Vanita Srivastava

On World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, experts say weak surveillance, underreporting, and gaps in trust are behind India's toughest last mile.

The long gap is not due to scientific setbacks but to evolving strategic goals shaped by economic and social challenges; it reflects shifting political priorities, shrinking funds, and a move towards long-term sustainability, writes Vanita Srivastava.

The AI chatbots should be used as a complementary resource for educating oneself on the health issue. It should, however, not be the decision maker on your health, writes Vanita Srivastava.

Although the AI tools are promising and have the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy and monitoring in asthma, experts caution that these tools need more testing. Most studies remain proof-of-concept, with limited external validation and little evidence of clinical impact, writes Science Writer Vanita Srivastava.

India can draw lessons from China's experience, particularly regulatory reforms that enabled a shift from generic-focused manufacturing to innovation, as well as efforts to strengthen the investment climate and attract highly skilled scientific talent, writes Vanita Srivastava, citing experts who recently analysed the geographic shift in global pharmaceutical research and development.

Thyroid disorders like other diseases have not caught the medical attention despite the fact that they are highly prevalent. A routine screening for thyroid is still not considered important and part of the health care structure especially in the rural areas.

Tobacco habits in India are largely specific to the region and form a large part of the tradition. Tailoring tobacco control policies for local areas in India may, therefore, provide substantial public health benefits, writes Vanita Srivastava.

The rise in India's ageing population is set to pose significant challenges for healthcare, the economy and society at large. It underscores the need for well-crafted policies tailored to address the needs and concerns of older adults. On World Population Day, Vanita Srivastava examines this silent demographic shift and why it should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers.

Despite the opening of the private sector, major challenges remain in the industry. Indian space startups continue to face funding gaps during scale-up stages, evolving procurement mechanisms and regulatory uncertainty, writes Vanita Srivastava.

Despite the opening of the private sector, major challenges remain in the industry. Indian space startups continue to face funding gaps during scale-up stages, evolving procurement mechanisms and regulatory uncertainty, writes Vanita Srivastava.