NEW DELHI: India’s maternity healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with more women accessing formal, institutional care than ever before. As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with over 88–90% of births now occurring in institutional settings, the share of institutional deliveries has reached 97.3% in 2023–24, signalling a sustained shift towards formal, hospital-based maternal care. Government data presented in 2025 further showed that C-section deliveries accounted for over 27% of all reported births in India during 2024–25, reinforcing the growing shift towards medically intensive maternity care.

Against this backdrop, Care Health Insurance highlights a clear expansion in women’s health claims, both in scale and intensity. Women’s health insurance claims rose 37% from FY25 to FY26, with the 20–40 age group continuing to drive this growth, increasing from 25% over the same period.

At the same time, maternity-related claims are becoming more cost-intensive, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities continuing to account for a larger share of overall claims, contributing to 60% of all maternity claims reported to the company.

A shift in the maternal age profile is also visible. In FY26, women aged above 35 years accounted for 12% of total maternity claim volumes, which was higher compared to previous years and increasing. The cost of this age group was 18% of the overall claim amount, indicating higher cost intensity associated with later-age pregnancies.

Overall maternity claim outgo has risen by 25% over the last two years, even as claim volumes have fluctuated, indicating a shift towards higher spend per case.

While deliveries are becoming increasingly institutionalized and more efficient, the proportion of women discharged within five days for maternal care has increased from 75% in FY24 to 82% in FY26. This duration of discharge is not resulting in cost reduction; instead, the company has seen an upward trend in cost intensity for maternal treatment.

Taken together, these trends reflect a structural shift in maternal healthcare, with rising cost intensity and evolving care patterns driving higher financial exposure. The findings are further reinforced by broader public health data, which indicates that a majority of women in India are accessing formal antenatal care services, while three out of four continue to have inadequate dietary iron intake, highlighting persistent nutritional gaps and long-term health vulnerabilities beyond maternity.

Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Care Health Insurance, said, “Women’s health insurance claims are no longer following a linear growth pattern; they are expanding in both scale and intensity. We are seeing a clear shift in the maternity landscape, with costs rising steadily. While care pathways are becoming more efficient, the financial exposure associated with maternal healthcare is increasing. This is not just a utilisation trend; it reflects a broader shift in how women are accessing and experiencing healthcare today. It is therefore important for individuals to periodically reassess their coverage to ensure it remains aligned with evolving needs.”

As maternal healthcare continues to formalise and utilisation rises, ensuring adequate and timely health insurance coverage remains critical to managing financial exposure and ensuring continuity of care.

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INDIA: Nihilent, a global consulting and technology services company, is strengthening its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts through focused initiatives in education, healthcare, and inclusion across underserved communities in India. Guided by its philosophy of human-centric progress, the company is addressing critical gaps through technology, infrastructure, and partnerships.

In the education sector, Nihilent has transformed access to digital learning at the Bhatkya Vimukta Jati Shikshan Sanstha (BVJSS) residential school in Pune. The company established a fully equipped computer laboratory with internet connectivity and introduced a structured digital literacy curriculum. This initiative is enabling students from nomadic and economically vulnerable communities to build essential digital skills for a technology-driven future.

Nihilent has also improved living conditions at the BVJSS campus by creating modern sanitation facilities and supporting ongoing needs such as nutrition and medical supplies. These efforts have enhanced hygiene standards, reduced health risks, and improved the overall well-being of residential students.

Commenting on the initiatives, L.C. Singh, Founder & Executive Chairman, Nihilent Ltd., said, “At Nihilent, our approach to social responsibility is deeply rooted in our belief in human-centric progress. We see technology not just as a business tool, but as a powerful enabler of dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. Through our efforts in education and healthcare, we aim to touch lives in meaningful ways by helping children learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Our commitment is to create lasting impact by empowering communities and ensuring that no child is left behind. Every initiative we undertake is guided by empathy and a deep understanding of real community needs. We remain committed to building a more equitable future where access to opportunity is not defined by one’s background.”

In healthcare, Nihilent is supporting pediatric cardiac care through its partnership with Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals in Navi Mumbai and Yavatmal. The company has contributed advanced medical equipment, including anesthesia machines and ICU monitoring systems, strengthening the hospitals’ ability to deliver safe surgical care.

