emergency department due to excessive usage of the drugs for chemsex. How was the survey carried out? The study was an open online cross-sectional observational survey initiated from Delhi. Participants were Indian citizens, aged 18 years and above, willing to provide online informed consent. Those who were unwilling to provide informed consent were excluded. The survey was open from May 7 to July 25, 2024. The link to the questionnaire was shared through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Grindr. The initial link was sent to four contacts of the investigators. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire presented through Google Forms. The form was titled 'An online study to understand chemsex in India', which was followed by a brief description of the study and the investigators, with a contact email address. The participants were asked two initial questions about providing consent and being an Indian citizen. Some of the questions asked were about sexual orientation, number of sexual partners, sex under the influence of alcohol or substance, protection used during sex, and the reasons for taking drugs during sex. Snowball sampling was used to collect data. The online mode was chosen due to the potential reach and confidential nature of the questions. No incentives were offered to the participants for taking the survey. According to Dr Vinod Raina, Sexologist and Male Infertility Specialist & HIV Specialist practising in Delhi, the use of drugs before engaging in sexual activity has increased in the last 10 years. 'It is a common practice in other parts of the world. Chemsex is not new, but we have been seeing more sexually transmitted infections and HIV cases due to cases of chemsex in India. In my practice, I keep seeing such cases in Delhi,' he said. Dr Raina said the most common drug for chemsex is MDMA, which is available easily at a low cost and instantly increases the energy in a person to engage in sexual activity for a longer period. He said it also increases sexual desire. 'These drugs are creating havoc and have become a big problem, leading to HIV and syphilis because of prolonged unprotected sex,' he said. Dr Raina said his patients in Delhi have been getting the infection from 'rave parties'. 'I often get patients for PrEP treatment who tell me how they went to a rave party and do not remember the number of sexual partners they had,' he said.
