India Adopts WHO’s Updated Influenza Vaccination Guidelines, Experts Call for Wider Coverage

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India Aligns with Global Influenza Vaccination Shift, Experts Stress Preventive Action

WHO’s updated flu vaccine recommendation highlights urgent need to improve coverage in India

Bengaluru, August 23, 2025: Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries and affiliates, hereafter referred to as “Zydus”), a global innovation-led lifesciences company, hosted a health symposium in Bengaluru to discuss India’s alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) revised influenza vaccination guidelines for the Northern Hemisphere 2025–26 season.

Globally, influenza continues to be a serious public health challenge, claiming an estimated 400,000 respiratory and 300,000 additional lives annually. While nearly half of the population in the US and Europe is vaccinated against seasonal flu each year, India lags far behind, with coverage at less than 1.5%.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said:
“Prevention is the foundation of good health, and vaccines are central to protecting people and reducing the strain on healthcare systems. Influenza remains a recurring health concern, triggering seasonal outbreaks and complications among vulnerable groups. Timely vaccination is key to reducing infections, preventing severe disease, and safeguarding public health. At Zydus, we remain committed to advancing preventive healthcare and raising awareness on influenza vaccination.”

According to WHO’s latest recommendation, the B/Yamagata strain has not been detected globally since March 2020, making its inclusion in quadrivalent influenza vaccines unnecessary. The US CDC has already removed B/Yamagata from all influenza vaccines starting 2024–25, a move backed by global surveillance data to improve vaccine efficacy and production.

India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has also advised adopting the updated WHO-recommended strains to reduce the burden of influenza and influenza-like illnesses, which significantly affect infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

India faces influenza outbreaks year-round, with two major peaks during the monsoon and winter. Each year, the disease is estimated to cause around 127,000 deaths, of which 65% occur among people over 65 years, and 15–20% among children under five. Experts highlight the urgent need for annual vaccination of high-risk groups to lower mortality and disease severity.

As one of India’s leading flu vaccine manufacturers, Zydus has consistently promoted preventive healthcare and timely vaccination to protect vulnerable populations from influenza and related complications.

For more information, visit http://www.zyduslife.com

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“Cancer Can’t Wait” Bengaluru Hosts Best of ASCO 2025 to Advance Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection

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Cancer Can’t Wait: Best of ASCO 2025 Bengaluru Brings Global Breakthroughs to Indian Cancer Care

Bengaluru, August 23, 2025: Cutting-edge cancer research and innovations were brought closer to Indian patients today as the Best of ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting opened in Bengaluru. The two-day conference, officially licensed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and hosted by the Global Healthcare Academy (GHA), has gathered more than 500 oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore the latest advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

As India’s first Med Ed-tech platform dedicated to Continuing Medical Education (CME), GHA is working to connect global scientific progress with local healthcare needs. Through events like Best of ASCO, the academy ensures Indian doctors, students, and researchers gain timely access to breakthroughs that can transform patient care.

Awareness and Early Detection Take Center Stage

While discussions showcased innovations such as immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and CAR-T cell therapy, experts repeatedly emphasized that awareness, preventive choices, and early detection remain as powerful as advanced treatments.

In India, late-stage diagnosis continues to impact survival rates. Experts identified pollution, pesticide use, tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, and limited awareness of family history as key drivers of the country’s cancer burden.

Dr. B. S. Ajaikumar, Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) emphasized, “Cancer care in India must expand beyond treatment to include awareness, prevention, screening, and timely action. Early detection not only saves lives but also makes care more effective and affordable.”

Dr. Rakesh Jalali, Medical Director, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai said, “From proton therapy to genetic testing, science has given us powerful tools. But they matter only if combined with early diagnosis and proactive awareness. The first and strongest treatment is awareness.”


Power of Genetic Counselling

Oncologists urged families with multiple cancer cases, rare cancers, or early-age diagnoses to consider genetic counselling and testing. Experts stressed that genetic risk awareness is about empowerment, not fear, enabling families to act before cancers progress to advanced stages.

Apollo Hospitals’ Oncology Lead Consultant:
“Far too many patients in India present with advanced cancers that could have been caught earlier. Family history, genetic testing, and lifestyle changes are as vital as chemotherapy or surgery.”