Nihilent is also supporting life-saving pediatric cardiac surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, helping families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds access world-class treatment at no cost.

Further strengthening its focus on inclusion, Nihilent has partnered with the Ayodhya Charitable Trust, a school for hearing-impaired children. Through digital hearing aids, specialized educators, and computer training support, the initiative is improving communication, increasing classroom participation, and enhancing learning outcomes.

These initiatives reflect Nihilent’s belief that real progress begins with access to learning, healthcare, and opportunity. The company remains committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact where it matters most.

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NEW DELHI: Google today announced a suite of new collaborations and funding commitments to bolster India’s AI ecosystem at its “Lab to Impact” dialogue, an event supported by the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Attended by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, the dialogue highlighted Google’s research-driven approach to supporting Digital Public Infrastructure and empowering the research, developer, and startup ecosystem to solve national challenges and meet large-scale social needs.

Minister of Education, Government of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan stated: “India is approaching artificial intelligence as a strategic national capability, not as a short-term technology trend. The four AI Centres of Excellence have been conceived as a coordinated national research mission, advancing foundational research, responsible AI, and applied solutions that serve public purpose, and contributing to our larger aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047. Building a globally competitive AI ecosystem requires not only public investment, but also strong institutional leadership and long-term partnerships with industry. This effort is supported by Google and Google.org through their USD 8 million contribution to the AI Centres of Excellence and a USD 2 million founding contribution to the Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay.”

Speaking at the event, Dr Manish Gupta, Senior Research Director, Google DeepMind, stated: “AI is humanity’s most profound and powerful force for progress, and at Google, we see its global evolution driven by three pivotal shifts – its ability to accelerate scientific discovery, its advances augmenting human capability, and India’s unique embrace of AI’s potential. From foundational research to ecosystem deployment to scaled impact, our full-stack approach is equipping the country to lead a global AI-powered future, with innovations from India’s labs benefiting billions across the world.”

Integrating AI into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for healthcare

Google announced funding of $400,000 to support new collaborations that will leverage MedGemma to build India’s Health Foundation Models. These models aim to improve the efficiency of healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across India. As a first step, Ajna Lens will work with experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to build models that will support India-specific use cases in Dermatology and OPD Triaging. The resulting models will contribute to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, and their outcomes will be made accessible to the ecosystem.

Additionally, researchers, AI experts, and clinicians from IISc will explore using AI models for broader clinical applications. 

Google is also working with the National Health Authority (NHA) to deploy its advanced AI to convert millions of fragmented, unstructured medical records (such as doctors’ clinical and progress notes) into the international, machine-readable FHIR standard. This shift is expected to help patients understand their medical information better, reduce documentation burden on patients and hospitals, and inform better data-driven policy decisions for India’s public healthcare strategy.

Google is also working with NHA to bring over 400,000 NHA-registered health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs, on Google Maps and Search, allowing people to easily find and navigate to their nearest health centers with the most updated official information.

Strengthening India’s AI research ecosystem and the government’s vision of India’s AI leadership

Google has consistently supported India’s scientists and researchers in fostering the country’s innovation. Over the last five years, Google has supported nearly 1,000 years of PhD-level research work across more than 25 leading research institutions, including premier institutes. The global PhD Fellowship program has supported 166 Indian PhD students to date. This year’s recipients from India are leading inspiring foundational and applied research, spanning computer vision foundational models to models supporting mental disorders.

To further support India’s research ecosystem, Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, is announcing funding support totaling $8 million for four AI Centres of Excellence established by the Government of India, aligning with the vision to “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India. This funding will support research at the Centers of Excellence:

• TANUH at IISc Bangalore will focus on developing scalable AI solutions for the effective treatment of non-communicable diseases.
• Airawat Research Foundation, IIT Kanpur, will focus on pioneering research on AI to transform urban governance.
• AI Centre of Excellence for Education, IIT Madra,s will focus on developing solutions to enhance learning and teaching outcomes.
• ANNAM.AI at IIT Ropar will focus on developing data-driven solutions for agriculture and farmer welfare.

