Chhattisgarh reported 46 new H1N1 (swine flu) cases in a single day, taking the total number of infections in the state to 298. Raipur remains the worst-affected district with 127 cases.

 Swine flu cases continue to rise in Chhattisgarh, with the state reporting 46 new H1N1 positive cases on September 8. Of these, the highest number of cases were reported from Raipur district, where 19 people tested positive.According to health department data, a total of 298 H1N1 cases have been reported in the state between January 1 and September 8, 2026. Of these, 113 patients are currently active cases, while the remaining patients have recovered.Among the active cases, 81 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals, while 32 patients are in home isolation.

Raipur accounts for nearly 43% of total cases

Raipur continues to remain the most affected district in Chhattisgarh.The district has reported 127 H1N1 cases so far, accounting for nearly 43% of the total 298 cases reported in the state.

Other districts with a significant number of cases include:

• Durg: 40 cases

• Bilaspur: 38 cases

• Korba: 19 cases

• Raigarh: 12 cases

• Dhamtari: 9 cases

46 new cases reported in one day

Among the 46 new patients detected on September 8:

• Raipur reported 19 cases

• Durg reported 4 cases

• Bilaspur and Korba reported 3 cases each

• Balodabazar, Bastar and Mahasamund reported 2 cases each

• Janjgir-Champa, Kondagaon, Mungeli and Surguja reported 1 case each

Five positive cases were also reported from outside the state.

No deaths reported so far

Health officials said that no deaths due to H1N1 have been reported in Chhattisgarh so far.The health department is continuing surveillance of infected patients and monitoring treatment facilities across districts.

What is H1N1 and when should people seek medical help?

H1N1 is a type of influenza virus that can cause symptoms similar to seasonal flu.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Body ache

• Weakness

Doctors advise people to seek medical attention if fever is accompanied by persistent cough, breathing difficulty or severe weakness.Doctors have also advised against self-medication, especially when symptoms worsen or continue for several days.H1N1 infection can spread through droplets released during coughing or sneezing and through close contact with an infected person.

Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa has come under scrutiny after a disturbing video purportedly showing insects crawling on a hospitalised patient surfaced on social media, triggering allegations of negligence and raising fresh questions over conditions at the government-run facility.

The incident concerns Archana Gupta, a 30-year-old woman from Satna, who had reportedly been admitted after a road accident. She died during treatment, following which her family raised allegations regarding the treatment and care provided at the hospital.

The allegations have not been independently established as the cause of her death, and the hospital administration has reportedly denied negligence.

Video triggers public outrage

The video showing insects on or around the patient drew widespread attention online.

The patient's relatives alleged that the condition reflected serious neglect by hospital staff. They also raised questions about the cleanliness and supervision of the ward.

Such allegations are particularly serious in a government hospital handling critically ill patients because infection control, sanitation and regular monitoring are integral parts of patient safety.

Family raises negligence allegations

Family members reportedly protested after Archana's condition deteriorated and alleged that hospital personnel did not provide adequate care.

The family has also made allegations concerning the behaviour of hospital staff during their complaints. These claims remain allegations and would require investigation before responsibility can be established.

The hospital administration, meanwhile, has maintained that the woman was admitted in a critical condition and that medical protocols were followed.

Re-postmortem conducted

Following the controversy surrounding the death, authorities conducted a re-postmortem with videography by a team of medical experts before the body was handed over to the family for transportation to Prayagraj/Allahabad.

The additional examination is significant because questions have been raised publicly about the circumstances surrounding the death and the patient's treatment.

Hospital administration denies negligence

Hospital authorities have rejected the allegations that negligence caused the woman's death.

The administration's position is that the patient arrived in a serious condition following the accident and received treatment according to established procedures.

A final determination of whether there was any medical or administrative negligence would depend on the findings of the investigation and medical examination.

Rewa hospitals face wider scrutiny

The latest controversy comes amid broader concerns over hospital administration in Rewa.

Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital has faced scrutiny in other recent incidents as well, including controversy involving its former superintendent. The state government had earlier transferred Dr Rahul Mishra from the superintendent's post after a separate controversy involving remarks made to the family of a deceased pregnant woman.

