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The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rising obesity among Indian women calls for science-based, community and lifecycle-oriented care, study finds
A study published in the Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, supported by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, highlighted an urgent public health concern posed by the rising prevalence of obesity among Indian women in their reproductive year. According to the findings, nearly 50% of Indian women aged 35–49 are living with obesity, with even younger women aged 18–30 increasingly at risk. The health implications of this trend extend from menarche to menopause --spanning complications in fertility, pregnancy, and long-term metabolic health. Early intervention and integrating obesity care across health system Experts in reproductive health and endocrinology say the findings should serve as a wake-up call to rethink India's public health strategies and embed obesity care into all layers of the healthcare system. Addressing obesity in the reproductive years is not just about improving fertility -- it's about preventing lifelong complications,' said Nanditha Palshetkar, medical director at Bloom IVF Lilavati Hospital and former president of The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI). Dr. Palshetkar emphasised the importance of early recognition and education. 'If we manage obesity early, ideally before conception, we can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child,' she said. 'We must start recognising obesity as a disease,'Dr. Palshetkar said, 'It's often the underlying cause of comorbidities like high cholesterol and fatty liver. Unfortunately, there's a widespread perception that simply 'eating well' at home ensures good health -- which can be misleading. There's a serious lack of awareness. Piya Ballani Thakkar, consultant endocrinologist with a specialisation in diabetes and metabolic disorders, stressed the urgent need to integrate obesity screening and counselling into existing national programmes like --Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health(RMNCH+A) , which focus on women of reproductive age, children, and adolescents. She called for the expansion of dietitian-led services at the primary care level and use of vernacular media in breaking down the science and disease burden. 'In rural areas, ASHA workers can play a vital role. In areas where ASHAs are absent, local NGOs can help. These systems already exist, we just need to incorporate BMI checks, counselling, and awareness about obesity into ongoing programmes like POSHAN -- nutrition mission, anaemia campaigns, and even HIV or TB outreach,' she added. Need for early screening and lifecycle approach The study reports that 33.5% of urban women and 19.7% of rural women are affected by obesity -- largely driven by lifestyle shifts, sedentary jobs, and high-carb diets. The problem is compounded by poor dietary patterns and reduced physical activity, fueling a rise in conditions like gestational diabetes, PCOS, and even increased miscarriage risk in women with a BMI over 30 kg/m². Dr. Ballani emphasised the need for a lifecycle approach to obesity management in women. 'We have to tackle obesity differently across stages. For women trying to conceive, lifestyle modifications are key, and any anti-obesity medications must be stopped prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy, weight gain needs to be closely monitored based on BMI. Postpartum, structured programmes for weight loss, including breastfeeding encouragement and, if necessary, later reintroduction of medications, are essential,'she said She also noted the need for longitudinal birth cohort studies linking maternal BMI to child health outcomes, and suggested that NFHS data should include pre-pregnancy BMI, waist circumference, and granular lifestyle indicators to better inform policy. She also underlined the unique challenges of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women, pointing to the need to monitor muscle mass, bone health, and screen for metabolic disorders before initiating weight loss interventions. Stepwise treatment model proposed by study The study proposes a stepwise treatment algorithm designed specifically for Indian women, enabling gynaecologists to assess and treat obesity with culturally relevant approaches. The doctors agree that small, sustainable lifestyle changes-- a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet, moderate daily exercise, and community support-- remain the foundation of treatment. In select cases, medication and bariatric surgery may be necessary. Dr. Palshetkar also noted culturally sensitive physical activity programmes like Garba, Bhangra, and Lezim in schools and community groups, especially in villages. 'Children often dislike traditional physical education. But if you bring in dance forms they enjoy, they're more likely to stay active. These interventions need to be fun, inclusive, and culturally rooted,'she said. On clinical guidelines, Dr. Ballani recommended that stepwise obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) algorithms and BMI-specific weight gain targets be translated into simple, actionable checklists for frontline providers. She emphasised that while lifestyle interventions should be the foundation, pharmacological and surgical treatments must be individualised, reserved for severe cases, and coordinated with endocrinology and OBGYN teams. Call for improved obesity care The broader goal, Dr. Palshetkar stressed, is to recognise obesity as a disease, a shift that could push governments to act. 