To continue advancing its commitment to Inclusive AI, Google is announcing a $2 million founding contribution to establish the new Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay. This hub is set up in memory of Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya, a pioneer in Indic language technologies and a Visiting Researcher at Google DeepMind. It will aim to ensure that global AI advancements serve India’s linguistic diversity.

Equipping developers with our open models to power indigenous AI

Indian startups have shown enthusiasm for the benchmark-leading Indic capabilities of Google’s foundational AI models. Startups Gnani.AI and CoRover.AI have been leveraging Gemma to build Voice AI models and e-governance–focused models serving Indic language solutions.

Google is providing $50,000 of funding to each of these startups to support their efforts to include more of the Indian diaspora in AI. Additionally, Google is giving a $50,000 grant to IIT-Bombay as it uses Gemma to process Indic language health governance and policy documents to establish a novel ‘India-Centric Trait Database’ containing information on diseases, phenotypes, and genetic conditions relevant to the Indian population.

To increase access to its foundational open models, Google has uploaded all 22 Gemma models onto AIKosh, the India AI Mission’s open data and model platform. This action is intended to help the Indian developer community develop indigenous models that elevate the Make-in-India ambition.

Empowering India’s changemakers to deploy AI for India’s pressing challenges

Google remains inspired by the commitment of Indian innovators and changemakers to solve for India and will continue supporting the ecosystem as it develops AI-powered solutions on the foundational layer of the nation’s AI ambition.

Utilizing Google’s Open Health Stack, a collection of open-source tools for next-generation digital health solutions, the Indian nonprofit Khushi Baby has successfully conducted over 35 million tuberculosis screenings in Rajasthan this year using a TB Active Case Finding (ACF) screening module. Integration with the Open Health Stack ensured the solution’s compliance with international standards, the Indian government’s digital health mission, and the national effort for tuberculosis elimination.

Third-party research has indicated that AI-powered digital tools could enhance the labor productivity of India’s over one million ASHA frontline workers, enabling them to deliver an additional 98 million visits to rural patients each year. Furthermore, research estimates that AI-assisted screening tools could save the Indian public roughly ₹390 billion ($4.7 billion) yearly, which is approximately 12% of India’s total out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.

Google is providing $2.5 million in Google.org funding to support Wadhwani AI in piloting HealthVaani, an LLM-based conversational AI assistant. Launched in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child Development, HealthVaani supports ASHA and Anganwadi workers. This multimodal and multilingual solution uses Gemini 2.5-Flash for translations, answer generation, and moderation, while the advanced Gemini Embedding Model handles response retrieval.

Google is also providing $2 million in Google.org funding to Wadhwani AI to help develop and deploy Garuda, a new Indian language model for agriculture. Garuda will power AgriVaani, a multilingual, AI-driven smartphone application that will offer India’s farmers and agri-workers precise, contextually relevant advice on crop and livestock management, pest detection, and climate-smart practices.

Ensuring AI’s long-term impact is powered sustainably

Google is committed to ensuring the scaled impact of AI is responsible and sustainable, demonstrated by a partnership with ReNew Energy to support a new 150 megawatt (MW) solar project in Rajasthan, India. Under a long-term agreement, Google will receive environmental attribute certificates (EACs) and allocate them to its value chain emissions. Concurrently, Google will engage with key suppliers to boost clean energy adoption. This initiative addresses the supply chain’s energy footprint and demonstrates a clear pathway for organizations to credibly tackle emissions across the AI value chain.

This partnership builds on Google’s prior collaborations with Adani Group and Clean Max, which added 186 MW of wind and solar power to India’s grid, and contributes to India’s 2030 goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity.

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PANDHARPUR: In a continued spirit of care and compassion, Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited extended its support to devotees undertaking the Pandharpur Wari, one of India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages. Amrutanjan Healthcare offered on-ground relief and wellness support to thousands of Warkaris from July 1st to 6th, 2025, helping ease their physical discomfort and enabling them to complete their sacred journey with greater comfort. This marks Amrutanjan’s fourth consecutive year at the Wari — a reflection of its care, relief, and wellness, and an enduring commitment to stand by communities when and where they need it most.