The latest case is therefore likely to intensify demands for stronger monitoring of sanitation, patient care and hospital accountability.

A judicial inquiry into the Bhagirathpura contaminated-water tragedy in Indore has pointed to serious failures in the city’s drinking-water and sewerage systems, raising questions over why corrective action was not taken despite an early warning in 2019.

The one-member commission headed by retired Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta examined 36 deaths linked to the episode. According to findings reported from the inquiry, 24 of the deaths were directly linked to sewage-contaminated water supplied through Indore Municipal Corporation pipelines, while a conclusive connection could not be established in the remaining 12 cases. 

The findings suggest that the crisis was not an unforeseeable event but developed amid failures in infrastructure maintenance, monitoring and administrative response.

2019 Report Had Already Flagged Contaminated Water

One of the most significant findings concerns a February 8, 2019 report of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

The report found that water from 60 tubewells and handpumps in Bhagirathpura did not meet prescribed quality standards. It also warned of potential health risks and recommended that the water be used for drinking only after appropriate chlorination.

The judicial inquiry reportedly found no convincing record showing that effective and timely action was taken by the then senior municipal authorities after the warning. The commission's findings therefore raise a critical question: why was a known water-quality risk not adequately addressed before the later outbreak? 

Pipeline and Sewerage Failures Came Under Scrutiny

The commission also examined the technical relationship between drinking-water and sewerage networks.

Its recommendations stress that drinking-water and sewer lines should follow separate alignments and maintain prescribed horizontal and vertical separation. Where the two networks cross, additional safeguards are required.

The inquiry also highlighted the need to prevent cross-connections, backflow and leakage, while maintaining adequate water pressure and conducting regular quality testing.

These safeguards are particularly important in densely populated urban areas, where a damaged or leaking sewer line near a drinking-water pipeline can create a serious public-health risk.

Tender Delays Also Raised Questions

The inquiry examined delays in the process for work related to Bhagirathpura's water infrastructure.

The report reportedly found that several stages of the tender process experienced delays that could have been avoided. Files remained pending at different administrative levels, while discussions and subsequent processing extended over several months.

The tender committee included Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Superintending Engineer Shrikant Kante, Additional Commissioner (Finance) Devdhar Darwa and Additional Commissioner Abhay Rajangaonkar. The commission recommended determining where, how much and why the delays occurred. 

The inquiry also examined the role of officials and employees associated with the water-supply and tender branches.

Shivam Verma, Pratibha Pal Get Clean Chit

The commission did not hold former Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shivam Verma responsible based on the records examined during the inquiry.

Former municipal commissioner Pratibha Pal was also reportedly cleared of responsibility. The findings instead focused attention on operational, monitoring and administrative levels where shortcomings were identified. (The Sootr)

This distinction is important because the inquiry's findings concern administrative responsibility based on the material examined by the commission; they should not automatically be treated as judicial findings of criminal guilt against individual officials.

High Court to Consider Public Release of Report

The approximately 600-page inquiry report was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in August. The court had earlier declined to make the report publicly available while considering arguments over its disclosure. (Amar Ujala)

On September 8, the hearing concerning an intervener's demand for access to the report was adjourned after a brief proceeding because the regular bench was unavailable. The matter is now scheduled before the regular bench on September 21. 

The development keeps the focus on a central issue: how a water-quality warning identified years before the tragedy translated into insufficient preventive action.

Commission Calls for Stronger Water Safety Monitoring

The inquiry has recommended regular testing of drinking-water quality, inspection and maintenance of the pipeline network, and faster responses to complaints involving leakage, low pressure, dirt, unauthorised connections and damaged pipelines.

The broader message from the report is that safe drinking water cannot depend only on emergency action after contamination occurs. Continuous testing, infrastructure maintenance and clear accountability are essential to preventing a repeat of the Bhagirathpura tragedy.

For Indore, the findings also underline the importance of ensuring that warnings from technical and pollution-control agencies lead to documented corrective action rather than remaining confined to official records.

