Category: Medical

European medical technology companies are scaling back their optimistic growth projections for 2025 and 2026 as new US tariffs disrupt global supply chains, according to a study from international consultancy Horváth.

Just weeks ago, nine in ten executives from leading European MedTech firms were planning for earnings growth over the next two years, with 86% anticipating more than 5% growth in 2025 and 79% expecting similar gains in 2026. But shifting trade conditions are forcing a strategic reset.

“The US tariffs are now hindering suppliers’ business plans, even though about one-third of European MedTech companies have set up production sites in North America,” said Philipp Temmel, partner at Horváth and head of the study.

For companies still manufacturing primarily in Europe, regionalizing the supply chain and adapting production according to the “local for local” principle has become a top priority, Temmel said.

While niche players with highly specialized products are somewhat insulated from the impact—since US customers often have no domestic alternatives—broader industry trends point to challenges ahead. Many customers are delaying purchases, and tariff-related cost increases are pushing buyers toward lower-cost, mid-range products instead of premium offerings.

Temmel warned that companies’ financial flexibility, gained through recent cost-cutting measures, is at risk. “The financial room for maneuver that was created by consistently reducing costs and increasing efficiency was actually intended for necessary transformations and innovations,” he said. “However, it is likely to be needed to secure liquidity, given the drastic downward revision of sales plans.”

Even so, MedTech executives remain focused on the future. Cost optimization tops their 2025 priorities, followed closely by automation and artificial intelligence implementation, and organizational restructuring.

“This triad will shape 2025, with strategic topics taking a lower priority,” Temmel said. “In the area of digitalization and AI, companies must pay even more attention to investing in technologies that demonstrably contribute to value creation through use cases.”

Despite the turbulence, Horváth urges companies not to lose sight of long-term goals. “In the worst-case scenario, the current year will turn out to be a ‘lost year’ in terms of growth,” Temmel said. “However, the situation is so dynamic that companies shouldn’t be deterred. They should continue their digitization and relocalization programs regardless of the customs developments—and focus on their assets, such as excellent products and technological innovations.”

How tariffs are affecting the domestic MedTech industry
In 2025, the Trump administration’s tariff policies have significantly impacted the US medical technology industry, leading to increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and concerns over innovation and patient access.

A substantial portion of medical devices used in the US are manufactured abroad. Approximately 75% of US-marketed medical devices are produced outside the country, with 69% manufactured entirely overseas. Countries like China and Mexico are major suppliers, providing essential items ranging from surgical instruments to diagnostic equipment. The imposition of tariffs on imports from these nations has led to increased production costs for MedTech companies, which are often passed on to health care providers and patients.

Industry groups have expressed concerns about the broader implications of these tariffs. AdvaMed, a leading medical device trade association, warned that the tariffs could hinder research and development, lead to job losses, and raise health care costs. They noted that while certain medical devices were exempted from tariffs during Trump’s first term, the current policies lack such exemptions, exacerbating the industry’s challenges.

The American Hospital Association has also highlighted the potential for supply shortages, particularly for everyday medical supplies like needles, syringes, and blood pressure cuffs, which are critical for patient care. Disruptions in the supply of these items could interfere with surgeries and the diagnosis and monitoring of patients.

The tariffs have prompted MedTech companies to reevaluate their supply chains. Some are considering shifting production to countries with lower tariff rates or increasing domestic manufacturing. However, such transitions are complex and may not be feasible in the short term, potentially leading to further disruptions and increased costs. Medical Economics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva via videoconferencing. Addressing the gathering, he extended warm greetings to all attendees, highlighting this year’s theme, ‘One World for Health,’ and emphasized that it aligns with India’s vision for global health. He recalled his address at the 2023 World Health Assembly, where he had spoken about ‘One Earth, One Health.’ He remarked that the future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration.