Each year, lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) undertake a gruelling journey on foot from across Maharashtra to the town of Pandharpur, seeking the blessings of Lord Vitthal. Recognizing the physical toll this journey takes on devotees, Amrutanjan distributed free samples of its key offerings, including Amrutanjan Pain Relief Roll-On, Joint Muscle Spray, Back Pain Roll-On, Pain Balm, ORS Powder, and the Yellow Balm. The products were carefully selected to provide instant pain relief and essential hydration to the pilgrims, many of whom cover over 250 km on foot.

“At Amrutanjan, our legacy has always been rooted in serving people where it matters most, be it in their daily lives or during extraordinary moments like the Wari. Supporting the Warkaris on this deeply spiritual and physically challenging journey is both a responsibility and an honour for us,” said Mr. S Sambhu Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director, Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited. “More than a sampling activity; this initiative is about solidarity, care, and standing by our consumers with empathy and purpose. As a brand rooted in care and wellness, we are privileged to support the Warkaris for the fourth year in a row by offering effective pain relief and hydration solutions”.

This year’s initiative saw remarkable reach and impact. Over the course of six days, Amrutanjan engaged with approximately 15 lakh devotees, distributing about 1.40 lakh units of product samples across key touchpoints along the Wari route. Amrutanjan’s commitment to consumers is anchored in empathy, innovation, and accessibility. For over a century, the brand has continuously strived to offer safe, science-backed, and time-tested solutions for everyday health concerns. From pain management to hydration, Amrutanjan’s products are designed to be both effective and easy to use, enabling consumers to lead healthier, more comfortable lives, whether they are at home, at work, or on a sacred journey like the Wari.

Through such purpose-driven outreach, Amrutanjan Healthcare continues to strengthen its bond with consumers while staying true to its brand philosophy of healing through tradition, trust, and innovation.

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PUNE: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited, has donated 2 state-of-the-art Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances to Primary Health Centres in Takve and Yelse villages of Maval Taluka, Pune. This initiative, with a total investment of INR 80 Lakhs, underscores HMIF’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare support and bolstering pre-hospital care in underserved regions of Maharashtra.

The ambulances were handed over in the esteemed presence of Shri Ajit Pawar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Dadaji Bhuse, Hon’ble Minister of School Education, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Hon’ble Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Mr. Anna Bansode, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Mr. Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad, Pune. Representing HMIL were Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, Hyundai Motor India Limited, and Mr. Saurabh Sharma, Domain Head – CSV, Hyundai Motor India Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL said, “At Hyundai Motor India Foundation, we remain deeply committed to creating meaningful change through focused and sustainable interventions in the communities we serve. The deployment of these Advanced Life Support ambulances marks a vital step in strengthening the emergency healthcare infrastructure in rural Maharashtra. Undertaken under our flagship healthcare program – Sparsh Sanjeevani, this initiative bridges critical healthcare gaps in rural and semi-urban areas, reflecting a strong embodiment of our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’.”

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Ajit Pawar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, “This generous contribution from Hyundai Motor India Foundation will significantly enhance the accessibility and quality of emergency healthcare services in the state. These ALS ambulances will offer timely and advanced pre-hospital care, potentially saving countless lives.”

Each ALS ambulance is outfitted with essential and advanced medical equipment, including electric and manual suction pumps, oxygen cylinders, adult and paediatric bag-mask ventilation devices, and ventilators. These mobile units are designed to address a wide range of emergencies – from trauma and chronic illness management to maternal and child health issues.

This initiative is part of HMIF’s flagship healthcare program – Sparsh Sanjeevani, which aims to bolster India’s public health infrastructure by extending quality healthcare services to remote and underserved communities across the nation.

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The Gala 2025, while celebrating the top healthcare leaders worldwide at the Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation, was an exclusive gathering of influential healthcare executives, AI Innovators, and Global Health Policymakers.  

Dr. Kathula was chosen for the award along with several healthcare leaders for his contributions to the country, particularly in the healthcare field, and his dedication to his patients and the broader community.