A battle over how clearly packaged food should warn Indian consumers about sugar, salt and fat has moved into the spotlight after a Reuters investigation revealed details of industry opposition to front-of-pack warning labels. India's food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had been considering prominent colour-coded warnings for products with high levels of these nutrients, but its latest approach has moved towards a less prominent black-and-white nutritional declaration.

The issue has now also reached the Supreme Court, which has questioned the government's approach to front-of-pack labelling and stressed the importance of giving consumers, particularly children, clear information about the food they are buying. On August 13, the court gave the Centre two weeks to place its final decision on record.

What Was India's Proposed Warning System?

Front-of-pack labelling, or FOPL, is designed to give consumers an easy-to-understand warning without requiring them to study the detailed nutritional table on the back of a packet.

Under the approach being debated in India, products high in sugar, salt or saturated fat could carry prominent warnings on the front. The aim is to help shoppers identify products with potentially high levels of these nutrients while making purchasing decisions.

The Supreme Court had earlier indicated that warnings such as "High Sugar", "High Sodium" and "High Saturated Fat" should be considered.

Why Did The Plan Face Opposition?

According to Reuters, major food and beverage companies including Coca-Cola, Nestlé and PepsiCo opposed the proposed colour-coded warnings. Reuters reported that discussions between industry representatives and FSSAI included arguments that such symbols could oversimplify nutritional information and may not substantially change consumer behaviour.

At a March 19 meeting reviewed by Reuters, Coca-Cola India executive Mili Bhattacharya argued that it was too simplistic to assume that a consumer who does not already read ingredient lists would significantly change their diet simply because a symbol appeared on the front of a package.

The industry has also raised questions about applying international nutritional models to Indian diets, including concerns that traditional foods could also be flagged because of their salt or fat content.

What Is FSSAI Proposing Now?

Instead of the prominent warning-style system sought by public-health advocates, FSSAI's latest proposal involves a black-and-white nutritional table showing information such as recommended daily intake of added sugar, saturated fat and salt. Reuters reported that the regulator said a colour-coded warning system did not adequately account for India's food habits.

This difference in approach is at the heart of the current dispute: health activists want consumers to see an immediate warning, while regulators and industry stakeholders have raised questions about how such warnings should be designed and applied.

Supreme Court Puts Pressure On Government

The Supreme Court's intervention has made the issue more urgent. During the August 13 hearing, the bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran questioned why the authorities had not moved ahead with clearer warnings and raised concerns about possible corporate influence.

The court gave the Centre a final two-week window to reconsider the issue, warning that it could issue further directions if the government failed to act.

Why This Matters To Indian Consumers

The debate is ultimately about how quickly a consumer can understand the nutritional risk of a packaged product.

Nutrition information is already required on food packaging, but health advocates argue that detailed tables can be difficult to interpret while shopping. A prominent front-of-pack warning, by contrast, is intended to communicate the key information immediately.

The stakes are also growing as India faces increasing concerns around obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. Reuters cited a study published in The Lancet projecting that around 450 million Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050 if current trends continue.

For now, the final form of India's front-of-pack warning system remains a matter of regulatory and judicial scrutiny. The government's response following the Supreme Court's deadline will determine whether consumers eventually see prominent warnings on products such as chips, biscuits, snacks and sugary drinks.

One ICU Bill Away from Poverty: Why a Medical Emergency Can Push India's Middle Class to the Brink

For millions of Indians, the middle class represents stability, aspiration and financial security. Families spend years building savings, paying home loans, investing in education and planning for retirement. Yet, one serious medical emergency is often enough to undo decades of financial discipline. A few days in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), multiple surgeries or prolonged hospitalization can wipe out savings and push even financially responsible households into debt.

This uncomfortable reality highlights one of the biggest vulnerabilities in India's healthcare ecosystem. While the country has made remarkable progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure and insurance coverage, the financial burden of critical illness continues to fall heavily on families.

The Cost of Staying Alive

Critical care is among the most expensive components of modern healthcare. Depending on the city, hospital and treatment required, ICU charges can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of rupees per day. Add specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, life-support systems, medicines and post-discharge rehabilitation, and the final hospital bill can quickly reach several lakh rupees.