A Shared Social Responsibility

Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, Professor & Head, Surgical Oncology, and Honorary Secretary, Indian Society of Oncology stressed, “Cancer is not just a medical condition but a societal challenge. From rural areas to urban centres, the message is simple—act early, get screened, and don’t ignore symptoms. Knowledge is the foundation of saving lives.”


Doctors highlighted that everyday steps—balanced diets, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and processed foods, and reducing chemical exposure—remain effective defences against long-term cancer risk.

GHA’s Mission in Cancer Education

Anitha Niranjan, Managing Director, Global Healthcare Academy said, “Hosting Best of ASCO 2025 reflects our mission to close the gap between global research and Indian practice. We are committed to developing advanced CME programs in genetic testing, immunotherapy, and precision oncology so that healthcare professionals can stay future-ready.”

Highlights from Best of ASCO 2025 Bengaluru

Advances in genetic testing and cancer screening improving survival rates.

Breakthrough treatments like immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy offering hope in advanced cancers.

Tackling India-specific challenges such as late diagnosis and limited rural access.

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“Walk In My Shoes” Campaign Brings Invisible Struggles of MS Patients to Light

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“Walk In My Shoes” Highlights the Hidden Struggles of People Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Roche Pharma India partners with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) for a nationwide awareness campaign

Bengaluru, August 22, 2025: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that impacts millions worldwide, including nearly 200,000 people in India. The disease disrupts the central nervous system, gradually stripping away the ability to perform even the simplest tasks—such as walking, cooking, bathing, or holding a child. While the burden is heavy, it often remains unseen, making everyday life an uphill battle for those affected.

In an effort to raise awareness and build empathy, Roche Pharma India, in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), has launched Walk In My Shoes – a public health initiative aimed at shining a light on the invisible challenges faced by MS patients.

“Step Into the Shoes of MS Patients“
The campaign features #WalkInMyShoes simulation zones in major cities, offering visitors a chance to experience what living with MS feels like. Through immersive setups, participants can understand four common symptoms of the condition—loss of balance, impaired motor function, blurred vision, and loss of sensitivity.

Bengaluru: Brookfield Ecospace Park, Bellandur (August 20–22)

Mumbai: Phoenix MarketCity, Kurla (August 22–24)

New Delhi: Select City Walk Mall, Saket (August 22–24)


These experiential zones serve as platforms for “learning through experience,” helping the public understand the day-to-day struggles that remain invisible to the eye.

“Knowledge at Your Fingertips“
The campaign also introduces http://www.walkinmyshoes.in, a comprehensive online knowledge hub that provides credible, medically verified information about MS. The platform aims to empower patients, caregivers, and the public with authentic resources to support timely diagnosis, treatment, and better disease management.


Rajji Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO – India & Neighbouring Markets, Roche Pharma emphasized, “At Roche, our responsibility extends beyond delivering medicines. Through #WalkInMyShoes, we aim to spark empathy, amplify patient voices, and inspire systemic change. Partnering with MSSI allows us to combine science with compassion to challenge stigma and foster an inclusive, patient-focused approach.”

Arun Mohan, Vice President, MSSI,said, “India’s MS ecosystem faces several challenges—from a lack of reliable prevalence data and limited insurance coverage to a shortage of specialists and absence of clear disability assessment guidelines. Early initiation of high efficacy therapies can significantly reduce the need for long-term care, easing pressure on the healthcare system. Walk In My Shoes is a strong step toward that goal.”

Dr. Pramod Krishnan, HOD, Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, stated, “MS treatment is entering a new era where personalized, high-efficacy therapies are replacing the one-size-fits-all approach. In India, delays in diagnosis and unequal access to care remain pressing barriers. Public health initiatives like #WalkInMyShoes are critical in raising awareness, building solidarity, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes for patients.”

