Category: Medical

Medical costs in India are seen to surge by 13.2% in 2025. Meanwhile, 2024 is projected to jump by 12.5%, amidst rising healthcare demand, higher pharmaceutical and medical technology costs, and broader economic conditions.

Insurers are likely to adjust premium rates to counter the impact of escalating medical costs and sustain profitability. For 2025, rates Last year saw 10.4%, according to WTW survey of insurers.

Asia-Pacific is also slated to rise by 12.3% in 2025, thanks to rising health service usage, escalating pharmacy costs, and the adoption of new medical technologies are driving the surge.

Medical inflation in India is projected to range between 10% and 15% in 2025, continuing the upward trend of recent years.

India continues to grapple with a high prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, along with a growing incidence of cancer in recent years.

Significant changes in cancer-related coverage were observed in 2024, with an increased emphasis on early detection, innovative treatments, and expanded insurance options.

A notable trend is the inclusion of genetic testing for cancer risk assessment in insurance policies for high-risk individuals, enabling early detection and personalised treatment planning.

This development reflects a shift toward more comprehensive and proactive healthcare solutions in the Indian market. Insurance Asia

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that it does not matter for medical reimbursement purposes whether a hospital is approved in life-or-death emergencies. The assertion came as Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri held an employee entitled to “balance amount of Rs 10 lakh”.

The issue before the Bench was whether the petitioner, admitted in an emergency condition for liver transplant to a Chennai hospital, was entitled to the grant of full medical reimbursement, even though the healthcare institution was “unapproved”.

Justice Puri was told that the petitioner, who was working as a Junior Engineer with the Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board, was initially under treatment at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi. An empanelled hospital, it was approved by the respondent board.

His daughter was identified as a donor, but was later deemed unfit for donation. As such, liver transplant could not take place at the New Delhi hospital. Subsequently, the petitioner sought a liver transplant at the Chennai hospital, where a compatible donor was available.

His counsel contended donors and the donees were put on a national portal for correlating their vitals for donation. He was informed by the Chennai hospital that a donor was compatible as far as the vitals and other medical conditions were concerned. As such, the petitioner had no option but to rush to the institute for transplantation.

“The facts suggest that the petitioner actually got treatment of liver transplant from Chennai, and he has been discharged from the hospital, and as per the counsel for the petitioner, he is medically well now,” Justice Puri observed.

The petitioner underwent the transplant under emergency conditions and sought full reimbursement of the treatment cost. The board contested the claim, citing its medical reimbursement policy, which restricted payments for treatments at unapproved hospitals.

The court noted that the petitioner acted diligently by initially seeking treatment at an approved hospital. However, the unavailability of a suitable donor compelled him to shift to an unapproved facility in an emergency to save his life.

“In the entire scenario, the petitioner, in order to save his life, had gone to the hospital at Chennai in an emergency condition, which is an unapproved hospital, for the purpose of liver transplantation and saved his life,” the court observed.

Citing previous rulings, the court asserted that “the law did not require prior permission in a situation where the survival of the person was the prime consideration.” The Tribune

One Health Assist has announced ambitious expansion milestones alongside a landmark revenue projection of ₹100 crore in its first year of operations. Focused on disrupting healthcare through its innovative online platform and offline ecosystem, One Health Assist has seamlessly integrated various wellness services, Health Locker, cutting-edge technology, personalized and preventive care facilities, and an extensive physical network, aiming to transform healthcare accessibility in India.

The company is redefining healthcare delivery by blending digital innovation with a robust network of 50 new physical stores, offering customers the convenience of online services with the trust of in-person interactions. Leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, AR/VR, and centralized inventory systems, One Health Assist provides a seamless, personalized, and holistic experience for its users.

These physical stores will be instrumental in achieving the company’s ambitious revenue targets, with a strategic focus on expanding into urban and semi-urban markets. This expansion unlocks new customer segments while driving incremental sales through a carefully crafted omnichannel approach that builds trust and delivers localized offerings tailored to regional preferences.

Kickstarting in Ahmedabad, this introduction of a franchise model further accelerates the company’s growth, enabling rapid market penetration with minimal capital investment. By collaborating with established franchisers, One Health Assist benefits from faster store launches, shared operational resources, and expanded customer reach in new markets. The company’s commitment to user feedback has led to innovations such as personalized subscription plans, preventive care solutions, and tailored wellness offerings, ensuring it consistently exceeds customer expectations.