For many middle-class families, such expenses are simply unaffordable. Even those with health insurance often discover that policy limits are exhausted within days or that several treatments are either partially covered or excluded altogether. The remaining amount has to be arranged through personal savings, loans, mortgaging assets or borrowing from relatives.

Insurance Gap Remains a Major Challenge

India's health insurance penetration has improved over the last decade, but coverage remains uneven. Government-backed schemes have significantly expanded access for economically weaker sections, while corporate employees often receive employer-sponsored insurance. However, a large segment of the urban middle class remains caught in the middle.

Many families rely on insurance policies purchased years ago with inadequate coverage. Rising medical inflation has made these older policies insufficient for today's treatment costs. Meanwhile, private insurance premiums have also become increasingly expensive, making higher coverage difficult for many households.

As a result, the financial protection that insurance is expected to provide often proves inadequate when families need it the most.

Medical Inflation Outpaces Household Income

Healthcare costs in India have consistently risen faster than general inflation. Advanced technology, imported medical equipment, specialized drugs and increased demand for quality healthcare have all contributed to higher treatment expenses.

Unfortunately, salary growth for a large section of the middle class has not kept pace with this rise. Families that carefully manage monthly budgets frequently find themselves unprepared for sudden hospital bills running into several lakh rupees.

The result is a growing dependence on emergency loans, credit cards or liquidation of long-term investments.

Beyond Money: The Emotional Cost

The financial burden of critical illness extends far beyond hospital bills. Families often experience months or even years of economic recovery after a medical emergency. Children's education plans may be postponed, retirement savings depleted, property sold and future investments delayed.

The psychological impact is equally severe. Caregivers frequently struggle with stress, anxiety and financial uncertainty while simultaneously managing the emotional trauma of a loved one's illness.

For many families, recovery continues long after the patient has returned home.

Strengthening Financial Preparedness

Experts increasingly recommend that households review their financial preparedness for medical emergencies with the same seriousness as retirement planning. This includes maintaining adequate health insurance, creating emergency medical funds, understanding policy exclusions and periodically increasing coverage to match healthcare inflation.

Financial literacy regarding health insurance remains equally important. Many policyholders only discover coverage limitations during hospitalization, when there is little room for informed decision-making.

Policy Reforms Can Reduce the Burden

Reducing the financial shock of healthcare will require coordinated policy efforts. Expanding affordable insurance products, improving transparency in hospital billing, encouraging preventive healthcare and strengthening public healthcare infrastructure can all help reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.

Digital health records, standardized treatment protocols and greater price transparency may also improve efficiency while giving patients better clarity about treatment costs.

The Bigger Picture

India's growing middle class has become a key driver of the country's economic growth. Yet its financial resilience remains surprisingly fragile when confronted with a major health crisis. A single ICU admission should not determine whether a family can continue its children's education, repay its home loan or maintain financial stability.

Healthcare is not merely a medical issue—it is an economic issue, a social issue and increasingly a middle-class survival issue. As medical costs continue to rise, strengthening financial protection against catastrophic healthcare expenses must become a national priority.

Until that happens, the uncomfortable truth remains: for millions of Indian families, the distance between financial stability and financial distress may be just one ICU bill.

 The Congress on Friday intensified its attack on the Chhattisgarh government over recent malaria-related deaths, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and alleging serious shortcomings in the state's disease surveillance and testing system.

State Congress Medical Cell chairman Dr. Rakesh Gupta accused the government of failing to ensure adequate availability of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for malaria, claiming the shortage has adversely affected screening and early detection in several districts.

Congress Cites Stock Report

Addressing the issue, Dr. Gupta referred to the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CMSCL) stock report dated July 30, 2026, alleging that only 3,588 malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test kits were available in government warehouses across the state.

He claimed that several districts currently have no RDT kits in stock and questioned how frontline health workers are conducting malaria screening under such circumstances.

"If rapid test kits are unavailable, on what basis are Mitanins and field health workers diagnosing malaria? Is the entire system relying only on blood smear tests, or has screening itself been affected?" he asked, urging the Health Minister to clarify the situation.

