Health News: Medical Updates

Pakistan largest contributor to global number of people living with hepatitis C: Report

IANS | May 1, 2026 7:27 PM

Islamabad, May 1 (IANS) Pakistan is the single largest contributor to the global number of people living with hepatitis C, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2026 has revealed. In addition, Pakistan has been named among the 10 nations which have most hepatitis C related deaths worldwide, sparking concerns over unsafe injections, reusable syringes and weak infection prevention measures in the country, local media reported.

Two more cases reported as Pakistan struggles to eradicate polio

IANS | May 1, 2026 5:51 PM

Islamabad, May 1 (IANS) Two new polio cases have been reported from Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country since the start of this year to three, local media reported on Friday.

1st BRICS women’s working group meet to advance women-led development: Govt

IANS | May 1, 2026 11:44 AM

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The Ministry of Women and Child Development convened the first preparatory meeting of the BRICS Women’s Working Group, in virtual mode under India’s BRICS Presidency, to encourage women-led development and social transformation, an official statement said on Friday.

India’s pharma rise driven by innovation push: Ex-US NIH Director

IANS | May 1, 2026 11:38 AM

Boston, May 1 (IANS) India’s emergence as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse is entering a new phase, driven by innovation, vaccine leadership and expanding clinical capabilities, according to Dr Elias Zerhouni, former Director of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

US: Growing alarm over food chemicals fuels calls for reform in Congress

IANS | April 30, 2026 9:28 PM

Washington, April 30 (IANS) A growing alarm over chemicals in the US food supply is driving calls in Congress to tighten oversight, as lawmakers warned that gaps in regulation and labelling are leaving consumers unsure about what they are eating.

SC warns of contempt for defying abortion order for minor

IANS | April 30, 2026 6:22 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with its earlier order permitting medical termination of a 15-year-old minor’s pregnancy, warning that contempt of court charges could be framed if its directions were not implemented.

India-New Zealand FTA to help Ayush join global healthcare mainstream

IANS | April 30, 2026 6:20 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) Ayush Ministry said on Thursday that the conclusion of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a significant milestone in India’s global outreach in traditional medicine and holistic healthcare, placing Ayush systems at the centre of a new framework for international cooperation.

Dr Lal PathLabs clocks 15.2 pc drop in Q4 net profit

IANS | April 30, 2026 5:19 PM

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Dr Lal PathLabs on Thursday reported a decline of 15.2 per cent in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31 (Q4 FY26).

India Post Payments Bank’s SHG savings account to boost financial inclusion

IANS | April 30, 2026 4:21 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), under the Department of Posts, on Thursday announced the launch of its Self Help Group (SHG) Savings Account, aimed at advancing financial inclusion and empowering women-led SHGs across rural India.

Deepfakes, online violence driving women from public life: Study

IANS | April 30, 2026 2:28 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) A team of global researchers on Thursday said that deepfakes, AI-assisted rape and unwanted advances are pushing women out of public life.