Davinder Bhasin, Founder, One Health Assist said, “At One Health Assist, our mission is to make healthcare more accessible, reliable, and personalized for every individual. By combining cutting-edge technology with an expanding physical presence, we are setting new benchmarks in healthcare delivery. Achieving a revenue target of ₹100 crore in our first year reflects not only the trust our customers place in us but also the scalability and impact of our model. This growth is a testament to our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and creating a seamless ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern healthcare consumers.”

The opening of new offices in Hyderabad and Delhi reflects the company’s strategic intent to strengthen its operational capabilities and enhance market access. Hyderabad, with its rich pool of tech talent and cost-efficient operations, and Delhi, with its proximity to corporate hubs and government stakeholders, offer distinct advantages in driving the company’s growth.

On the technology front, One Health Assist continues to revolutionize the health-tech space with AI-driven insights, unified inventory systems, and AR/VR tools that enhance customer engagement. By connecting its digital platform with physical stores, the company enables real-time inventory updates, online-to-offline synergy, and personalized preventive care solutions. Features like click-and-collect, teleconsultations, and tailored wellness subscriptions further establish an integrated ecosystem designed to meet the evolving needs of India’s digital-first consumers.

Looking ahead, One Health Assist plans to expand its physical and digital footprint, integrate wearables and IoT for real-time health monitoring, and explore blockchain technology for secure data management. This vision positions the company to lead the transformation of healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric care in India. Passionate In Marketing

TiE Hyderabad is in discussions with AIG Hospitals to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This partnership aims to provide a robust platform for healthcare startups to scale and thrive through mentorship, funding, and strategic support, state TiE said in a release here on Thursday.
AIG Hospitals hosted the “AI in Healthcare” Conference at its premises, showcasing innovation and advancements in the healthcare domain.

As part of their AI Accelerator Program, AIG Hospitals evaluated over 50 startups and shortlisted 6 promising startups who had pitched at the event.

In a significant move to support healthcare innovation, TiE Hyderabad has selected one of these startups named Turocrates AI to mentor and nurture through its network of charter members.

TiE Hyderabad will also explore investing in the chosen startup will also receive via the TiE Angel Network, reinforcing TiE Hyderabad’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth. United News of India

Delhi health authorities have issued an advisory to prepare for potential health challenges linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses amid growing cases in China. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the fresh health scare called for “immediate attention from the Centre”.

On Sunday, top Delhi health official Vandana Bagga held a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to discuss readiness to manage respiratory illnesses.

Hospitals have been mandated to follow strict isolation protocols for suspected cases. The medical officer also directed hospitals and health acilities to maintain detailed records of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring.

They were advised to stock up on medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups, along with oxygen for treating mild cases.

The advisory follows reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China. However, updates from the IDSP, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate no significant surge in respiratory illnesses in India as of January 2, 2025, officials said.

In a tweet today, Aam Aadmi Party chief Kejriwal also said that it was crucial to contain such cases at an early stage “drawing from our experience” of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The outbreak of the HMPV virus calls for immediate attention from the Centre. Drawing from our experience with Covid, it’s crucial to contain such cases early and be prepared to tackle what could potentially become another health emergency,” he added.

Meanwhile, the advisory from the Delhi government came days after the Union Health Ministry said that there was no need to be alarmed and asked citizens to take regular precautions, like in the case of respiratory diseases.

What is HMPV?
The virus primarily targets the respiratory system, causing mild to severe infections. The transmission of the disease occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Even though they belong to different viral families, many have likened HMPV to Covid-19 virus as their symptoms are strikingly similar when it comes to its transmission and symptoms as well.

Like Covid, HMPV also targets the respiratory system. Like Covid, HMPV also affects immunocompromised individuals, children and adults.

HMPV typically causes symptoms resembling a common cold, such as cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat.

However, in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, the virus can lead to severe respiratory complications, requiring prompt medical attention. India Today

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ludhiana, has imposed ₹85,000 as penalty on Jain Multispeciality Hospital in Khanna for “overcharging” and providing “inadequate” treatment to a patient.

