Kerala’s public health system stands as a shining example of excellence in India, setting a national benchmark through its innovative practices, inclusive policies, and commitment to healthcare equity.

Crisis Management Excellence

Kerala has consistently demonstrated its strength in managing public health emergencies. The state’s swift containment of outbreaks such as Nipah and Zika has been made possible by its highly trained medical teams and robust disease surveillance systems. A notable example is its remarkable performance during the national 100-day Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Campaign held from December 7, 2024, to March 7, 2025. Kerala was recognized as the top-performing state, receiving a national award and a certificate of appreciation from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The state screened 87,330 individuals, with 82% undergoing advanced molecular diagnostics like CB-NAAT and TrueNat, enabling the early detection and treatment of 5,588 TB cases. This intensified effort reflects Kerala’s ability to scale up responses quickly and efficiently when the situation demands.

Preventive Health and Community Outreach

Kerala’s approach goes beyond reactive measures—it actively focuses on prevention. During the TB campaign, the state mapped over 8.16 million high-risk individuals and conducted detailed testing for nearly 2 lakh symptomatic cases. It also increased the preventive TB examination rate from 1,500 to 2,201 per 100,000 population, underscoring the impact of strong public awareness campaigns. These efforts align with broader strategies under the Aardram Mission, which aims to transform primary health centres into family health centres, strengthening preventive and community-based care across the state.

Strategic Healthcare Investment

Reinforcing its long-term commitment to public health, Kerala’s 2025–26 budget allocates ₹10,431.73 crore to the health sector, including ₹2,915.49 crore for medical and public health—a ₹97.96 crore increase from the previous year. Over the past two and a half years, more than ₹6,788 crore in free medical care has benefited over 25 lakh people through initiatives like the Karunya Aarogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP). Looking ahead, the state is investing ₹50 crore to promote wellness and health tourism, along with major allocations for strengthening infrastructure: ₹80 crore for ambulance operations, ₹45 crore for cath labs, ₹13.98 crore for complete dialysis coverage, and ₹152.5 crore for cancer treatment. The state has also prioritized manpower development by expanding nursing education and supporting national health programs such as the NHM and PM-ABHIM.

A Model for Public Health Success

Kerala’s healthcare success is deeply rooted in real-time data monitoring, community engagement, and forward-thinking governance. With high life expectancy, low maternal and infant mortality rates, and a strong public health network, the state has created a sustainable and inclusive healthcare ecosystem. Its holistic model continues to inspire other regions in India, proving that with the right mix of vision, policy, and execution, quality healthcare for all is not just aspirational—it’s achievable.

Public health in India remains widely misunderstood, even among the educated. In my experience, many outside the healthcare field have little knowledge of how the system functions. If awareness is lacking among the educated, how can we expect the uneducated to be well-informed? This gap leads to delays in seeking care and inefficiencies in public health programs. While urban areas have improved, rural communities still struggle with cultural beliefs, mistrust in modern medicine, and a lack of structured health education, widening healthcare disparities.

India has historically hesitated in embracing modern healthcare, but awareness programs have gradually changed this. The National Malaria Eradication Program, Expanded Program on Immunization, and Pulse Polio Program all faced scepticism but succeeded through trust-building and outreach. These efforts highlight a crucial lesson—acceptability is just as important as accessibility in healthcare interventions.

While infrastructure gaps and workforce shortages hinder healthcare, I believe an overlooked challenge is acceptability. Dr. Raj Shankar, in his podcast Badlav for Better, described public health as a “SAD” system—Supply, Access, and Demand. Yet, even when all three are addressed, reluctance driven by fear and misconceptions still blocks progress. There is much evidence of how distrust hinders public health efforts, making community engagement essential.

Programs like Dastak Abhiyan and Mission Indradhanush have shown that shifting perceptions is key to success. As India battles rising non-communicable diseases, ensuring the acceptability of preventive healthcare will be as vital as improving access. Public health isn’t just about hospitals or healthcare workers—it’s about changing mindsets, breaking misconceptions, and building trust. If acceptability isn’t addressed, we risk a system where care exists but isn’t effectively used. By bridging the awareness gap, we can create a healthcare system that is not only accessible but truly embraced.

Mental health is no longer a secondary issue—it is a growing public health emergency. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are rising, yet India’s fragile mental health infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Financial instability, isolation, and societal pressures have fuelled unprecedented stress levels, making this crisis an imminent risk.

With a population of over 1.4 billion, India is deeply affected. The National Mental Health Survey reports that 14% of the population suffers from mental health issues, yet less than a third receive care. Vulnerable groups, including migrant workers and marginalized communities, face additional barriers of stigma and exclusion. As per many studies, nearly 40% of Indian youth show signs of anxiety and depression, exacerbated by uncertainty and social pressures.

A major challenge is that many individuals don’t recognize that they need help or fear social stigma. Families often misunderstand the severity of mental health conditions, and even when they do, the high cost of therapy and medication remains a significant barrier. Despite the Mental Healthcare Act (2017) recognizing mental health as a fundamental right, the gap between policy and implementation leaves millions without essential care. The misconception that mental healthcare is a privilege for the wealthy further isolates those in need.