Deaths Trigger Political Row

The Congress raised the issue following recent malaria-related deaths reported from Kanker district, where four people, including three students and one woman, lost their lives.

Health authorities have confirmed malaria cases in villages including Sardi, Domargarh, Madepote and Chichgaon, where more than 30 people have tested positive. Medical teams have established health camps and are conducting screening, testing and treatment in the affected areas.

The opposition alleged that the deaths exposed weaknesses in the state's malaria prevention strategy and accused the government of failing to respond effectively to the outbreak.

Government Accused of Concealing Ground Reality

Dr. Gupta further alleged that the Health Minister was attempting to downplay the seriousness of the malaria situation.

He also referred to malaria-related deaths reported in parts of Kabirdham district, claiming that the government's public statements did not accurately reflect the conditions on the ground.

According to the Congress, delays in diagnosis and inadequate preventive measures have contributed to the worsening situation in vulnerable tribal regions.

Reference to Previous Malaria Campaign

The Congress highlighted the previous government's 'Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan', stating that the programme had significantly reduced malaria prevalence through extensive door-to-door screening and timely treatment.

The party claimed that the current administration has failed to sustain those gains and has weakened the public health response in malaria-prone districts.

Questions Over Mosquito Net Distribution

Apart from testing infrastructure, the Congress also questioned the procurement and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The party alleged that delays and administrative lapses have affected preventive measures in vulnerable communities and warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

Demand for Accountability

The Congress has urged Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to remove the Health Minister from office, holding him accountable for the state's handling of the malaria situation.

The state government has not yet issued a detailed response to the Congress' allegations regarding the availability of malaria testing kits. Health authorities, however, have maintained that screening, testing and treatment activities are continuing in the affected districts.

With the 2026 monsoon season bringing erratic rainfall and high humidity across India, health authorities are warning citizens about the rising risk of seasonal diseases. Communicable diseases have claimed 186 lives in Kerala this year, with 48 deaths reported in the first 20 days of June alone. Health experts warn that cases of Shigella, influenza, dengue fever and other illnesses may worsen in the coming months.

Understanding the Disease Risk

The current monsoon pattern, characterised by fluctuating rainfall, high humidity and stagnant water, is linked to a rise in respiratory illnesses, allergies and water-borne infections. According to Dr Sneha Tirpude, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, changing weather patterns can aggravate allergies, asthma and seasonal infections, making preventive care more important than ever.

Safe Drinking Water

Health advisories across states stress the importance of preventing waterborne diseases such as acute gastroenteritis, jaundice and typhoid by consuming filtered or boiled water. Drinking clean, filtered water and avoiding cut fruits or uncovered street food that may have been exposed to contaminated water are essential precautions.

Mosquito Protection

Dr Meenu Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, warned that stagnant water following monsoon can increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. “Mosquitoes breed in the water that accumulates. This causes fever and other problems,” she said.

Before chemical mosquito repellents existed, Indian households relied on herbal fumigation using neem leaves, dried herbs and natural resins. This ancient practice is being rediscovered as an effective natural alternative. For better protection, experts recommend combining herbal fumigation with practical habits like removing stagnant water, installing window screens and wearing full-sleeved clothing during evenings.

Haryana's Anti-Dengue Campaign

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao urged people to take preventive measures against dengue during monsoon and appealed to citizens to observe July as “Anti-Dengue Month”. Residents were advised to dry water containers, coolers, overhead tanks, refrigerator trays and flower pots. The Rohtak district administration launched a “Dry Friday” drive to eliminate stagnant water sources every Friday.

Personal Hygiene

Dr Singh advised washing hands with soap before eating and maintaining food hygiene. “If the food is not kept clean, it can affect the stomach. It is better to eat home-made food,” she added.

Regular handwashing, cleaning shared desks and surfaces, and staying updated on vaccinations can help reduce the spread of infections. Health experts note that annual influenza vaccination is particularly valuable for older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, healthcare workers and those with frequent large-group interactions.