Complainant Surjit Singh, 61, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh, had stated that he was admitted to Jain Multispecialty Hospital on September 1, 2020, for treatment of uncontrolled blood sugar, pneumonitis and sepsis. He noted that despite undergoing treatment for 14 days, his condition worsened, prompting his transfer to another hospital in Zirakpur, where he was treated from September 14 to 17, 2020.

Singh complained that Jain Multispecialty Hospital charged him an “inflated” amount of ₹3,12,450 for treatment. He also pointed out an additional charge of ₹35,000, listed as extra charges, which he argued was unreasonable.

He contended that the treatment at Jain Multispecialty Hospital was inadequate, which forced him to spend ₹1,64,401 more at another hospital. This prompted him to seek a refund of the hospital charges, as well as compensation for the physical pain and mental agony he endured.

In its defence, the hospital denied any wrongdoing, stating that Singh received appropriate care during his stay. The hospital further explained that the ₹35,000 charge covered Covid-19-related safety equipment and additional services, deemed necessary at the time due to the pandemic.

After reviewing the case, the commission, led by Sanjeev Batra and member Monika Bhagat, concluded that ₹35,000 extra charge was unjustified. There was no evidence to suggest that Singh required Covid-specific treatment or tests. Additionally, despite high charges for room, medicine and professional services, the commission found that the extra charges lacked transparency and could not be justified by the hospital.

As a result, the commission invoked Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, ordering Jain Multispecialty Hospital to refund ₹35,000 extra charges to Singh, along with 8% annual interest from the date of payment. The hospital was also directed to pay ₹50,000 in compensation for the inconvenience caused. The hospital has been given 30 days to comply with the order. Hindustan Times

The global medical affairs outsourcing market, valued at $1.85b in 2024, is projected to reach $2.83b by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%, according to Research and Markets.

The sector’s expansion is attributed to the rising number of patent expirations, advancements in communication technologies, and the rapid development of the life sciences sector.

Moreover, the growing prevalence of infectious diseases has further driven the demand for medical affairs outsourcing to support enhanced interventions and disease management.

AI-driven platforms are being adopted to enable more efficient data management and analysis, streamline clinical trial processes, and ensure regulatory compliance.

“Companies are employing AI-driven platforms that generate valuable insights through data analytics to inform decision-making and refine medical affairs strategies,” the report said. Healthcare Asia Magazine

CMS Analysts have published a new analysis of healthcare costs, finding that healthcare inflation rose significantly in 2023, to 7.5 percent. Significantly, hospital cost inflation leaped from 3.2 percent in 2022 to 10.4 percent in 2023.

Analysts from the National Health Expenditure Accounts Team at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) late in December reported that overall U.S. healthcare inflation rose to 7.5 percent in 2023, rising considerably above the rate of 4.6 percent present in 2023, and that total U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.9 trillion. The team’s findings were reported in the January issue of Health Affairs, in an article entitled “National Health Expenditures In 2023: Faster Growth As Insurance Coverage And Utilization Increase.”

The analysts—Anne B. Martin, Micah Hartman, Benjamin Washington, and Aaron Catlin, write that “Health care spending in the US reached $4.9 trillion and increased 7.5 percent in 2023, growing from a rate of 4.6 percent in 2022. In 2023, the insured share of the population reached 92.5 percent, as enrollment in private health insurance increased at a strong rate for the second year in a row, and both private health insurance and Medicare spending grew faster than in 2022. For Medicaid, spending and enrollment growth slowed as the Covid-19 public health emergency ended. The health sector’s share of the economy in 2023 was 17.6 percent, which was similar to its share of 17.4 percent in 2022 but lower than in 2020 and 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. State and local governments accounted for a higher share of spending in 2023 than in 2022, while the federal government share was lower as Covid-19-related funding declined and federal Medicaid spending growth slowed.”

What’s more, the analysts write, “Overall economic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), increased 6.6 percent in 2023 after a period of volatility that included a 0.9 percent decline in 2020 followed by increases of 10.9 percent in 2021 and 9.8 percent in 2022 (exhibit 1). Despite the volatility in health care spending and GDP growth over the past few years, on average, their growth rates were similar during 2020–23, at 6.6 percent per year and 6.5 percent per year, respectively. Accordingly, health care spending as a share of GDP constituted 17.6 percent in 2023, similar to the 2019 share of 17.5 percent before the Covid-19 pandemic.”