The Award was presented to Dr. Kathula by Anya Ohavi Neizler, Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director, and Richie Hosein, Co-Founder, President of the Board, the Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation (GHLF), a mission-driven nonprofit founded by Harvard University alumni, dedicated to addressing healthcare’s most pressing challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Dr. Satheesh Kathula is a renowned hematologist and oncologist based in Dayton, Ohio, currently serving as the President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Dr. Kathula, in his response after receiving the award, said, “I am truly humbled to receive this Lifetime Achievement in Global Healthcare Leadership alongside several other remarkable individuals. This inspires not only me, but the people who are serving the community and society at large.”

Dr. Kathula strongly believes that acquiring new knowledge is crucial for professionals, especially physicians, in a changing healthcare environment. Recently, Dr. Kathula acquired a certificate from Stanford University in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. An alumnus of the Global Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard University, Dr. Kathula has been instrumental in promoting global health initiatives.

Dr. Kathula recently launched a transformative campaign titled “Stop 3 and Start 3,” focused on cancer prevention through lifestyle changes and vaccination. Under his leadership, AAPI has also partnered with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students (GAIMS) to combat cervical cancer through comprehensive efforts in education, screening, and immunization.

Dr. Kathula dedicated his career to treating patients and actively supporting various nonprofit organizations and those advocating for healthcare policies that are equitable and help us provide the best care to patients. Dr. Kathula has served AAPI in various capacities. He was the Regional Director, a member of the Board of Trustees. He was elected overwhelmingly by AAPI members as the national Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President of AAPI, and has served as the President-Elect of AAPI during the year 2023-34, before assuming charge as the President of AAPI in July 2024.

Under his leadership, AAPI has launched a program called “Million Miles of Gratitude” to honor veterans by promoting physical activity. Participants can log their walking or running miles, with each mile serving as a tribute to the veterans. The goal is to collectively reach a million miles in the coming year. In May this year, he led a highly successful AAPI Legislative Day on Capitol Hill, where AAPI sought to collectively shape the best health care for the people of the US, with the physician at the helm, caring for the medically underserved.

Dr. Kathula, who graduated from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, in 1992, is a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kathula is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. He has authored several papers and articles in medical journals and is in the process of writing a book, describing his journey as an immigrant physician. “For the past 22 years, I’ve been proudly serving as a Hematologist and Oncologist in the Dayton community, considering it my home.”

Dr. Kathula was the President and founding member of the Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio, President of the Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, as well as the President of the ATMGUSA (Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in USA). In addition, he has worked with the Ohio State Medical Association on various issues. He has been actively involved in community service locally, nationally, and internationally for the last two decades. He was awarded ‘Man of the Year – 2018’ by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Among many others, Dr. Kathula has initiated a bone marrow drive, as the donor pool among South Asians is very limited, Dr. Kathula said. “So, we are trying to recruit potential donors for the stem cell or bone marrow transplant donations. Because people are getting affected by lymphomas and leukemias, and they need transplants. Since they do not get the matched donors in this country, we are trying to increase that pool.”

Not satisfied with his personal and professional achievements, Dr. Kathula has been active in the Indian community. Since taking office as AAPI President in July 2024, he has led three major global healthcare conferences in India and has chaired the Oncology Tracks at several international health summits organized by AAPI.

Dr Kathula’s love for his motherland has manifested in him setting up humanitarian and medical projects in India. The most important of them is establishing a state-of-the-art pharmacy college in Warangal in Telangana, where he grew up. Named the Pathfinder Institute of Pharmacy and Educational Research (PIPER), the non-profit with Dr Kathula as the Chairman provides quality education and has already graduated over 1,000 students who are now working in different parts of India and abroad. He conducted several medical camps close to his native place and donated a defibrillator, water purification plant, and library to his native place.

GHLF is committed to advancing value-based healthcare globally. Founded by alumni of Harvard Medical School’s Global Health Care Leaders Program, GHLF excels in transforming patient outcomes, healthcare innovation, and empathy. GHLF acts as a catalyst for change, uniting leading healthcare professionals to drive compassion and excellence. Through collaboration, we pioneer transformative solutions that elevate standards and revolutionize patient care.

Among the many awards, Dr. Kathua was most recently, on May 3^rd, 2025, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indo-American Press Club in the Poconos in PA. In 2024, he was bestowed with the Inspiration Award by the Raising Awareness of Youth with Autism Foundation. In October 2024, Dr. Kathrula received the Daniel Blumenthal Award on behalf of AAPI from the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) in recognition of her efforts to promote health equity.