While anxiety and depression receive increasing attention, severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder remain poorly understood. Bipolar disorder, with its extreme mood swings, carries a high suicide risk, yet awareness remains low. Families face emotional and financial burdens, often avoiding discussions due to stigma. I believe early intervention is the key, as evidence suggests a genetic component in these disorders.

India’s mental healthcare system needs urgent strengthening. More professionals, affordable services, and integration into primary healthcare are critical—especially in rural areas. Expanding telehealth services like MANAS, incorporating mental health screenings in routine check-ups, and training community health workers can improve accessibility. Public campaigns must normalize mental healthcare, and schools, workplaces, and community centres should foster mental health literacy.

The time to act is now. Without immediate intervention, the consequences will be harmful. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to make mental healthcare accessible, affordable, and a priority. Addressing this crisis is an investment in societal well-being and future generations.

In a world battling pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, global cooperation is more critical than ever. The recent decision of United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) raises deep concerns, jeopardizing global health security and threatening crucial programs, especially in countries like India, where WHO-backed initiatives are vital for disease control, vaccination, and maternal and child health.

As we look at India’s healthcare system, WHO has been instrumental in providing funding, technical expertise, and global best practices. With the U.S. historically funding 18% of WHO’s budget, its exit creates a massive financial gap, compromising essential health programs worldwide. Experts like Dr. K. Srinath Reddy and former Union Health Secretary CK Mishra warn of severe setbacks in vaccine development and disease control. India's tuberculosis (TB) burden which is 26% of the global total relies heavily on WHO support for the DOTS strategy and multi-drug-resistant TB management. A funding cut could slow research, restrict access to medicines, and undo hard-won progress. Similarly, WHO’s role in India’s immunization efforts, including the introduction of the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, could face delays, leaving millions vulnerable.

Beyond infectious diseases, WHO has been instrumental in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease through tobacco control, hypertension screening, and mental health awareness. Reduced funding could exacerbate these growing health threats. WHO’s emergency response capacity is critical in handling disease outbreaks and natural disasters—would also be severely weakened.

I am not alone in my concerns, Global health leaders, including Dr. Tom Frieden (President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives), warn that this move weakens global pandemic preparedness and diminishes the U.S.'s influence on health policy. Partners In Health (PIH) has also raised alarms, highlighting the threat to millions of lives worldwide. WHO has already stated that $1.5 billion is urgently needed in 2025 to address 42 ongoing health emergencies. Without U.S. funding, other donors, many of whom are already stretched thin, will be burdened.

History proves the power of global health cooperation; the eradication of smallpox was achieved through U.S.-Soviet collaboration under WHO’s leadership. Walking away now threatens to dismantle this foundation. As India navigates an evolving health landscape, strengthening domestic funding, forging new collaborations, and ensuring WHO remains a strong technical ally are critical. The U.S. withdrawal is a stark reminder of the fragility of global health partnerships. The world cannot afford to weaken WHO as protecting public health must remain a global priority.

When it comes to dental health, India has its own problems. More than half of Indians who have dental problems turn to unreliable sources or general guidance rather than seeking a licensed dentist, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In rural areas, access to quality dental treatment remains an acute issue, where there is only one dentist for every 50,000 to 2,50,000, depending on the specific region. Initiatives like the National Oral Health Program are being implemented to increase accessibility and raise awareness in order to close this gap.

The increasing percentage of people with dental problems is one of the main drivers for the growth of the Dental Industry. Around 2 billion individuals worldwide have cavities in their permanent teeth, and 514 million children have cavities in their primary teeth, according to the March 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report. Furthermore, dental misalignment or other oral health issues affect 60–80% of children. As a result, the market has advanced immensely due to the rise in demand for necessary dental supplies.

In addition to the health risks, untreated dental issues have a significant financial cost. Untreated oral diseases result in productivity loss, multiple work and school hours are lost due to emergency dental appointments. In order to mitigate these economic and societal effects, governments everywhere, including India—are now prioritizing preventative measures and advanced dental treatment.

Expanding Dental Consumables Market

The global dental consumables market is a massive industry and is experiencing steady growth at a rate of 8.0%. This rise is driven by increasing awareness of oral health, advancements in dental technology, and a growing demand for cosmetic and restorative procedures. In India, the dental consumables market is experiencing significant growth, estimated at USD 190 Million  in 2024 and expected to reach USD 350 Million by 2030. This rapid expansion is fueled by a rising patient base, improved accessibility to dental care, and increasing adoption of modern dental materials and techniques.

Group Practices Are Expanding While Solo Practices Decline

Dental practices are changing as a result of the transition from solo to group practices. In many regions, independent dental clinics are giving way to organized group practices, driven by economic and operational advantages. This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where increased awareness of oral health and changing patient expectations are fueling the growth of structured dental networks. With the evolving landscape of dental healthcare, the transition toward collaborative practice models is expected to gain further momentum in India as well, aligning with global industry trends.

Group practices are becoming more and more common because of pooled administrative expenses, improved technology availability, and operational savings. Group settings are becoming a more appealing alternative to solo practitioners due to growing financial strains and changing patient expectations.