'Just like the World Health Organisation's (WHO) classification of infertility helped raise awareness and mobilise resources, declaring obesity as a disease will help integrate it into public policy and healthcare. Pre-conception counselling must include guidance on achieving a healthy BMI. Telling a woman to take folic acid is good, but if her BMI is over 30, we're missing a key risk factor,' she said. However, recognising obesity purely through a clinical lens isn't enough. Experts stress that stigma, weight bias, and sizeism remain major barriers to understanding and treating obesity effectively. These social attitudes often prevent individuals from seeking help and can even shape how healthcare providers respond to patients, leading to delayed or inadequate care. As India continues to battle non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, experts say that a more compassionate, science-based understanding of women's health -- free from judgment-- could serve as a powerful preventive approach. 'We have observed that children born to mothers living with obesity have a higher risk of developing obesity themselves,' said Dr. Palshetkar. 'To break this cycle, interventions must begin even before conception.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka hikes pay for doctors, nurses to tackle staff shortage; check new salaries
In a move aimed at tackling the acute shortage of healthcare personnel in government-run hospitals, the Karnataka government has announced a revised pay structure for doctors and nurses working under the National Health Mission (NHM). The revised salaries are applicable to new recruits serving in Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the state, Times of India reported. Under the new pay structure, MBBS doctors will now earn ₹60,000 per month, up from the earlier range of ₹46,895 to ₹50,000. Specialist doctors will see their monthly salary increase to ₹1.4 lakh, compared to the previous band of ₹1.1 lakh to ₹1.3 lakh. Staff nurses, whose earlier salaries ranged from ₹14,186 to ₹18,774, will now receive a flat ₹22,000 per month. However, the pay revision will apply only to new appointments. Existing NHM employees will continue on their current salary structures unless they choose to resign and reapply. Those who reapply will be given preference, including an additional two marks for each year of past service. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, speaking to Times of India, said the salary hike is intended to make government healthcare jobs more attractive to qualified professionals. 'Lower pay often discourages medical professionals from applying for government roles. This has left many sanctioned posts vacant for years,' he said. As of now, 579 out of 1,398 sanctioned MBBS posts remain unfilled. Similarly, 305 of 899 specialist doctor positions and 936 of 9,041 staff nurse posts are vacant. The revised pay is expected to address this persistent staffing gap. For specialists in critical disciplines such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, anaesthesia, general medicine, orthopaedics, surgery, and ophthalmology, the revised salary is ₹1.4 lakh per month, with a 2.5 per cent annual increment based on relevant experience. Minister Rao further explained that while existing NHM staff receive a 5 per cent annual salary increase, newly recruited personnel will not be eligible for the same hike initially. 'We need skilled professionals to strengthen our public healthcare system. It's our responsibility to ensure they are adequately compensated,' he said. (Also Read: Bengaluru techie uses Zoom call to expose wife's secret marriage, wins in court: Report)
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
GeneDx Announces Completion of Fabric Genomics Acquisition
GAITHERSBURG, Md. & OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS), a leader in delivering improved health outcomes through genomic insights, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Fabric Genomics, a pioneer in AI-powered genomic interpretation. Together, GeneDx and Fabric Genomics are ushering in the next era of genomic medicine, enabling decentralized testing powered by centralized intelligence to set the standard of care across the globe. 'Healthcare is at an inflection point where genomic insights must be integrated into standard care to improve outcomes and reduce costs,' said Katherine Stueland, President and CEO of GeneDx. 'With Fabric Genomics now part of GeneDx, we're uniquely positioned to deliver earlier and more accurate diagnoses worldwide, from NICUs and pioneering newborn screening programs to health systems across the globe.' The combination of GeneDx's industry leading exome and genome testing and unmatched rare disease data asset with Fabric Genomics' advanced AI interpretation services establishes a new ecosystem for genomic diagnostics. The integrated model offers greater flexibility for providers and health systems, enabling seamless workflow integration for both centralized and decentralized genomic services, all powered by GeneDx's deep clinical expertise and Fabric's advanced interpretation technology. Fabric Genomics will operate independently as a subsidiary of GeneDx, continuing to drive momentum with commercial support from GeneDx. The acquisition accelerates several key growth opportunities for GeneDx: NICU Genomic Testing: Accelerates time-to-diagnosis for critically ill newborns with scalable genomic solutions that integrate into major health system workflows, enabling GeneDx to deliver flexible end-to-end offerings and increase access to testing. Genomic Newborn Screening (gNBS): Positions GeneDx to support large-scale newborn screening programs in the U.S. and globally. Global Commercial Expansion: Enables flexible, regulation-compliant models for AI-powered interpretation services across EMEA, APAC, LATAM, and more. Platform Economics: Unlocks recurring software-based revenue streams through Fabric's