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INDIA: As cancer continues to pose a growing public health concern, Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and most respected diagnostic laboratory chain, has announced the launch of TruHealth Cancer Screen 360—a comprehensive screening panel aimed at revolutionizing Preventive Oncology in India.

A first-of-its-kind in the Indian diagnostics space, the TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 Male and Female Profiles are scientifically curated to provide early insights, equipping both clinicians and individuals with critical, actionable information. This launch reinforces Metropolis’s commitment to enhancing access to specialized cancer diagnostics while making them more affordable and inclusive. 

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022, cancer remains a major global health concern. In the Southeast Asia region, India ranks third in terms of cancer incidence, second for mortality, and 121st in terms of crude rates globally. Alarmingly, screening coverage in India—especially among women—remains under 1% for cervical, breast, and oral cancers, far below the World Health Organization’s 70% target for cervical cancer screening. Limited access to healthcare, low awareness, and financial constraints continue to hinder the adoption of widespread screening.

The TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 includes tumor markers, hereditary cancer risk analysis, and gender-specific screening modules—such as PSA for prostate cancer in men and HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer in women. Designed to address the rising cancer burden and bridge diagnostic gaps, the panel offers a multi-layered, evidence-based approach to detect early signs of common cancers in both men and women.

Commenting on the launch, Surendran Chemmenkottil, CEO, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., said: “The introduction of TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 Male and Female Profiles reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare in India. By equipping individuals with timely and reliable diagnostic tools, we aim to empower them to take charge of their health. Early detection is key to reducing the burden of late-stage cancer, improving outcomes, and saving lives. This initiative is also aligned with our strategic focus on expanding Metropolis’s footprint in oncology diagnostics—an increasingly critical domain in healthcare. We remain committed to making advanced diagnostics accessible and affordable across both urban and non-urban areas.”

A recent GLOBOCAN report also highlights a concerning trend—earlier onset of cancers in urban populations, with rising incidence of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers in women, and lung and prostate cancers in men. These often go undiagnosed until advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and outcomes less favourable.

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Senior Oncopathologist and Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., said: “With the growing incidence of gender-specific cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate, there is an urgent need to integrate targeted cancer screening into routine health check-ups. The TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 has been developed as an evidence-based, comprehensive tool that goes beyond general wellness testing. By incorporating a broad spectrum of biomarkers and hereditary risk indicators, it facilitates early identification of cancer risks, even before symptoms appear. This approach enhances clinical decision-making and provides individuals with actionable insights, helping bridge the gap between symptomless disease progression and timely medical intervention.”

Key features of TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 (Male & Female Profiles):

•  Gender-specific panels for breast, ovarian, cervical, liver, lung, prostate, colorectal, and thyroid cancers.
• Three-layered screening combining tumor markers, hereditary cancer risk analysis (covering 25+ cancer types), and organ-specific assessments.
• Hereditary cancer screening through a NextGen Panel that analyses 317 genes, enabling preventive measures for patients and family members.
• HPV Self-Sampling (Female Profile): WHO-recommended self-test kits for primary cervical cancer screening—removing barriers like discomfort, time constraints, or clinic access.
• Free genetic counseling with certified counsellors to support individuals in understanding results and next steps.

The TruHealth Cancer Screen 360 is available at an introductory price, significantly lower than the combined cost of individual tests, making this advanced screening solution both affordable and accessible. With a robust portfolio of over 4,000 tests and profiles, Metropolis continues to lead diagnostic innovation. Through this integrated cancer screening initiative, the company reaffirms its mission to drive early diagnosis, clinical excellence, and preventive healthcare for all.

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We look forward to collaborating with the government to position India as a preferred destination for Medical Tourism with the ‘Heal in India’ initiative.

Furthermore, an increased focus on strengthening the medical infrastructure aims at making healthcare more accessible to everyone. Adding 75,000 medical seats in the next five years is a strategic step to build a robust healthcare workforce. Enhancing broadband connectivity in primary healthcare centers will ensure quality healthcare delivery to the last mile in India. The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centers across district hospitals also highlights a proactive approach to healthcare, focusing on accessibility and affordability.

