Telangana Declares Cancer Notifiable Disease: Mandatory Reporting to Map True Burden, Decentralize Care by 2030

SC Directs 19 States/UTs to Notify Cancer as Notifiable Disease for Early Detection; 17 States Already Complied

The Supreme Court has directed the 19 remaining states and Union Territories to declare cancer a 'notifiable disease' to ensure early detection and proper care, following a PIL that highlighted the failure of the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) which covers only 10% of the population. This is a crucial step for uniform cancer surveillance and aligns with the constitutional right to health under Article 21.

TN Launches Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme: ₹2,997 Cr Outlay, Free Cancer Care for 38 Lakh Seniors

Tamil Nadu has announced a major health push for its elderly population with the 'Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme', covering 38 lakh citizens aged 70+ with free treatment including cancer care and organ transplants. The Health Minister also announced 2,500 permanent nursing posts and a replacement of the 87-year-old Public Health Act. This is a high-yield news for prelims (scheme name, beneficiary count, budget) and mains (health governance, social welfare, state-specific policies).

TN Launches Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme for 38 Lakh Seniors, Replaces 1939 Public Health Act

Tamil Nadu has launched the Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme covering 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70+ with free advanced medical care, including cancer and organ transplants, with no income ceiling. The state also announced replacement of the 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, and a comprehensive free health check-up scheme for all aged 30+.

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.

Maharashtra ‘Super 100’: Free JEE/NEET Residential Coaching for 100 Rural Govt Students per District

Maharashtra plans a ‘Super 100’ residential coaching scheme in each district to give free JEE/NEET coaching to 100 high-performing students from rural government schools. Modelled on Anand Kumar’s Super 30, the initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural coaching gap and is under finance department approval.

FSSAI Safe Food Regulations 2020 Enforced in Maharashtra Schools; Junk Food Banned

Maharashtra's School Education Department has issued a to-do checklist enforcing the FSSAI's Safe Food and Balanced Diet for School Children Regulations 2020. All schools must ban junk food, ensure valid FSSAI licences for all food operators, and include nutritious items like fruits and pulses in menus. This is critical for understanding state-level food safety enforcement and child health governance.