interpretation-as-a-service model. Advisors: Fenwick & West LLP served as legal advisor to GeneDx. TD Cowen served as exclusive financial advisor to Fabric Genomics in connection with the acquisition while DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to Fabric Genomics. About GeneDx: At GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS), we believe that everyone deserves personalized, targeted medical care—and that it all begins with a genetic diagnosis. Fueled by one of the world's largest, rare disease data sets, our industry-leading exome and genome tests translate complex genomic data into clinical answers that unlock personalized health plans, accelerate drug discovery, and improve health system efficiencies. For more information, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. About Fabric Genomics: Fabric Genomics, a wholly owned subsidiary of GeneDx, is transforming healthcare through its AI-driven interpretation of the human genome. The company provides organizations with end-to-end clinical sequence analysis solutions that include the Fabric Enterprise software platform and expert clinical interpretation services needed to scale genetic testing. At the core of our platform is a suite of sophisticated AI algorithms and data knowledge systems that turn genomic data into expert clinical insights. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Fabric Genomics supports clinical applications across a variety of use cases including rare disease, oncology, cardiovascular, neurological and women's health. To learn more, visit and follow us on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to implement business combinations, plans, goals and forecasts, and identify and realize additional opportunities, (ii) the risk of downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive healthcare industry, (iii) the size and growth of the market in which we operate, (iv) our ability to pursue our new strategic direction, and (v) our ability to enhance our artificial intelligence tools that we use in our clinical interpretation platform. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the 'Risk Factors' section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents filed by us from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mother & newborn care unit opens at RSMH
Lucknow: Ram Sagar Mishra Hospital in Bakshi Ka Talab is now first govt hospital in the city to offer integrated facility for care to ailing newborns as well as their mothers. On Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak inaugurated a 44-bed Mother and Newborn Care Unit designed to enhance neonatal care by allowing mothers and their infants to stay together, thereby encouraging exclusive breastfeeding in a supportive medical environment. A 24x7 advanced pathology laboratory was also launched at the hospital, strengthening further diagnostic services for RSMH and eight affiliated community health centres across Lucknow. The facility will enable ailing newborns and their mothers to receive care together. Pathak congratulated the medical staff and administration for this milestone. Pathak announced the hospital's future roadmap, stating govt plans to develop RSM Hospital as a fully equipped healthcare centre. "All essential facilities will be made available here, ensuring accident victims and critical patients received complete treatment at the hospital. Director general of health was instructed to draft a proposal accordingly," Pathak said. He also inaugurated a 24x7 pathology laboratory to not only cater to RSM Hospital but will also serve as a testing hub for eight other community health centres in Lucknow, including those in Bakshi Ka Talab, Itaunja, Aliganj, Gudamba, Mall, Malihabad, Kakori and the Jankipuram trauma centre. CMS, RSM Hospital, Dr V K Sharma, shared details of the paediatric unit, comprising 44 beds, including facilities like MNCU (Mother and Newborn Care Unit), general paediatric ward and LMU (lactation management unit). The pathology lab is part of a "spoke and hub" model to streamline sample collection and testing around the clock. These facilities will enhance medical facilities around surrounding areas and blocks. To ensure affordable access to medicines, Jan Aushadhi Kendra was also inaugurated by the Deputy CM during the event.
Business Recorder
03-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Dr Khalil Ahmad assumes charge as DGHS
LAHORE: Dr Muhammad Khalil Ahmad (BS-20), Program Director of the Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, New born, Child Health & Nutrition Program (IRMNCH), has assumed charge of Director General Health Services (DGHS), Punjab. He replaced Dr Muhammad Ilyas, who retired from the position on April 30, 2025. Dr. Muhammad Khalil Ahmad is a public health professional with a distinguished record in health administration. He previously served as Director General Health Services (South) Punjab and has held several key leadership roles within the department, bringing with him a wealth of experience and institutional insight. As per the official notification issued by the Health & Population Department, Government of the Punjab, the assignment will remain in effect until a regular appointment is made. In a subsequent briefing session, the new DG was apprised of the department's ongoing operations, current initiatives, and pressing issues, including vacant senior positions. Dr Khalil Ahmad assured the team that he would address these challenges on a priority basis and committed to promoting efficiency, transparency, and effective service delivery. He lauded the efforts of the existing team and stressed the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and a structured approach to ensure optimal performance and progress in the health sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
