Healthcare
Govt bans select cough syrups for kids below 4 years
The government has prohibited cough syrups containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for children under four due to safety concerns. Drug regulators are mandating manufacturers to include explicit warnings on labels and packaging. This decision follows recommendations from India's apex drug body after examining the fixed-dose combination.
Assam govt plans to transform GMCH into one of India's largest hospitals
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is undertaking steps to transform Gauhati Medical College and Hospital into one of India's largest. The upcoming Mother and Child Care Hospital on GMCH premises will offer specialized pediatric care with 800 beds.
Delhi HC seeks Daiichi Sankyo’s response on RHC appeal over Fortis trademark sale
The Delhi High Court is reviewing RHC Healthcare's challenge to the 'Fortis' trademark sale to Fortis Healthcare, alleging undervaluation. RHC seeks an independent valuation, claiming the Rs 200 crore sale was based on an erroneous report by Daiichi Sankyo. While the court didn't halt the sale, further actions regarding the Fortis brand are subject to the appeal's outcome.
India's healthcare expenditure expected to surge from 3.3% to 5% of its GDP by 2030: CareEdge
India’s healthcare spending is projected to rise from 3.3% to 5% of GDP by 2030, according to a CareEdge report. The sector is poised for major transformation driven by investments, government initiatives, and demographic shifts.
Healthcare investors go for full-body check-up: Forensic due diligence rise as sector faces scrutiny
Investors are increasingly scrutinizing India's healthcare sector, including pharma companies and hospitals, due to concerns about potential malpractices and regulatory scrutiny. They are conducting in-depth due diligence, examining doctor-management relationships, referral practices, and the appropriateness of treatments. This heightened scrutiny is driven by negative consumer feedback and stricter regulations, prompting companies to enhance employee background screening.
India's anti-obesity drug market has grown more than fourfold in the last five years
India's anti-obesity drug market has surged, growing over fourfold in five years, reaching ₹576 crore by March 2025, driven by lifestyle diseases and increased affordability. Semaglutide, particularly Rybelsus from Novo Nordisk, dominates the market, accounting for 69% of sales. The introduction of Mounjaro by Eli Lilly has further fueled acceptance, with Novo Nordisk planning to launch Wegovy soon.
As Empagliflozin goes off patent, 71 copies of the key diabetes drug roll out in a month
Following the expiration of Empagliflozin's patent, the Indian pharmaceutical market has seen a surge, with 71 new brands and 17 companies introducing their versions. This influx has significantly increased sales, driven by prices that are 80-90% lower than the original. The increased affordability is expected to improve access for a wider population, with further market expansion anticipated.
PE firms bet on small-town hospitals for a growth shot
Non-metro locations, such as Lucknow , Vizag, Jaipur, Cochin, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar and Patna, private equity investors believe, hold great growth potential in healthcare, in lockstep with an increasing affordability quotient in tier- 2 or 3 towns, and a greater availability of qualified doctors and specialists.
Do health insurers get the benefit of charging higher policy premiums? Experts say there's more than meets the eye
India's health insurance sector is experiencing a paradox; while premium collections have soared by 20%, new policyholder growth lags at 5%. Rising premiums, linked to medical inflation and increased claim sizes, deter renewals and new sign-ups, complicating affordability and access.
Govt plans capacity building activities for frontline workers of HPV vaccination
The Union Health Ministry plans to initiate capacity-building activities for frontline workers administering the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer. Following recommendations, the Ministry is finalizing strategies for this initiative. India accounts for a significant portion of global cervical cancer cases, with the vaccines aimed at addressing this major health issue.