What’s pushing the growth in spending? “The acceleration in health care spending growth (from 4.6 percent in 2022 to 7.5 percent in 2023) reflected growth in nonprice factors such as the use and intensity of services,” the analysts write. “When adjusted for health care price inflation (as measured by the National Health Expenditure deflator), real health care spending increased 4.4 percent in 2023—a higher rate than the increase of 1.4 percent for such spending in 2022 and higher than the growth rate of real GDP, which was 2.9 percent in 2023.”

And, they write, “Health care prices, as measured by the National Health Expenditure deflator, grew 3.0 percent in 2023 (exhibit 1), similar to the increase of 3.1 percent in 2022 and the average annual growth of 2.5 percent during 2020–22 but distinctly faster than the average rate of 1.4 percent for 2016–19.3 Economywide inflation, as measured by the GDP price index, grew 3.6 percent in 2023, which was a much slower rate than its increases of 4.5 percent in 2021 and 7.1 percent in 2022 (the fastest rate of growth since 1981).”

Among the factors involved was “Strong growth in private health insurance enrollment, which began in 2022, continued into 2023 and contributed to an increase in the insured share of the population, which reached 92.5 percent in 2023, up from 92.0 percent in 2022. Much of the growth in private health insurance enrollment was due to rapid growth in Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollment, which increased by 5.8 million people during 2020–23, primarily as a result of enhanced subsidies that were made available by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and renewed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.5 Although Medicaid enrollment experienced much slower growth in 2023, mainly because of states resuming the redetermination of Medicaid eligibility after the end of pandemic-era coverage protections (also referred to as “unwinding”), enrollment still remained high, at 91.7 million beneficiaries—or, on average, 15.5 million more than were enrolled in 2020.”

Meanwhile, “Among payers, the acceleration in overall health spending growth in 2023 was driven mostly by private health insurance spending, which increased 11.5 percent in 2023 compared with growth of 6.8 percent in 2022. Medicare spending also grew at a faster rate, increasing 8.1 percent in 2023, compared with growth of 6.4 percent in 2022. For both payers, this faster spending growth was attributable to hospital care services and retail prescription drugs (data not shown).8 For Medicaid, in contrast, growth in spending continued to be strong, but it slowed from 9.7 percent in 2022 to 7.9 percent in 2023 (exhibit 3). This deceleration was influenced by much slower growth in enrollment as the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision ended on March 31, 2023.”

Hospital, physician, and prescription drug costs seen sharply up.

“Among health care goods and services,” the CMS analysts note, “the acceleration in total national health spending growth in 2023 was primarily driven by faster growth in the three largest categories: hospital care, physician and clinical services, and retail prescription drugs. Hospital spending increased 10.4 percent in 2023, following much slower growth of 3.2 percent in 2022, and spending for physician and clinical services increased 7.4 percent in 2023, following growth of 4.6 percent in 2022 (exhibit 4). In both instances, the acceleration reflected an increase in nonprice factors, such as the use and intensity of services, after notably slower growth in 2022 (data not shown). Retail prescription drug spending also contributed to the acceleration, increasing 11.4 percent in 2023 from a rate of 7.8 percent in 2022 (exhibit 4), largely because of changes in the mix of drugs dispensed toward higher-cost, newer brand-name drugs10 and faster growth in retail prescription drug prices.” Innovation Group

Telangana Arogyasri Network Hospitals have warned the state government that they will stop providing services under the Arogyasri scheme from January 10 unless their pending dues are cleared. The hospitals are facing severe financial strain as they have not been paid for over a year.

The Telangana Arogyasri Network Hospitals Association (TANA) has informed the Arogyasri CEO about this issue, citing over Rs. 1000 crore in arrears, including dues from the Government Employees Health Scheme (EHS) and the Journalists Health Scheme (JHS). Hospitals say they can no longer continue Arogyasri services due to these financial problems.

The government has released Rs. 820 crore for Arogyasri treatments in the last year, but TANA claims that Rs. 672 crore of dues were left unpaid during the previous BRS government, and the situation has worsened since the Congress took power. While government hospitals have been paid first, private hospitals receive smaller payments, leading to increasing arrears.

The Health Department states that Rs. 40 crore was released recently, and the total outstanding dues are under Rs. 400 crore. However, hospitals insist they cannot continue without full payment. The Hans India