Healthcare: Latest news, practical tips and policy updates

Healthcare affects every family in India - from vaccine drives to hospital bills. On this tag page you'll find timely news, practical tips, and clear explainers to help you make smarter health choices.

I focus on three things: what changed in policy, how it affects you, and what you can do right now. Expect short reads on government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, coverage of major hospital stories, updates on disease outbreaks, and tips to lower medical costs.

Need quick advice? Start with prevention. Good basics - hand hygiene, balanced meals, regular checkups, and vaccination - cut your risk for many common illnesses. For chronic problems like diabetes or hypertension, simple tracking of blood pressure and glucose at home prevents complications and expensive treatments.

Worried about medical bills? Learn how insurance works in India. Check if your employer provides group cover, compare publicly available plans, and read the fine print on preexisting conditions and network hospitals. Use cashless claims at network hospitals to avoid upfront payments when possible.

Telemedicine has changed access to care. You can consult a general physician online, get e-prescriptions, and follow-up without long waits. For serious symptoms - chest pain, heavy bleeding, sudden breathlessness, loss of consciousness - go to the nearest emergency room. Don't rely on video calls for emergencies.

Mental health matters but is often ignored. If you feel persistently low, anxious, or unable to sleep, reach out to a professional. Many clinics and apps offer affordable counselling. Small steps - daily walks, limiting social media, and talking to someone you trust - help a lot.

How to choose a doctor or hospital? Look for credentials, patient reviews, and clear fee structures. Ask about experience with your condition, expected tests, and recovery time. For surgeries, ask for second opinions and understand expected total costs, not just surgeon fees.

Vaccines and public health updates appear here as they happen. We explain why a new vaccine matters, who is eligible, and where to get it. For outbreaks, you'll find symptoms to watch for, simple home care for mild cases, and when to seek medical help.

Consumer safety is a priority. We cover recalls, drug safety alerts, and tips to avoid fake medicines. Always check packaging, batch numbers, and expiry dates. When in doubt, buy from trusted pharmacies or consult a pharmacist.

Policy changes can be confusing. When a new law or guideline arrives, we break it down into plain language: who gains, who pays, and what patients should do next. That helps you act quickly and avoid surprises.

Want to stay updated? Follow this tag for short explainers, expert interviews, and local stories that matter to families across India. If you have a health question or a hospital experience to share, tell us - we often use reader stories to highlight real-world issues.

Quick Tips

Quick actions: carry a basic first-aid kit, know your nearest emergency number, keep digital copies of prescriptions and insurance papers, and track medicines with reminders. Small steps save time and money during stressful health events every single day.

Policy Watch

Arvind Chakravarty

When did India's population grew rapidly?

India's population growth has been rapid since the 1950s. This was due to a combination of factors, including increased access to healthcare and improved economic development. This has resulted in a population growth from 361 million in 1951 to 1.37 billion in 2021, making India the second-most populous country in the world. The population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030. As India's population continues to grow, its government needs to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and services are in place to support its population.