Skin and Fungal Infections

Dr Sharma emphasises that prevention of fungal infections lies in following good hygiene practices. The skin should be kept dry and clean, especially after bath or when the skin gets drenched in rain. Cotton clothing should be worn, and one should wear different socks each day along with changing wet clothes.

What the Experts Say

Dr Anish emphasises that the focus should be on preventing infections. “The number of deaths is proportionate to the number of cases. So the focus should be on prevention. We need specific programmes,” he says. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan adds that effective interventions, sanitation and cleaning drives play a significant role in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Staying Safe Through the Season

With the monsoon expected to continue in the coming days, health authorities are advising citizens to remain cautious, keep their surroundings clean and prioritise preventive care. By following these natural disease prevention tips and maintaining good hygiene, Indians can enjoy a healthy monsoon season in 2026.

A sudden malaria outbreak in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has claimed the lives of two school students within two days, while 11 children studying in government-run hostels have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, prompting health authorities to launch an emergency response.

The district administration and the Health Department have intensified surveillance in affected areas, with medical teams conducting door-to-door screening and setting up health camps in hostels and nearby villages.

Health Department Confirms Outbreak

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. R.C. Thakur said the district has witnessed an unexpected spike in malaria cases over the past few days.

According to the health department, rapid testing, treatment and preventive measures are being carried out in the affected hostels. Authorities have also directed officials to closely monitor all government residential schools and hostels across the district.

Two Students Lose Their Lives

One of the victims was nine-year-old Kareena Vishwakarma from Domaharra village. She and her two sisters were admitted to the district hospital after developing high fever. Kareena died during treatment on July 25, while her sisters continue to receive medical care.

In a separate incident, nine-year-old Subhash Kumeti, a student residing at the Mardapoti hostel, also succumbed to malaria.

Officials said several students at the hostel had complained of fever and headaches. Medical screening confirmed malaria infection in four students. Subhash's condition deteriorated after he was taken home by his family, and despite being brought back to the district hospital, he died during treatment on Sunday.

Eleven Hostel Students Test Positive

Health officials said 11 students from the Iradah and Mardapoti government hostels have tested positive for malaria.

Medical teams have established camps inside the hostels, where infected students are receiving treatment while other residents are being screened to prevent further spread.

No Cases Detected Days Earlier

Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department Jaya Manu said all government hostels had undergone routine health screening on July 22, and no malaria cases were detected at that time.

However, infections began surfacing rapidly after July 24, indicating what officials described as a sudden outbreak.

Containment Measures Intensified

The Health Department has begun extensive surveillance in the affected villages and hostels. Teams are conducting fever screening, blood tests and distributing anti-malarial medicines.

Authorities are also carrying out mosquito-control measures, including awareness campaigns, inspections of waterlogging sites and preventive interventions in vulnerable areas.

Officials Urge Preventive Measures

Health officials have advised residents to use mosquito nets, wear full-sleeved clothing, apply mosquito repellents and ensure that stagnant water does not accumulate around homes.

People experiencing persistent fever, chills, headaches or body aches have been urged to seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery from malaria.

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to spread awareness about hepatitis, a group of viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. The global observance aims to promote prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and wider access to healthcare services to reduce the burden of hepatitis.

The day is also dedicated to Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and later developed the first hepatitis B vaccine. His contributions transformed the global fight against one of the world's most widespread infectious diseases.

Why World Hepatitis Day Matters

According to global health experts, millions of people worldwide continue to live with hepatitis B and hepatitis C without knowing they are infected. Since the disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages, many cases are diagnosed only after serious liver damage has occurred.

If untreated, chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, making early screening and medical intervention essential.

Understanding Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses—primarily Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. While some forms spread through contaminated food or water, others are transmitted through infected blood, unsafe injections, unprotected sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth.

Medical experts say vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis B, while maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring safe blood transfusions and avoiding needle sharing significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Prevention and Early Testing Are Key

Health professionals encourage people to undergo hepatitis screening, especially those who may be at higher risk. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, improves health outcomes and helps prevent transmission to others.

Simple preventive measures include:

• Taking the hepatitis B vaccine.