Emphasizing that inclusion is at the core of India’s health reforms, Modi highlighted Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. The programme was recently expanded to cover all Indians above the age of 70 years. He noted India’s extensive network of thousands of health and wellness centers that facilitate early screening and detection of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. He also underlined the role of thousands of public pharmacies that provide high-quality medicines at significantly lower prices. Highlighting the role of technology in improving health outcomes, Modi underscored India’s digital initiatives like the digital platform that tracks the vaccination of pregnant women and children and the unique digital health identity system, which is helping integrate benefits, insurance, records, and information. He remarked that with telemedicine, no one is too far from a doctor. He highlighted India’s free telemedicine service, which has enabled over 340 million consultations. Reflecting on the positive impact of India’s health initiatives, he noted a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure. Simultaneously, he emphasized that Government Health Expenditure has increased considerably.

“The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable”, underlined the Prime Minister, highlighting that the Global South is particularly impacted by health challenges and stressed that India’s approach provides replicable, scalable, and sustainable models. He expressed India’s willingness to share its learnings and best practices with the world, especially with the Global South. Looking ahead to the 11th International Day of Yoga in June, the Prime Minister encouraged global participation. He highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ and extended an invitation to all countries, emphasizing India’s role as the birthplace of Yoga.

Modi extended his congratulations to the World Health Organization (WHO) and all member states on the successful negotiations of the INB treaty. He described it as a shared commitment to fighting future pandemics through greater global cooperation. He emphasized the importance of building a healthy planet while ensuring that no one is left behind. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister invoked a timeless prayer from the Vedas, he reflected on how, thousands of years ago, India’s sages prayed for a world where all would be healthy, happy, and free from disease. He expressed hope that this vision would unite the world.
NewsBit Bureau

The surging number of Covid-19 cases in southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong raised alarms in India, with health authorities conducting a review meeting and asserting that the situation in the nation was ‘under control’.

Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research and central government hospitals, held a review meeting on Monday under the chairpersonship of the director general of health services.

An official source, said, “The meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country’s large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required.”

However, the Union health ministry continues to proactively monitor the situation closely and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.

The rise in Covid-19 cases in southeast Asia are mostly triggered by the JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. As per the World Health Organisation, the JN.1 variant has around 30 mutations, and among them are LF.7 and NB.1.8, the two most common versions among the recently reported cases.

How many cases India has reported since May 12?
Covid cases in India: As per the data from the ministry of health and family welfare, India reported 164 cases since May 12. Kerala reported the highest number of cases at 69, followed by Maharashtra at 44 and Tamil Nadu at 34.

Karnataka reported 8 new cases of Covid-19, while Gujarat accounted for 6 and Delhi 3. Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim reported one new case each.

The ministry noted that the active cases in Kerala, however, was at 95, adding that “further reconciliation of mortality figures is ongoing”.

Currently, India has a total of 257 active cases of Covid-19. As many as 4,45,11,240 persons have been discharged and 5,33,666 deaths have been recorded, official data showed.

2 hospital deaths spark concern in Mumbai
The deaths of two Covid-19 patients at the civic-run KEM hospital in Mumbai sparked concerns over Covid-19. However, the hospital has clarified that the deaths were not related to coronavirus, but were due to co-morbidities.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had said in a statement that deaths of two Covid-infected patients, a 14-year-old girl and a woman aged 54, were reported at KEM hospital in Parel. However, hospital authorities said that they were due to serious diseases like nephrotic syndrome with hypocalcemic seizures and cancer.

BMC clarified that there was no need for people to panic. It further said that Covid-19 is now considered as an endemic and ongoing health problem and very few cases of the virus are being found.

“The Health Department of the BMC is constantly monitoring the spread of Covid-19. From January 2025 to April 2025, the number of Covid-19 patients has been found to be very low. But since the beginning of May, there have been some cases of Covid-19. However, the BMC administration is appealing to citizens not to panic in this regard,” the civic body’s statement read.

BMC also said that it has made arrangements for the treatment of Covid patients, such as earmarking special beds and rooms in the municipal hospitals in the city. The capacity will immediately be increased if deemed necessary, it added.

