HEALTH

GS Paper II – Health Context: India has officially launched its national HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls aged 9–14 years as part of its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The move aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040, aligning with WHO’s global strategy. What is …

GS2 – Social Sector – Health The observance of World Health Day 2025 was recently held. Since 1950, World Health Day has been commemorated annually on April 7, aiming to raise public consciousness around key global health concerns and to promote the importance of leading a healthy life. This date …

GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases Dysthymia, a prolonged variant of depression, often goes unrecognized or is misunderstood due to its subtle yet chronic nature. Definition and Nature Dysthymia, medically termed Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), refers to a long-lasting, milder form of depression. In adults, symptoms persist for …

GS II-Health Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently emphasized the significance of incorporating compassion into primary healthcare systems through a new report. What is Compassion in Healthcare? Definition: Compassion in the healthcare context refers to a blend of empathy, attentive listening, and taking context-sensitive actions in response to …

GS II-Health Key Developments in TB Treatment WHO Recommendations (2022): The World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed the six-month BPaL regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid) and BPaLM regimen (BPaL + moxifloxacin) as viable options for drug-resistant TB treatment. Advanced Diagnostic Expansion: India plans to scale up the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) …

GS II-Health Context US pharma company Eli Lilly is set to introduce Mounjaro in India. It is one of the most advanced weight loss drugs, primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and now also approved for weight loss. Key Ingredient & Mechanism Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide (a prescription-only injectable drug). …

GS II-Organisation National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is a national-level body under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It serves as the apex organization for implementing the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and oversees activities as per the Transplantation …

GS II-Health In a determined effort to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is preparing to roll out a 100-day campaign aimed at TB elimination. About the Initiative   This campaign will be implemented across 33 States and Union Territories to strengthen TB detection, minimize …

GS II-Health Context In Kerala, ASHA workers have gone on strike, demanding better honorariums and retirement benefits, bringing attention to their pivotal role in India’s healthcare system. Despite India progressing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health before 2030, the Union Cabinet has extended the NHM for an additional …

GS2 – Social Sector – Health Recent environmental mapping in Odisha has detected a significant presence of melioidosis, particularly during the monsoon season. About Melioidosis Also Known As: Whitmore’s disease Endemic Regions: Southeast Asia and Northern Australia India’s Burden: Accounts for 44% of global melioidosis cases Causative Agent & Transmission …

GS II-Health Context: Tanzania has officially declared the conclusion of its second outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) after completing 42 days without reporting new cases, marking a significant achievement in controlling the deadly infection. Understanding Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): First Identified: 1967, in Marburg, Germany, when laboratory workers were …

GS II-Health Context: A recent study by CSIR-CCMB highlights that endogamy plays a significant role in population-specific genetic disorders and influences drug metabolism across India. Understanding Endogamy: Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within a defined social, caste, ethnic, religious, or tribal group, often reinforced by cultural or legal …

GS-2-Health Context: A recent case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) has gained attention following the death of the wife of an Oscar-winning actor. About Hantavirus Hantaviruses belong to a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents, which can lead to severe illness and fatalities in humans. Endemic Region: HPS is …

  SUBJECT: GS-2: Health & Biotechnology (Autoimmune Disorders, Gut Microbiome) GS-3: Science & Technology (Medical Research, Microbiome Therapy)   Key Highlights Understanding Vitiligo Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to skin depigmentation. Results in white patches, often causing social stigma and psychological distress. Affects 0.5% to 2% …

PRELIMS BITS – HEALTH Context: Doctors suggest that Vitamin B12 strips are more effective than tablets due to direct absorption into the bloodstream. What is Vitamin B12? Also Known As: Cobalamin, due to the presence of cobalt. Nature: Water-soluble vitamin, part of the B-complex group. Storage in Body: Unlike most …

GS 2 -HEALTH  The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has recently been updated to include traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This marks a significant development in recognizing these systems within global healthcare frameworks.   What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)? The International Classification of …

GS 2-Health Introduction: POSHAN Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India in March 2018, is a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The term “POSHAN” stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It is a multi-ministerial initiative aimed at addressing …