• Practising safe injection and blood transfusion protocols.

• Maintaining good personal hygiene.

• Drinking clean water and consuming hygienic food.

• Seeking medical advice if symptoms such as prolonged fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain or dark urine appear.

Global Goal to Eliminate Hepatitis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Achieving this goal depends on expanding vaccination, increasing testing, improving access to treatment and strengthening public awareness.

Governments, healthcare institutions and civil society organisations are expected to organise awareness campaigns, health camps and screening drives to mark the occasion and encourage people to prioritise liver health.

World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder that awareness, vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment can prevent thousands of avoidable illnesses and deaths, bringing the world closer to eliminating hepatitis as a major public health challenge.

The internship is designed to provide young professionals with practical exposure to WHO’s technical and administrative work while helping them build careers in global public health. Selected interns will receive a living allowance (stipend) along with medical and accident insurance during the internship period.

What is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme allows students and recent graduates to work alongside international experts on global health initiatives. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience by involving interns in WHO's technical, research, policy, and administrative activities.

The programme also seeks to develop the next generation of leaders in global public health while benefiting from the fresh ideas and perspectives that young professionals bring.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a recognized university in fields such as:
  • Public Health
  • Medicine
  • Social Sciences
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Communications
  • Other health-related disciplines
• Recent graduates must have completed their degree within the last 18 months.
• Students should have completed at least three years of full-time study before the internship begins.
• Must have a good command of English (knowledge of another WHO official language is an advantage).
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to apply again.

Benefits of the Internship

Selected candidates will receive several benefits, including:

• Living allowance (stipend) to help cover daily expenses.
• Medical and accident insurance throughout the internship.
• Opportunity to work with global health experts and professionals from around the world.
• Exposure to international public health projects and policymaking.
• A valuable addition to the candidate's CV, enhancing future career prospects in international organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and public health agencies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official WHO Careers Portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the WHO Careers website.
2. Search for available Internship Position Vacancy Notices.
3. Create an online profile and complete the application form.
4. Upload your CV and educational details when required.
5. Submit the application before the deadline mentioned in the vacancy notice.

WHO has clarified that applicants are not required to submit supporting documents at the initial stage unless specifically requested during the selection process.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Indian Students

For Indian students aspiring to build careers with the United Nations, international organizations, or the global healthcare sector, the WHO Internship Programme offers invaluable international exposure. Working at WHO provides practical experience in public health policy, research, and global healthcare initiatives while opening doors to future opportunities in international institutions.

India has taken a significant step in the fight against dengue by approving its first dengue vaccine for public use. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted marketing authorization to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India's QDENGA (TAK-003) vaccine, paving the way for broader dengue prevention efforts in one of the world's most affected countries.

According to the company, the vaccine is approved for individuals between 4 and 60 years of age. One of its key features is that recipients do not need to undergo testing to determine whether they have previously been infected with dengue before receiving the vaccine. This eliminates the need for pre-vaccination screening and may simplify future vaccination programs.

The approval is based on Takeda's extensive global clinical development program, which included Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III clinical trials involving more than 28,000 participants across multiple countries. The company said the studies evaluated the vaccine's safety, immune response, and effectiveness against dengue infection.

QDENGA is administered as two doses, each containing 0.5 milliliters of vaccine delivered through a subcutaneous injection. The second dose is given three months after the first, completing the recommended vaccination schedule.

The vaccine was originally developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, but its availability in India is expected to receive a major boost through domestic manufacturing. Under the Make in India initiative, Takeda has partnered with Biological E, a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company, to manufacture the vaccine within the country.

Domestic production is expected to improve supply availability, reduce logistical challenges, and support faster distribution once the vaccine enters the commercial market. Local manufacturing may also contribute to greater affordability, although the company has not yet announced the final retail price.

Officials have indicated that after the vaccine's commercial launch, its safety and effectiveness will continue to be monitored during the initial months through post-marketing surveillance. Such monitoring is a standard regulatory practice that helps identify any rare adverse events while collecting additional real-world data.