Covid cases in Singapore, Hong Kong
Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are reporting an uptick in Covid-19 cases, with authorities urging people to keep vigil and take precautions.

In a press release, the controller of Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection Edwin Tsui said, “After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of Covid-19 in every six to nine months. We expect the activity level of Covid-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks.”

As per Nation Thailand, there were 31 severe cases of Covid-19 in Hong Kong in the week ending May 3, which is a 12-month peak in such cases.

In Singapore, the ministry of health and the communicable diseases agency said that the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200 for the week of April 27 to May 3, rising from previous week’s figure of 11,100, the Straits Times reported.

Last week, Singapore’s health minister Ong Ye Kung had posted on Facebook that periodic Covid-19 waves are “expected throughout the year”.

Meanwhile, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency extended its seasonal Covid vaccination period last month by two months, i.e., until end of June. It advised people aged 65 and above to get inoculated with the JN.1 shot from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE.

Reportedly, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that positive test rates for Covid-19 in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4.

WHO votes in favour of global pandemic agreement
Amid the rising concern over Covid cases in Asia, members of the World Health Organisation voted in favour of a global pandemic agreement.

After Slovakia called for a vote on Monday, 124 countries voted in favour of the global treaty on improving pandemic preparedness.

“Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential,” said Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The draft addresses structural inequities on drugs and vaccines after lessons were learned following the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be formally adopted on Tuesday during a plenary session at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Hindustan Times

The Trump administration said Tuesday it will limit approval for seasonal Covid-19 shots to seniors and others at high risk pending more data on everyone else — raising questions about whether some people who want a vaccine this fall will be able to get one.

Top officials for the Food and Drug Administration laid out new standards for updated Covid shots, saying they’d continue to use a streamlined approach to make them available to adults 65 and older as well as children and younger adults with at least one high-risk health problem.

But the FDA framework, published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, urges companies to conduct large, lengthy studies before tweaked vaccines can be approved for healthier people. It’s a stark break from the previous federal policy recommending an annual Covid shot for all Americans six months and older. In the paper and a subsequent online webcast, the FDA’s top vaccine official said more than 100 million Americans still should qualify for what he termed a booster under the new guidance.

Dr Vinay Prasad described the new approach as a “reasonable compromise” that will allow vaccinations in high-risk groups to continue while generating new data about whether they still benefit healthier people.

“For many Americans we simply do not know the answer as to whether or not they should be getting the seventh or eighth or ninth or tenth Covid-19 booster,” said Prasad, who joined the FDA earlier this month. He previously spent more than a decade in academia, frequently criticizing the FDA’s handling of drug and vaccine approvals.

It’s unclear what the upcoming changes mean for people who may still want a fall Covid-19 shot but don’t clearly fit into one of the categories.

“Is the pharmacist going to determine if you’re in a high-risk group?” asked Dr Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available.”

The nation’s leading pediatrics group said FDA’s approach will limit options for parents and their children.

“If the vaccine were no longer available or covered by insurance, it will take the choice away from families who wish to protect their children from Covid-19, especially among families already facing barriers to care,” said Dr Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more than 47,000 Americans died from Covid-related causes last year. The virus was the underlying cause for two-thirds of those and it was a contributing factor for the rest. Among them were 231 children whose deaths were deemed Covid-related, 134 of them where the virus was the direct cause — numbers similar to yearly pediatric deaths from the flu.

The new FDA approach is the culmination of a series of recent steps under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scrutinizing the use of Covid shots and raising questions about the broader availability of vaccines. It was released two days ahead of the first meeting of FDA’s outside vaccine experts under Trump.

Last week the FDA granted full approval of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine but with major restrictions on who can get it — and Tuesday’s guidance mirrors those restrictions. The approval came after Trump appointees overruled FDA scientists’ earlier plans to approve the shot without restrictions.

Pfizer and Moderna, makers of the most commonly used Covid shots, each said they would continue to work with the agency.

For years, federal health officials have told most Americans to expect annual updates to Covid-19 vaccines, similar to the annual flu shot. Just like with flu vaccines, until now the FDA has approved updated Covid shots so long as they show as much immune protection as the previous year’s version.

But FDA’s new guidance appears to be the end of that approach, according to Prasad and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who co-authored the journal paper and joined the FDA webcast.

Prasad and Makary criticized the U.S.’s “one-size-fits-all,” contrasting it with some European countries that recommend boosters based on age, risk and other factors.

Prasad said the FDA will ask all manufacturers to do new clinical trials in healthy people ages 50 to 64, randomly assigning them to get a vaccine or a placebo and tracking outcomes with special attention to severe disease, hospitalization or death. Companies might need to repeat that requirement for future vaccine approvals if there’s a large virus mutation rather than the past year’s incremental evolution. Companies are also free to test their vaccines for approval in younger adults and children, Prasad said, adding “this is a free country.”

Since becoming the nation’s top health official in February, Kennedy has filled the FDA and other health agencies with outspoken critics of the government’s handling of Covid shots, including Makary and Prasad. Under federal procedures, the FDA releases new guidance in draft form and allows the public to comment before finalizing its plans. The publication of Tuesday’s policy in a medical journal is highly unusual and could run afoul of federal procedures, according to FDA experts.

Health experts say there are legitimate questions about how much everyone still benefits from yearly Covid vaccination or whether they should be recommended only for people at increased risk.

In June, an influential panel of advisers to the CDC is set to debate which vaccines should be recommended to which groups.

The FDA’s announcement appears to usurp that advisory panel’s job, Offit said. He added that CDC studies have made clear that booster doses do offer protection against mild to moderate illness for four to six months after the shot even in healthy people. The Associated Press

With India fast emerging as a leading destination for global healthcare seekers, Bengaluru is positioning itself as a future global hub for medical tourism, said Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka’s Minister of Medical Education, at the inauguration ceremony of SPARSH Group of Hospitals’ new 300-bed quaternary care facility at Hennur Road.

The event marked a significant leap in the city’s medical infrastructure and reinforced Karnataka’s vision of healthcare leadership.

The hospital was inaugurated by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Jagadguru Shri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswami of Suttur Math, Shri SS Mallikarjun, Minister of Mines & Geology and Horticulture, Shri Basavaraj Bommai, MP and Former Chief Minister, Justice Shivaraj V Patil, Former Supreme Court Judge, Dr Shamanur Shivashankarappa, MLA, and Shri BA Basavaraja, MLA, KR Puram.

“The world is looking at India—and Karnataka—as a healthcare destination,” said Dr Sharan Prakash Patil. “Our doctors are globally respected for their expertise and ethics. With Bengaluru’s technological ecosystem and the rise of cutting-edge facilities like SPARSH Hennur, we are creating the ideal environment for medical innovation and global patient care. We’re also working to establish platforms to attract international patients and create a robust medical tourism ecosystem.”

He added that Karnataka now has the highest number of medical seats in India, even ahead of Tamil Nadu, and is investing heavily in super-speciality hospitals and cancer centres across the state.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who inaugurated SPARSH Hospital on Hennur Road said, “Karnataka needs more hospitals and greater investment in the healthcare sector—not just in numbers, but in the quality of care we deliver. The focus must be on advanced, patient-centric services that can truly save lives. We are now seeing super-speciality services becoming a reality even in government hospitals, which is a big step forward.

“What’s encouraging is that cutting-edge technologies—like robotics, artificial intelligence, and next-generation medical equipment—are no longer confined to private institutions or big cities. With time, these technologies become more affordable and accessible, and that’s a huge advantage for public health. We must wholeheartedly welcome such innovations and continue to support the growth of world-class healthcare infrastructure across both public and private sectors,” he added.

The new SPARSH Hospital at Hennur Road is designed as a state-of-the-art quaternary care centre, offering specialities in orthopaedics, neurosciences, cardiac sciences, oncology, organ transplants, and a dedicated Women & Children’s Centre. The facility integrates robotic-assisted surgeries, AI-based diagnostics, 3D printing, and real-time analytics, offering a fusion of clinical excellence and digital innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman of SPARSH Group of Hospitals, emphasised the deeply personal vision behind this expansion. He said, “Hennur is a growing neighbourhood that lacked access to high-end healthcare. “My own experience navigating my father’s cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic made me realise how difficult it can be—even for those in the field—to bring everything together. That journey inspired me to make high-quality cancer treatment accessible to every family. SPARSH Hennur is our first dedicated step into cancer care, and we aim to extend the same excellence to every patient.”

Beyond medical care, the facility is expected to generate over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, strengthening the region’s economy. Built with patient-centric design and research-focused infrastructure, SPARSH Hennur also aims to become a hub for academic medicine and clinical innovation. The Statesman

US President Donald Trump’s administration cut cancer research funding by 31 percent in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a Senate report released Tuesday that accuses the White House of waging a “war on science.”

The analysis, commissioned by the leftwing Senator Bernie Sanders, found that at least $13.5 billion in health funding had been terminated as of April, including 1,660 grants, while thousands of scientific staff were fired.

Among the hardest hit was the National Cancer Institute, which lost more than $300 million from January to March compared to 2024, driving inflation-adjusted grant funding to its lowest level in over a decade. Its parent agency, the National Institutes of Health, lost $2.7 billion.

“Since January, Trump has launched an unprecedented, illegal and outrageous attack on science and scientists,” said Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

“Trump is not only denying scientific truth but actively seeking to undermine it.”

The Health and Human Services department, led by vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr, hit back.

“Senator Sanders’ claim of a ‘war on science’ is unequivocally false. The report released by his office today is a politically motivated distortion that undermines the thousands of dedicated public health professionals across HHS, who remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering results for the American people,” the department said on X.

Under Kennedy’s leadership, “HHS is streamlining programs, eliminating redundancies, and — above all else — prioritizing gold standard science,” it added.

‘Complete chaos’ 
The report, based on interviews with dozens of federal scientists and health workers, paints a picture of disarray across HHS.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 175 public health datasets were deleted, leaving doctors “without vetted guidance on how to treat patients,” one physician said.

A 43-year-old colorectal cancer patient, already treated with surgery, radiation, and 48 rounds of chemotherapy, said her participation in a T-cell therapy trial at the NIH was delayed due to staff shortages.

“The reality is that by reducing money and staff, the NIH will not be able to produce my treatment — and it might cost me my life,” she told Senate staff.

At the NIH Clinical Center, researchers described “complete chaos” after entire labs were dismissed. “This administration has a lot of blood on their hands,” said one. “We just want to take care of people.”

The report also highlighted the dangers of misinformation amid a growing measles outbreak, which has infected more than 1,000 people and killed three. Over 40 grants studying vaccine hesitancy have been canceled.

Meanwhile, Kennedy has hired vaccine conspiracy theorist David Geier, previously disciplined for practicing medicine without a license and testing unproven drugs on autistic children, to investigate an alleged connection between vaccines and autism, debunked by dozens of prior studies.

Even as Trump proposes a 26 percent cut to the HHS budget next year, he has earmarked $500 million for Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which targets nutrition, physical activity, and “over-reliance on medication.” AFP

US trade policy has seen notable changes recently, particularly with regard to import tariffs on countries such as China. Though these policies are usually justified by economic and geopolitical considerations, they also impact other areas, including the medical device industry and, more specifically, medical tourism. One growing outcome is how these tariffs are affecting medical tourism—the practice of traveling to another country to receive healthcare services. As medical expenses continue to climb in the US, a growing number of patients are looking overseas for more cost-effective treatment options, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The US has imposed steep tariffs on a range of medical products imported from China, including syringes and needles, rubber medical and surgical gloves, and facemasks. These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US.

In response to these rising costs, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica, which offer competitive pricing and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement surgery in the US can exceed $50,000, but the same procedure in India or Mexico can be performed for $8000-$12,000. As US healthcare providers face increased operational costs due to tariffs – especially on imported surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear – the price gap between domestic and international care continues to widen, creating a financial incentive for patients to consider treatment overseas.

Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behavior. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.”

US tariffs on medical imports are reshaping not only international trade relationships but also domestic healthcare economics. The direct result is an increase in the cost of medical care, which disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured populations. One of the most notable responses to these price pressures has been a rise in outbound medical tourism. Patients are seeking high-quality, affordable care in countries that are not impacted by these tariffs — a trend that is likely to continue if current trade and healthcare cost trajectories remain unchanged.

Murdoch concludes: “This dynamic highlights a deeper connection between global trade policy and patient access to care. As the US continues to adjust its economic strategy, it will be important for policymakers and healthcare leaders to consider the downstream impacts on medical accessibility, affordability, and patient behavior.” GlobalData

The India cardiovascular devices market is projected to grow from USD 2,075.98 million in 2024 to an estimated USD 4,580.91 million based on 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 9.2% from 2025 to 2032. This growth reflects a robust demand for advanced cardiovascular solutions across both public and private healthcare sectors.

Key market drivers include a growing elderly population, lifestyle changes leading to higher cardiovascular risks, and increasing access to health insurance and affordable care. The government’s focus on expanding healthcare coverage under initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the promotion of indigenous medical device manufacturing under the “Make in India” program are further enhancing market accessibility and affordability. Technological advancements, particularly in interventional cardiology and remote monitoring, continue to shape the market’s evolution.

Regionally, metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru lead in terms of cardiovascular device adoption due to higher awareness, better infrastructure, and specialized cardiac centers. However, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are witnessing rapid improvements in healthcare delivery, widening the market reach. Key players operating in the India cardiovascular devices market include Medtronic plc, Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific Corporation, GE HealthCare, and Philips India, all of which are actively expanding their product portfolios and local partnerships.

Market drivers
Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors
India is witnessing a sharp increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which has become a major public health concern. The burden of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure has surged due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and rising obesity rates. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases accounted for 27% of total deaths in India in 2016, making them the leading cause of mortality. Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that CVDs contribute significantly to the country’s disease burden. Urbanization has accelerated this trend, as it brings with it lifestyle transitions that elevate cardiovascular risk. This rising disease burden has spurred significant demand for a wide range of cardiovascular devices, including diagnostic equipment, interventional tools such as angioplasty catheters and stents, implantable devices like pacemakers and defibrillators, and monitoring solutions. The increasing incidence of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension further exacerbates cardiovascular risks, prompting early screening and continuous monitoring. As the disease pattern shifts toward non-communicable diseases, healthcare providers are adopting advanced cardiovascular technologies to manage patient outcomes effectively, thereby strengthening the market demand for innovative devices.

Government initiatives and growing healthcare infrastructure
The Indian government’s strategic focus on healthcare access and affordability has significantly boosted the cardiovascular devices market. Programs such as Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, have brought advanced cardiac treatments within reach for millions. For instance, the National Health Mission and the expansion of government-funded tertiary care hospitals are further strengthening infrastructure for non-communicable disease management. Simultaneously, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) supports the reimbursement of cardiac procedures, including surgeries and implants, thereby driving demand for devices. Moreover, government incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Make in India initiative have encouraged domestic manufacturing of medical devices, including cardiovascular solutions. This reduces reliance on imports and makes devices more accessible and cost-effective. Several state governments have also partnered with private healthcare players to expand diagnostic and interventional cardiology services in underserved regions. Collectively, these policy efforts and investments have not only enhanced the availability of cardiovascular care but have also fueled robust market growth for related devices.

Technological advancements and product innovation
Rapid technological advancements in cardiovascular diagnostics and therapeutics have revolutionized patient care and propelled market expansion in India. The development of minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), drug-eluting stents (DES), and image-guided interventions, has made complex cardiac treatments saf

The India malaria diagnostics market is projected to reach approximately USD 92.7 billion by 2034, rising from USD 59.2 billion in 2024. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during the forecast period. The expansion is driven by ongoing government initiatives, technology innovation in diagnostics, and rising public awareness. The Indian government’s efforts toward malaria elimination continue to boost demand for efficient diagnostic services. This includes early detection programs and wider availability of diagnostic infrastructure across public healthcare settings. These initiatives aim to reduce malaria-related morbidity and improve overall public health outcomes.

A key driver for this market is the continuous advancement in diagnostic technology. The availability of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has significantly improved the accuracy and speed of malaria detection. These tools are especially useful in remote and underserved areas, where laboratory access is limited. Portable RDTs have made timely diagnosis possible without the need for complex lab facilities. Moreover, the integration of digital diagnostic tools and mobile health solutions is supporting better monitoring and reporting. These innovations not only improve healthcare access but also enable faster treatment decisions, contributing to better disease control.

Public awareness and education efforts are also playing a significant role in boosting the malaria diagnostics market. Various campaigns by health departments and non-governmental organizations have emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prevention. As a result, more individuals are seeking testing when symptoms arise. Increased awareness has also led to better utilization of diagnostic resources at both urban and rural levels. This shift in healthcare-seeking behavior is helping to curb malaria transmission through earlier intervention and treatment.

International support further strengthens the malaria diagnostics infrastructure in India. Collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Fund, and other global health agencies have enabled access to technical expertise and funding. These partnerships assist in deploying best practices and ensuring the supply of advanced diagnostic kits. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives and training for health workers have improved diagnostic accuracy and reporting. Such support is essential in sustaining India’s long-term malaria control strategy.

The growth of the malaria diagnostics market in India is underpinned by strong government action, rapid technological progress, rising health awareness, and international cooperation. These combined efforts support India’s goal to eliminate malaria and improve disease surveillance. The diagnostics sector will continue to play a central role in this nationwide public health mission.

In conclusion, the India malaria diagnostics sector is growing steadily due to strong support from government programs, global partnerships, and new technologies. The use of rapid and digital diagnostic tools is helping reach more people, especially in rural and hard-to-access areas. Hospitals and mobile health units are playing a vital role in early detection and treatment. Awareness campaigns and education have encouraged more people to seek timely diagnosis, helping reduce the spread of the disease. Research institutions are also working to improve the accuracy and speed of testing methods. These combined efforts are making diagnostics a central part of India’s strategy to eliminate malaria and improve public health outcomes. Market.us

The US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, refused to say whether he would vaccinate his children if he had to choose today, and defended Republicans’ proposal to cut healthcare to fund tax cut extensions.

Kennedy’s back-to-back testimonies before House and Senate committees were his first appearances before lawmakers since his confirmation in February. The secretary was called to discuss Donald Trump’s proposed budget, which would impose disproportionately large cuts to scientific enterprises at the health department.

However, the most memorable exchange went to a deeper tension between Kennedy and his own department – his contradictory and at times inflammatory statements on vaccines.

“If you had a child today, would you vaccinate that child for measles?” began the Democratic congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin at the House appropriations committee hearing.

“For measles? Um, probably for measles,” said Kennedy, in one of the few hesitations of the hearing. “What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant … I don’t want to seem like I’m being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking advice, medical advice, from me.”

Vaccines are considered one of public health’s greatest victories, and the measles vaccine alone is estimated to have saved 90 million lives in five decades. The US is in the midst of the single worst measles outbreak since 2000. Three people, including two unvaccinated children, have died in Texas. Before heading the health department, Kennedy led arguably the most influential anti-vaccine campaign group in the nation.

Pocan went on to ask about chickenpox.

“Um, again, I don’t want to give advice,” Kennedy said, before commenting on shingles.

Pocan continued: “Polio?”

“Polio?” Kennedy said. “Again, I don’t want to be giving advice.”

The issued re-emerged in his afternoon testimony before the Senate committee on health, education, labor and pensions, where the Democrat Chris Murphy asked Kennedy if he would recommend the measles vaccine. The secretary demurred, prompting Murphy to say: “I think that’s really dangerous for the American public and for families.

“The secretary of health and human services is no longer recommending the measles vaccines,” Murphy said.

Kennedy’s hearing came at an exceptionally tumultuous period in America’s public health history. With help from the billionaire Elon Musk’s unofficial “department of government efficiency”, Kennedy has eliminated roughly 20,000 jobs, whole departments and expert public health labs. He has also in effect cut the federal biomedical and behavioral research budget by $2.7bn – including cancer research alone by 31% year-over-year – by failing to distribute or “impounding” funds.

Officially, the hearing was intended to investigate a White House budget proposal to cut tens of billions from the health department – slashing the federal government’s biomedical research arms in particular, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by 40%.

However, it also took bizarre turns – as when Kennedy asserted that agencies would soon be “phasing out most animal studies” in favor of using artificial intelligence. The organic chemist and drug discovery researcher Derek Lowe described Kennedy’s claim as “bullshit”. He said such advances, while promising, were “years” away.

The White House budget has come alongside Republicans formally unveiling a “big, beautiful bill” to extend tax cuts from President Trump’s first term by in effect cutting federal healthcare subsidies. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that an additional 13.7 million Americans could become uninsured if the proposal moves forward.

The bill proposes adding work requirements to Medicaid and ending a federal subsidy for individual insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as “Obamacare”. Medicaid covers about 71 million low-income, disabled and elderly Americans – making it the largest health insurance program in the nation. This is Trump’s first attempt to restrict healthcare since 2017, when an attempt to repeal the ACA was dramatically tanked from within his own party.

Some Republicans are already wary of the bill, warning that taking away healthcare was, in the Missouri Republican senator Josh Hawley’s words, “morally wrong and politically suicidal”. Advocacy groups have also rallied to oppose the cuts.

“These work requirements and reporting requirements are designed to kick people off Medicaid,” said Julie Nickson, director of federal relations at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “And that’s what they’ll do.”

Even as Kennedy has eviscerated departments and fired workers, the health department has released few official details of the “reorganization” other than to claim that it would eliminate “fraud, waste and abuse”. Kennedy continued that pattern on Wednesday, as he told lawmakers he could not answer detailed questions about changes he has imposed.

“I’m going to talk very, very broadly … We are under a court order yesterday afternoon not to do any more planning under the reorganization, and I have been advised by my attorneys not to talk about it,” Kennedy said.

Lawrence Gostin, a global health law professor at Georgetown Law School called Kennedy’s assertions that the court order barred him from answering questions “pure nonsense”.

“The Department of Justice may be advising the secretary not to discuss the litigation,” said Gostin. “But the secretary has a public duty to explain the reasoning behind the reorganization of his department and to show why it is in the public interest.”

In addition to enormous and often untold cuts, Kennedy has also reinstated programs – Democrats argued based on political favor. For the first time, Kennedy commented on reinstatement of two branches of the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (Niosh) and the World Trade Center Health Program.

The programs researched and monitored miners for pneumoconiosis, better known as black lung, ran the firefighters’ national cancer registry and, paid for the healthcare of victims of the September 11 attacks.

“I reinstated 328 employees at Niosh – about a little over a third of them were in Morgantown and a third in Cincinnati and the WTC group,” Kennedy told Republican Riley Moore about programs in West Virginia and Ohio respectively.

The Connecticut Democrat Rosa DeLauro said: “I don’t understand why Republicans get to call you to spare offices like Niosh … Is there a special phone number if I want to save tobacco prevention, lead poisoning?” The Guardian