Public Awareness and Government Initiatives Drive Growth

Growing awareness of oral health is another key driver of change in the dental industry. WHO's "Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023-2030)" highlights that 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, indicating the urgent need for preventive care and early intervention. Government initiatives, such as India's National Oral Health Program, aim to improve accessibility to dental care, especially in rural areas where the dentist-to-population ratio ranges from 1:50,000 to 1:2,50,000.

Despite increasing awareness, studies indicate that over 50% of Indians suffering from dental issues rely on unverified sources for treatment rather than seeking professional care. Bridging this gap through education and accessibility remains a priority for policymakers and healthcare providers.

The Rise of 3D Printing in Dentistry

3D printing is revolutionizing dental care by enabling the production of customized crowns, bridges, and aligners with high precision. The Indian custom-made crowns & bridges market is projected to grow significantly from 2024 to 2030, driven by advancements in dental technology, rising awareness about oral health, and increasing disposable incomes. The global market for custom-made crowns and bridges is estimated at 121.6 Billion USD in 2030. The Indian market for the same is expected to grow at a faster rate of 11.8% CAGR from USD 1.6 Billion in 2024 to USD 3.1 billion in 2030. The Indian Clear Aligner market, which is relatively underpenetrated, is expected to grow from USD 133.6 Million in 2023 at a much higher rate of 23.0% compared to the global market.

The ability to create personalized dental solutions in a fraction of the time has enhanced patient outcomes and reduced treatment durations. This technology is particularly beneficial in orthodontics and restorative dentistry, providing faster and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods.

Digital Marketing and Online Presence in Dentistry

The move toward digital marketing is changing how dental professionals connect with patients. Online consultations, patient education through social media, and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies are becoming essential for dental practices. Google reports that patients spend over two weeks researching before scheduling a dental appointment, highlighting the importance of a strong digital presence.

With patients becoming more proactive in their healthcare decisions, dental professionals who leverage digital platforms effectively can enhance engagement, build trust, and expand their practice reach. Educational content, virtual consultations, and targeted marketing are proving to be effective tools in modern dental care.

The dental sector has quickly evolved with these aforementioned trends and innovations. Looking ahead, we can expect even more progress in oral healthcare with investment in accessibility and new technologies.

Article Authored By:  Dr. Vikas Agarwal, CEO & Founder, Dentalkart

A cancer diagnosis in a child is overwhelming, but breakthroughs in medical science have significantly enhanced treatment success and survival rates, offering a ray of hope to many families. While childhood cancers are rare, certain types, like rhabdomyosarcoma, require early detection and specialized care. Awareness of its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options can make a crucial difference in terms of better outcomes and recovery.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the soft tissues, particularly in the muscles that attach to bones. It primarily affects children and adolescents, making up about 3-4% of all childhood cancers. Despite its rarity, RMS is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children, requiring early detection and specialized treatments.

What Causes Rhabdomyosarcoma?

Although the exact cause remains unclear, genetic mutations play a key role in its development, causing uncontrollable muscle cell growth and formation of malignant tumors. While most cases occur sporadically, certain genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1, may increase the risk of developing RMS.

There are two main types of RMS, each with different characteristics:

1️. Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS):

• Most common in children typically under 5 years old

• Usually found in the head, neck, bladder, or reproductive organs

• Responds well to treatment

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2️. Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS):

• More aggressive; often affecting older children and teenagers

• Commonly found in the arms, legs, chest, or trunk

• Requires intensive treatment due to its tendency to spread rapidly

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Symptoms of Rhabdomyosarcoma

RMS symptoms depend on the tumor's location, but common signs include:

• Painless swelling or a lump

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the affected area

• Bulging eyes or vision problems (if in the head or orbit)

• Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine (if in the bladder)

• Nasal congestion or nosebleeds (if in the sinuses or throat)

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Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

How Is Rhabdomyosarcoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing RMS involves a combination of imaging tests and biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its spread. Tests may include:

• MRI and CT scans to visualize the tumor

• Biopsy to examine the tumor cells under a microscope

• Bone marrow tests and PET scans to check if the cancer has spread

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Treatment Options for Rhabdomyosarcoma

Treatment for RMS is determined by the type, location, and stage of the cancer. The main treatment options include:

·       Surgery – To remove the tumor, if possible

·        Chemotherapy – A combination of drugs to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells

·        Radiation Therapy – Targeted radiation to destroy remaining cancer cells

·        Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy – Emerging options for advanced cases

With advancements in paediatric oncology, survival rates have improved significantly, especially when the cancer is detected early and treated aggressively.

Hope for the Future

While rhabdomyosarcoma remains a challenging diagnosis, ongoing research and clinical trials continue to improve treatment options. Early detection, access to specialized care, and advancements in therapy are increasing survival rates and giving children a fighting chance against this rare cancer.

If you notice unusual lumps, swelling, or persistent pain in a child, seeking medical attention can make all the difference. Awareness and early intervention remain the key to improving outcomes for children battling rhabdomyosarcoma.

Attributed to Dr Monika Bukhar, Paediatric Haematology Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur.