CURRENT AFFAIRS

Recently, the foundation stone for the country's first medical colleges based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model has been laid in the tribal-dominated areas of Madhya Pradesh, transforming India's health infrastructure. This initiative will not only make medical education accessible but also improve the quality of health services in remote areas.

Since 1991, it has been established that folic acid supplementation by women before pregnancy can prevent more than 70% of spina bifida cases. Despite this, even after three decades, India remains one of the few countries where no concrete and widespread efforts have been made to increase public awareness about this effective measure. As a result, India continues to have one of the highest prevalence rates of spina bifida in the world.

India has crossed a major public health milestone, with 50,373 public health facilities across all States and Union Territories certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). This marks a significant leap in institutionalising quality, safety, and patient-centric care across the public healthcare system.

Recently, a new chapter in integrative medicine began with the release of the "Delhi Declaration" at the World Health Organization's (WHO) Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.

Health authorities in Australia, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States, have advised their citizens who received rabies vaccination in India to verify whether replacement doses are required, citing concerns over the circulation of counterfeit rabies vaccines.

The first 1,000 days of a child's life, i.e. from birth to about three years of age, determine his future physical, mental and social capabilities. During this time, the brain develops rapidly and nutrition lays its foundation. If there is a lack of nutrition and cognitive activities during this period, then the child's educational, social and mental capabilities can be permanently affected.

Chilean actor Sebastian Solorza, who suffers from Down Syndrome, is preparing to contest the presidential election.

In July 2025, Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister Majel Amparin Lyngdoh announced that the state is considering making pre-marital HIV/AIDS testing compulsory on the lines of Goa. The issue is not limited to health only, but also includes aspects like human rights, social stigma and personal freedom.

CLOVES Syndrome Awareness Day is observed every year on 3rd August.

A new blood group of the world was discovered in a 38-year-old woman of Kolar district of Karnataka, which was named 'CRIB'. This is being considered a historic achievement in hematology.