Latest news with #DepartmentofHealthandFamilyWelfare
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Insurance premiums surpass health budget
NEW DELHI: In a stark indicator of India's shifting healthcare landscape, individual health insurance premiums have now exceeded the combined central government allocation for the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Health Research. An analysis of annual reports from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and corresponding Union Budget documents shows that while insurance premium collections briefly dipped in the immediate post-pandemic years (2021–22 and 2022–23), they have since surged past the national health budget. Even when related spending by other ministries—such as Defence and Labour—is taken into account, India's total public health expenditure remains low: just around 2% of the Union Budget and 1.5% of GDP, falling short of the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy. This trend signals more than a budgetary shift—it reflects a structural transformation in how healthcare is accessed and funded in India. Increasing reliance on private insurance points toward a market-driven model where care is increasingly linked to ability to pay, raising serious equity concerns, particularly for the uninsured and underinsured. Critics argue that insurance-based healthcare, especially when not backed by strong public infrastructure, can exacerbate inequalities. A large share of India's workforce remains in the informal sector and lacks access to comprehensive insurance. Public health facilities, meanwhile, continue to be underfunded and overstretched.
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 cases in India: 363 new cases reported in last 24 hours, 2 die in Kerala and Karnataka
Covid-19 Update: India now has over 3,500 active cases of Covid-19, with 363 cases being reported in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Union Ministry of Health on Sunday. As per the Covid-19 dashboard of the health ministry, the number of active cases in India as of June 1 is 3,758, up from 3,395 a day ago. Two deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, one each from Karnataka and Kerala. In Karnataka, a 63-year-old man with Pulmonary TB, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of buccal mucosa and incidental Covid-19 positive status died, the ministry said. A 24-year-old woman in Kerala died on Sunday. Along with Covid-19, she was suffering from Sepsis Hypertension and DCLD. While India reported 363 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the number of active cases as mentioned above stands at 3,758. Kerala has the most number of active cases at 1,400, up by 64 since yesterday. Maharashtra and Delhi follow Kerala, with 485 and 438 Covid-19 cases respectively, as per the data. West Bengal reported 82 new cases in the last 24 hours, the highest among all states, followed by Kerala at 64 and Delhi at 61. Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services on Saturday requested people to stay calm, remain vigilant, and work with health authorities to prevent further spread and ensure public safety. It further asked people to maintain safety by wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing good hygiene. 'In light of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state continues to monitor and manage Covid-19 through on-going efforts to prevent transmission, detect cases, and provide care. The Department of Health and Family Welfare requests all citizens not to panic, but stay vigilant and actively support public health efforts,' the advisory said. Delhi on Saturday reported its first Covid-19 related death amid the recent spike in cases. A 60-year-old woman who tested positive for Covid-19 has died, officials said on Saturday. 'The woman was suffering from acute intestinal obstruction post-laparotomy. The Covid-19 finding was incidental,' an official said. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Thursday that 19 Covid patients are hospitalised in Delhi, but there is no need to worry. The Delhi government is alert and hospitals are prepared to deal with any eventuality, she said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
District collector flags off awareness walk in Thoothukudi
Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath flagged off and participated in an awareness walk themed 'Lets Walk and Gain Health' (Nadappom Nalamperuvom) held in Thoothukudi on Sunday. Organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the initiative aims to encourage the public to adopt walking as a daily habit for better health. As part of this initiative, the awareness walk was conducted in Thoothukudi. The walk commenced from St. Mary's college on the north coast road and covered around 8-km passing through key locations such as Mattakadai, Boobalarayapuram, Karuppatti Society Junction, before concluding at the starting point near St Mary's college. A special medical camp was also organised along the route for the benefit of participants, which was later visited by Mr. Elambahavath. Thoothukudi District Superintendent of Police Albert John, Thoothukudi Deputy Director (Health) Yazhini and others took part.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19: Wear masks in crowded places, maintain physical distancing, says Karnataka govt
Bengaluru: In the wake of recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Saturday issued a public advisory, asking people to practice responsible behaviour by wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing good hygiene. The public advisory on Covid-19 surveillance and safety was issued by the Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare Services. "In light of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state continues to monitor and manage Covid-19 through on-going efforts to prevent transmission, detect cases, and provide care. The Department of Health and Family Welfare requests all citizens not to panic, but stay vigilant and actively support public health efforts," the advisory said. Continued cooperation is crucial to detect and contain any new variants or potential outbreaks. "Your health is our priority," it said. The public are advised to: "Stay Alert, Not Anxious: Stay informed through official sources, avoid unverified information. Share Information with Health Staff: Inform authorities about travelers from abroad for needful followup." "Practice responsible behaviour: Wear masks in crowded places , maintain physical distancing, practice good hygiene," it further said, report symptoms early, and seek medical advice immediately if experiencing fever, cough, chest pain or breathing difficulty. Asking to support testing and surveillance, the health department said cooperate with random testing and allow sample collection for surveillance. Report unusual increases in Covid-19 like symptoms via the community monitoring tool of Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal, it said. Reiterating for surveillance at schools by keeping sick children home, monitoring pupils for symptoms, promoting hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation, the advisory stressed on hygiene and environmental awareness by practicing good hygiene, disposing of waste properly, and keeping public areas clean. Stating that the government is on alert, it said lead a normal life but follow advisories. "Call toll-free helpline number 1800 425 8330 for health advice, and 108 for emergency patient transport. Together, we can quickly identify and control potential illnesses, keeping ourselves and our people safe," it said. As of Friday evening, 234 Covid active cases have been reported in the state. Three patients with the infection, who had other comorbidities, have died since January 1.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Covid-19: Wear masks in crowded places, maintain physical distancing, says Karnataka govt
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In the wake of recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Saturday issued a public advisory, asking people to practice responsible behaviour by wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing good public advisory on Covid-19 surveillance and safety was issued by the Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare Services."In light of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state continues to monitor and manage Covid-19 through on-going efforts to prevent transmission, detect cases, and provide care. The Department of Health and Family Welfare requests all citizens not to panic, but stay vigilant and actively support public health efforts," the advisory cooperation is crucial to detect and contain any new variants or potential outbreaks. "Your health is our priority," it public are advised to: "Stay Alert, Not Anxious: Stay informed through official sources, avoid unverified information. Share Information with Health Staff: Inform authorities about travelers from abroad for needful followup.""Practice responsible behaviour: Wear masks in crowded places , maintain physical distancing, practice good hygiene," it further said, report symptoms early, and seek medical advice immediately if experiencing fever, cough, chest pain or breathing to support testing and surveillance, the health department said cooperate with random testing and allow sample collection for unusual increases in Covid-19 like symptoms via the community monitoring tool of Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal, it for surveillance at schools by keeping sick children home, monitoring pupils for symptoms, promoting hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation, the advisory stressed on hygiene and environmental awareness by practicing good hygiene, disposing of waste properly, and keeping public areas that the government is on alert, it said lead a normal life but follow advisories."Call toll-free helpline number 1800 425 8330 for health advice, and 108 for emergency patient transport. Together, we can quickly identify and control potential illnesses, keeping ourselves and our people safe," it of Friday evening, 234 Covid active cases have been reported in the state. Three patients with the infection, who had other comorbidities, have died since January 1.