India remains among the countries most heavily affected by dengue. The mosquito-borne viral disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when mosquito breeding increases significantly.

According to Takeda, all four dengue virus serotypes are circulating in different parts of India. Infection with one serotype provides immunity only against that specific type, meaning individuals can still become infected with one of the remaining serotypes in the future. Secondary infections have sometimes been associated with an increased risk of severe dengue, making comprehensive prevention strategies especially important.

The company stated that QDENGA was designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. This broad approach aims to strengthen dengue prevention efforts in regions where multiple serotypes circulate simultaneously.

Health experts emphasize that vaccination should complement, rather than replace, existing dengue prevention measures. Mosquito control, elimination of stagnant water, use of protective clothing, mosquito repellents, window screens, and public awareness campaigns remain essential components of dengue prevention.

The company also noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of QDENGA in regions where dengue represents a significant public health burden. WHO guidance supports introducing the vaccine into public immunization programs in appropriate settings without requiring routine pre-vaccination screening for previous dengue infection.

In addition to receiving regulatory approvals in multiple countries, QDENGA has also obtained WHO prequalification, indicating that it meets internationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. WHO prequalification also enables procurement by international organizations such as UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for eligible immunization programs.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti. Symptoms often include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. While many infections are mild, severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications requiring immediate medical attention.

More than 125 countries report dengue cases, making it one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Rapid urbanization, population growth, international travel, climate variability, and expanding mosquito habitats have all contributed to increasing transmission in recent decades.

According to Takeda, India accounts for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that combine vaccination, surveillance, vector control, early diagnosis, and timely medical treatment.

The approval of QDENGA represents a major milestone in India's public health landscape. While vaccination alone cannot eliminate dengue, it provides an important new preventive option that could complement existing disease-control measures. As domestic production begins and commercial availability expands, healthcare authorities will continue evaluating how the vaccine can be integrated into broader efforts aimed at reducing dengue-related illness and protecting vulnerable populations across the country.

The monsoon season brings an increased risk of food spoilage as high humidity and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses to multiply. Whether ordering groceries online or dining at a restaurant, consumers should stay alert to signs of unsafe food and know their legal rights if they receive expired or contaminated products.

Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of food safety. In one case, a consumer in Hyderabad was awarded ₹70,000 in compensation after receiving a packaged juice bottle containing visible mould. Separately, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to Swiggy Instamart following complaints about expired food items and improper storage practices.

Why Food Spoils Faster During Monsoon

Food can deteriorate quickly during the rainy season due to:

• High humidity and moisture
• Poor storage conditions
• Temperature fluctuations during transportation
• Damaged or tampered packaging
• Inadequate refrigeration
• Delayed deliveries
• Poor hygiene during food preparation

Experts warn that even sealed packaged food can become unsafe if it is not stored correctly.

How to Identify Spoiled Food

Consumers should avoid eating packaged food if they notice:

• Visible mould or fungus
• Swollen packets or bottles
• Broken safety seals
• Leakage
• Unusual colour
• Sour or foul smell
• Strange taste
• Gas formation inside the package

If any of these signs are present, the product should be discarded immediately.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

Consumers may be entitled to compensation if they receive:

• Expired food products
• Contaminated food containing fungus, insects or foreign objects
• Tampered or damaged packaging
• Food that causes food poisoning or illness
• Products for which the seller refuses a refund or replacement
• Unsafe food resulting in physical, emotional or financial loss

Apart from food safety, consumers can also seek legal relief in cases of overcharging above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), defective products, misleading advertisements or poor service.

How to File a Complaint

If the seller or delivery platform fails to resolve the issue, consumers can file a complaint through the government's e-Daakhil portal for consumer disputes.

Before filing a complaint, keep the following documents ready:

• Purchase bill or invoice
• Photographs of the spoiled product
• Product packaging
• Medical reports (if illness occurred)
• Copies of communication with the seller or platform

Consumers can also report food safety violations to FSSAI through its Food Safety Connect platform or state food safety authorities.

Consumer rights experts advise acting promptly, preserving evidence and avoiding consumption of suspicious food products to protect both health and legal claims.