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ವಾಲಿಬಾಲ್ ಕ್ರೀಡೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಣ್ಣುಮಕ್ಕಳ ಸಾಧನೆ – ಗೋಣಿತುಮಕೂರು ಜಿಎಸ್ಪಿಎಸ್ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಥಮ ಸ್ಥಾನ

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ದಬ್ಬೆಘಟ್ಟ ಹೋಬಳಿ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಕೂಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಬಾರಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಯನ್ನು ಮೆರೆದರು. ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ ವಾಲಿಬಾಲ್ ಪಂದ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಣ್ಣುಮಕ್ಕಳ ತಂಡ ಹೋರಾಟದ ಮನೋಭಾವದಿಂದ ಆಡುತ್ತಾ ದ್ವಿತೀಯ ಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ಪಡೆದು ಎಲ್ಲರ ಪ್ರಶಂಸೆಗೆ ಪಾತ್ರವಾಯಿತು.

ಇದೇ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಗೋಣಿತುಮಕೂರು ಜಿಎಸ್ಪಿಎಸ್ (ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ ಶಾಲೆ) ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ವಾಲಿಬಾಲ್ ವಿಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದ್ಭುತ ಆಟ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಥಮ ಬಹುಮಾನವನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮದಾಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಈ ಸಾಧನೆ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಹೆಗ್ಗಳಿಕೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು, ಪೋಷಕರು ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರು ಅವರ ಮೆಚ್ಚುಗೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಕೂಟಗಳು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಾತ್ಮಕ ಮನೋಭಾವ, ತಂಡಭಾವನೆ ಮತ್ತು ದೈಹಿಕ ತಾಕತ್ತನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ, ಅವರ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಪಾತ್ರ ವಹಿಸುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂಬ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯವನ್ನು ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಆಯೋಜಕರು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.

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ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿ–ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ ಇವಿ ಒಪ್ಪಂದ: ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಬಾಯ್ಸ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಫುಡ್‌ ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಎಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಿಕ್‌ ವಾಹನ ತಯಾರಕ ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ ಇವಿ ನಡುವೆ ಹೊಸ ಸಹಯೋಗ ಘೋಷಣೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದರಡಿ, ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿ ಮತ್ತು ಇನ್‌ಸ್ಟಾಮಾರ್ಟ್‌ ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಪಾಲುದಾರರಿಗೆ ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ ಇವಿ ಸ್ಕೂಟರ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸುವ ಅವಕಾಶ ಸಿಗಲಿದೆ.

ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿಯ ಹಿರಿಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸೌರವ್ ಗೋಯಲ್ ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತಾ,  “ಪ್ರಥಮ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮತ್ತು ದೆಹಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಂದಿನ ಮೂರು ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇವಿ ಸ್ಕೂಟರ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಅವು ವಿಶೇಷ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಬಾಯ್ಸ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗುತ್ತವೆ. ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ ವಾಹನಗಳ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ಹಾಗೂ ನಿಯೋಜನೆಗೆ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯಾಗಲಿದೆ” ಎಂದರು.

ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ನ ಸಹ-ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಿಇಒ ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದ ಹಲ್ಲೆಕೆರೆ ಯವರು, “ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿಯೊಂದಿಗಿನ ಪಾಲುದಾರಿಕೆ ನಮ್ಮಿಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ. ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಪಾಲುದಾರರಿಗೆ ಸುಲಭ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಇವಿ ಸ್ಕೂಟರ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಜೊತೆಗೆ ‘ಸ್ವಿಗ್ಗಿ ಬೌನ್ಸ್‌ ರಾಜಾ’ ಅಭಿಯಾನವನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೆ ತರುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆರ್ಡರ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಳಿಸುವ ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಬಾಯ್ಸ್‌ಗೆ ಉಚಿತ ಎಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಿಕ್‌ ಸ್ಕೂಟರ್‌ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಈ ಒಪ್ಪಂದವು ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಬಾಯ್ಸ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ನೆರವಾಗುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ, ಪರಿಸರ ಸ್ನೇಹಿ ಸಾರಿಗೆಯತ್ತ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಯ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಗುರಿಯಂತೆ, 2030ರೊಳಗೆ ಶೇಕಡಾ 100ರಷ್ಟು ಇವಿ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಬಳಕೆಯನ್ನು ಸಾಧಿಸುವ ದಿಶೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಯೋಜನೆ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪಾತ್ರವಹಿಸಲಿದೆ.

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