The government is enhancing its inclusive growth agenda through the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 program, aimed at boosting nutritional support for over nine crore beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls in key regions. This initiative not only promises improved health outcomes but also aims to strengthen the foundation for future generations, addressing health disparities across the country”

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The role of data analytics in healthcare is revolutionizing how patient care is delivered and how healthcare organizations operate. By harnessing the power of data, providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and create a more efficient healthcare system. From personalized treatments to predictive models and business opportunities in analytics tools, the future of healthcare is undeniably data-driven. For those in the healthcare space, embracing analytics not only improves patient care but also opens doors to new avenues of growth and innovation.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of data analytics is becoming indispensable. As the industry grapples with increasing patient demands, escalating costs, and regulatory complexities, the transformative power of data analytics offers a promising solution. By leveraging advanced analytics techniques, healthcare providers can enhance patient care, streamline operations, and reduce inefficiencies.

At its core, data analytics in healthcare refers to the use of quantitative and qualitative data to extract actionable insights. These insights can range from improving patient outcomes to optimizing administrative workflows. With healthcare systems increasingly digitized, data from a myriad of sources—patient records, wearable devices, diagnostic tools, and hospital management systems—can now be analyzed to uncover patterns, predict trends, and inform decision-making.

 Benefits of Data Analytics in Healthcare:

• Improved Patient Outcomes: Data analytics enables healthcare professionals to make evidence-based decisions, resulting in more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and proactive patient care. Predictive analytics can identify patients at risk for chronic conditions, enabling earlier intervention.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: With the massive influx of patient data, healthcare institutions are utilizing data analytics to streamline their operations. By analyzing patient flow, resource utilization, and staff performance, hospitals can optimize scheduling, reduce waiting times, and improve bed management.
• Cost Reduction: Data-driven insights can significantly cut down operational inefficiencies, reducing unnecessary testing and treatments, and improving overall cost management. By identifying patterns in resource consumption, analytics helps hospitals avoid wasteful practices and make cost-effective decisions.
• Personalized Patient Care: Through data mining and machine learning, healthcare providers can analyze individual patient histories and genetic profiles to deliver more personalized care plans. This precision medicine approach ensures that treatments are tailored to the specific needs of each patient, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

1. Predictive Healthcare: One of the most exciting applications of data analytics in healthcare is predictive modelling, which anticipates patient needs before they arise. This proactive approach helps in preventing diseases, reducing readmission rates, and improving the overall quality of life for patients.

Example: The use of predictive analytics in chronic disease management, such as for diabetes, allows doctors to anticipate complications and intervene earlier, which has been shown to reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 30%.

Tools and Techniques in Healthcare Data Analytics:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHR systems store comprehensive patient data, which can then be analyzed to track patient health trends, identify early signs of disease, and improve coordination among healthcare providers. Tools like Epic Systems and Cerner are widely used to consolidate patient data for easier analysis.
• Big Data Analytics Platforms: Healthcare organizations use platforms like Hadoop and Apache Spark to manage vast amounts of unstructured data, which can be mined for valuable insights. These platforms help analyze patient records, medical imaging, and even genomic data at scale.
• Predictive Analytics Tools: Tools like SAS Analytics, IBM SPSS, and Tableau empower healthcare professionals to create predictive models and visualize data, making it easier to identify trends, predict patient outcomes, and optimize resources.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP tools, such as Google Cloud Natural Language API or Clarifai, analyze and interpret the vast amounts of unstructured text data in medical records. This enables healthcare providers to extract useful information from clinical notes, improving the decision-making process.
• Wearable Devices and IoT: Wearables, such as Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin, along with IoT (Internet of Things) devices in hospitals, continuously collect patient data like heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. This data is integrated into analytics platforms to provide real-time insights into patient health.

Implementation of Data Analytics in Healthcare:

1. Focus on Data Quality: Ensure that the data being used for analysis is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Poor data quality can lead to misleading results and ineffective interventions. Implementing robust data validation processes is essential.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The integration of data analytics into healthcare requires close collaboration between data scientists, healthcare providers, and IT teams. Establishing cross-functional teams ensures that the insights generated are actionable and aligned with clinical goals.
3. Prioritize Patient Privacy: With the vast amounts of sensitive data involved, maintaining patient privacy and adhering to healthcare regulations like HIPAA is paramount. Use encryption, access controls, and secure data-sharing protocols to protect patient confidentiality.
4. Iterative Approach: Start small with pilot projects that address specific issues, such as improving ER efficiency or predicting readmission risks. Once initial results are promising, scale the analytics initiatives across the organization for broader impact.

