Global Health News in India: The Biggest Medical Advancements Today, 29 June 2025

India Leads in Child Health: A Global Exemplar

India's proactive approach to healthcare has significantly reduced the percentage of zero-dose children, positioning it as a global leader in child health. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of sustained immunization programs and collaborative efforts. This is particularly relevant to medical tourism as it highlights India's commitment to healthcare excellence and improved patient outcomes, which increases trust and confidence among international patients and partners.

The steady decline in mortality rates and expanded immunization coverage reflect India's dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions. For Healthtrip partners, understanding and communicating these advancements can enhance their service offerings and attract more patients seeking quality and affordable medical care.

Major Healthcare & Medical Advancements

India’s Percentage of Zero-Dose Children Declines, Recognized as Global Exemplar

India has significantly reduced the percentage of zero-dose children from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, showcasing its commitment to child health. The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) acknowledged India as a global leader in this domain. This achievement is attributed to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccination services to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually.

The effect of increased vaccination is clearly observable in reducing mortality and morbidity due to diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, and encephalitis. India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has also declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22, reflecting an 86% decline since 1990, compared to a global reduction of 48%. Moreover, the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has seen a 78% decline, surpassing the global reduction of 61%.

For medical tourism, this signifies India's robust healthcare infrastructure and commitment to preventive care. It provides an opportunity for Healthtrip partners to promote India as a safe and reliable destination for pediatric care and maternal health services.

Wellness & Preventive Healthcare Trends

Kerala Addresses Rising Cancer Incidence with Targeted Interventions

Kerala is facing a rising incidence of cancer, significantly above the national average, with 243 cases per lakh population in men and 219 in women, compared to the national average of 105 and 103, respectively. Oncologists and public health experts are advocating for targeted interventions to improve awareness of cancer risk factors and encourage early diagnosis. The Kerala Cancer Conclave recently addressed the need for prioritized cancer prevention programs integrated with primary healthcare delivery.

The leading cancers in men in Kerala are lung (14%), oral cavity (10%), colorectal (10%), prostate (9%), and liver (8%). In women, breast cancer accounts for 34% of all cancers, having increased 300-fold in the last 25 years, followed by thyroid (11%), colorectal (9%), and uterine cancer (6%).

This heightened cancer incidence in Kerala could drive demand for specialized oncology treatments, making it relevant for Healthtrip partners. Promoting awareness campaigns, early screening programs, and access to geriatric oncology services can be beneficial.

Partner Hospital Spotlight

Telangana to get dedicated PG Medical Center with 50 PG medical Seats in Husnabad

Telangana is set to establish a Postgraduate (PG) Medical Centre in Husnabad, offering 50 PG medical seats starting next academic year, announced Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha. This initiative aims to develop Husnabad into a regional healthcare hub, complete with a 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital and a 150-bed general hospital, combining for a 250-bed capacity in the town. The government has also established eight new medical colleges and 16 nursing colleges, with more planned in the coming weeks. The decision to grant the PG Centre to Husnabad aims to ensure balanced development in the region, supplementing existing medical colleges in Siddipet, Jagtial, and Karimnagar.

This development enhances the region's healthcare infrastructure, attracting more medical professionals and potentially improving the quality and accessibility of medical services, relevant for Healthtrip partners seeking to expand their network.

Industry Takeaways & Actionable Insights

• Focus on Preventive Care: Promote destinations like India and services that focus on preventive healthcare, particularly in child health and cancer screening.
• Highlight Expertise: Emphasize the expertise of healthcare providers in regions with advanced medical facilities and comprehensive healthcare programs.
• Partnerships: Leverage the expansion of healthcare infrastructure in regions like Telangana to build stronger partnerships with local hospitals and medical centers.

By focusing on these trends, Healthtrip partners can refine their offerings, enhance patient confidence, and capitalize on the growing demand for quality and affordable medical tourism solutions.