Business Opportunities in Healthcare Analytics:

• Healthcare Analytics Software Companies: As demand for healthcare data solutions rises, there is a growing business opportunity in developing and selling analytics software tailored to the healthcare industry. Companies can provide platforms for data management, visualization, and predictive modeling.
• Data Consulting Firms: Healthcare organizations often lack in-house expertise in data analytics. Consultants can capitalize on this by offering services to help healthcare providers implement data-driven solutions, such as improving patient care or reducing costs.
• Personalized Healthcare Services: Entrepreneurs can tap into the growing market for personalized medicine by using data analytics to offer customized health plans, predictive insights, and even targeted treatments based on a patient’s genetic makeup.
• Predictive Maintenance for Medical Equipment: Predictive analytics isn’t just for patient care—it can also be applied to hospital infrastructure. By analyzing equipment performance data, hospitals can predict when devices are likely to fail, enabling timely maintenance and reducing downtime.
• Health Data Security Solutions: As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on data analytics, the need for robust data security solutions will continue to grow. Businesses offering cybersecurity solutions for healthcare data can capitalize on this trend.

The post How Data Analytics is Revolutionizing Patient Care and Efficiency in Healthcare appeared first on NRI News.

BELLARY: In a transformative step towards rural empowerment, NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer, has provided ten fully equipped Medical Mobile Vans and laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Sports Complex in Sandur Taluk, Karnataka. Ms. Annapurna, MLA, Sandur Taluk, and Shri S. B. Singh, Head of Project, NMDC, flagged off the Medical Mobile Vans and jointly laid the foundation stone for the Sports Complex alongside the District Forest Officer of Bellary District.

NMDC has invested ₹7 crores to provide ten mobile medical vans for 2 years period in partnership with District Authorities, ensuring seamless healthcare access to the rural population across 97 villages in Sandur Taluka. Each mobile medical van, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by a team of trained professionals, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and lab technician, will bring critical healthcare services directly to residents’ doorstep, eliminating the need for arduous travel to the district headquarters hospital in Bellary.

The vans are equipped to conduct vital diagnostic tests such as those for pregnancy, typhoid, diabetes, hemoglobin levels, and more. Emergency provisions like oxygen cylinders further enhance their utility. These medical vans will visit all 97 villages in the region on a weekly rotation, ensuring timely medical attention at the doorstep of the residents. This initiative is set to significantly reduce the burden of healthcare access in the region, meeting immediate medical needs efficiently and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.

In addition to healthcare, to nurture young talents and promote fitness in the region, NMDC is investing ₹2 crores in building a modern Sports Complex in Sandur town. This facility will feature amenities like a badminton court, table tennis area, gym, and other professional-grade infrastructure to cater to local youth and sports enthusiasts. This initiative not only promises to ignite aspirations for professional sports careers but also aims to cultivate a culture of health and physical activity in the region. This cutting-edge sports complex will be open to access by the local population.

These initiatives, funded under NMDC’s CSR Fund underscore the organization’s holistic approach to community upliftment in the areas it operates. By bridging gaps in essential healthcare services and fostering avenues for sports excellence, NMDC is shaping a future where the people of Sandur Taluk can thrive with improved well-being and greater opportunities.

Speaking on the initiative, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Addl. Charge), NMDC said, “Our mission at NMDC extends beyond mining; it is about enriching lives. The launch of these Medical Mobile Vans and the laying off foundation of the Sports Complex reaffirm our commitment to the people of the Donimalai region. We at NMDC believe that healthcare and sports are fundamental to the development of a vibrant and resilient community and we are proud to play a role in building a healthier, stronger, and more aspirational future for the people in Bellary-Hospet region.”

Through these landmark initiatives, NMDC is not just addressing immediate community needs but is also investing in the long-term development of the Donimalai region, empowering its people and nurturing aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.

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