Holistic Healthcare Governance and Patient Rights: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

India's healthcare is shifting from a paternalistic, service-delivery model to a rights-based, standardized, and technologically-driven ecosystem. The tension lies between rapid infrastructure expansion (Ayushman Bharat, new medical colleges) and the necessity of stringent ethical/regulatory guardrails (SC's stem cell ruling, Nimesulide ban). This reflects a maturing state that seeks to balance universal access with scientific integrity and professional accountability.

Cross-Theme Insight

Together, these threads reveal that 'Right to Health' is no longer just an abstract judicial derivative of Article 21, but a multi-layered regulatory reality. While the Supreme Court adjudicates on the ethics of 'unproven' treatments like stem cell therapy for Autism, the Executive is building institutional capacity through the Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill and the NMC's prescription monitoring. The convergence of judicial ethics, legislative standardization, and scientific surveillance (AMR/TB sequencing) signifies an attempt to create a 'Viksit Bharat' healthcare architecture that is both safe and inclusive.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

While standard textbooks like Laxmikanth cite Article 21's expansion to include 'Right to Health' through cases like Vincent Panikurlangara (AIR 1987 SC 990), current reality shows the Judiciary moving from establishing the 'right' to regulating the 'quality' and 'ethics' of health (e.g., the 2026 ruling against stem cell therapy for ASD). Similarly, while NCERT Class VIII Science emphasizes individual antibiotic hygiene, the 2026 ICMR studies and the PM's 2025 'Mann Ki Baat' shift the focus to 'One Health'—addressing the gap between human antibiotic use and livestock residues as a systemic food safety crisis.

How This Theme Is Evolving

In 2025-26, the trajectory has moved from 'quantity' (increasing seats/colleges) to 'standardized quality' (unified professional frameworks and stipend parity). There is a distinct move toward 'precision public health,' evidenced by the DHR-ICMR TB genome sequencing and the development of indigenous monoclonal antibodies for Nipah virus.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Recent exams show a high frequency of Article 21 derivative rights (IAS 2024, nid:6215; NDA-II 2011, nid:9605). Public health schemes like Ayushman Bharat are tested on specific features (CDS 2020, nid:12700; IAS 2022, nid:6530). Multi-drug resistance (AMR) has been a recurring theme in IAS Prelims (2019, nid:6445), focusing on livestock and dosage—this aligns perfectly with the current ICMR data on gut microbiome reservoirs.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Provisions of the Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill, 2026 (excludes doctors/nurses)
• Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (power to ban drugs like Nimesulide)
• Features of Punjab's 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna' vs Ayushman Bharat (₹10L vs ₹5L cover)
• Scientific basis of 'Dare to Eradicate Drug-resistant TB' (Genome sequencing of 32,500 samples)
• Status of Hepatitis A and Malaria vaccines (R21/Matrix-M) in India's UIP

Mains Answer Framework

• The evolution of the 'Right to Health' in India is transitioning from judicial proclamation to institutional standardization, as seen in recent legislative and regulatory interventions in 2025-2026.
• Legislative Standardization: The Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill and NMC's prescription monitoring panels as tools for ensuring accountability.. Technological & Scientific Sovereignty: Indigenous monoclonal antibodies and TB genome sequencing as shifts toward evidence-based healthcare.. Ethical Guardrails: The Supreme Court's role in preventing 'medical pseudoscience' (Stem cell therapy for Autism) and defining reproductive autonomy.
• Achieving 'Viksit Bharat 2047' in health requires not just universal coverage but a 'Trust Ecosystem' backed by safety regulations and professional parity.

Essay Connections

• Ethics in Modern Science: Use the SC ruling on stem cell therapy for Autism to discuss why 'innovation' must be tethered to 'evidence.'
• The Invisible Pandemic (AMR): Use the PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' and ICMR studies to discuss how human-animal-environment health is interconnected.

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Begin with Laxmikanth's Fundamental Rights (Art 21) to understand the constitutional basis. Then, transition to NCERT Class VIII Science to grasp the basics of AMR. Finally, layer the current developments (NMC directives, Unified Bill 2026) to see how the static framework is being operationalized.

Textbook Roadmap

• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > p. 91. Thread 1 (SC interventions) & Thread 12 (Patient Rights). Table 8.6: Important cases expanding the scope of Article 21
• Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (2nd ed.) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > p. 427. Thread 5 (Public Health Access). Section on Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY features

Revision Bullets

• Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill 2026: Covers allied professionals, excluding doctors/nurses.
• Nimesulide Ban: Oral formulations >100mg banned under Section 26A of Drugs Act 1940.
• Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (Punjab): ₹10 lakh cashless cover for 65 lakh families.
• TB Project: 'Dare to Eradicate Drug-resistant TB' aims to sequence 32,500 samples.
• Malaria Vaccine: R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S deal by Gavi and UNICEF.
• NMC Directive: Sub-committees under DTC must monitor prescription practices in colleges.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (12 themes, 49 news items)

The Multidimensional Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Focus: Items detailing the prevalence, drivers (human vs. animal), specific drug-resistant strains (TB, Superbugs), and mitigation strategies for AMR in India.

UPSC Value: Provides a holistic view of the AMR crisis, linking human health, animal husbandry, food safety, and specific disease burdens like TB.

8 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-24 [Science & Technology] — Antibiotic Resistance in Humans and Livestock
  Studies by ICMR indicate that high resistance levels in humans are primarily driven by human antibiotic use, with minimal overlap of resistance genes with animals. A key concern is antibiotic residues in food, which persist in the gut microbiome and act as a reservoir for resistance.
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  UPSC Angle: Antibiotic Resistance in Humans and Livestock.

  Key Facts:

  • Antibiotic resistance
  • ICMR studies
  • Human antibiotic use (primary driver)
  • Antibiotic residues in food (key concern)
• 2026-01-08 [Science & Technology] — India's Battle against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
  Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to public health in India, with common infections increasingly showing resistance to standard antibiotics. The Prime Minister's reference to AMR in the December 2025 Mann Ki Baat broadcast marks a critical moment in India's fight against this growing crisis.
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  UPSC Angle: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to public health.

  Key Facts:

  • AMR poses a serious threat to public health in India.
  • ICMR data shows increasing trend of resistance for major antibiotics.
  • AMR caused 1.27 million direct deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths in total.
  • Lancet study projects AMR will cause 8.2 million deaths by 2050.
  • ICMR surveillance network collects data from designated centers.
• 2025-11-24 [Economy] — Food Safety Concerns in India
  India's food system faces a trust crisis due to contamination from pesticides, antibiotics, and fertilizers, along with food adulteration using deceptive labels. Weak enforcement of food safety laws and lax supervision by regulatory bodies contribute to these issues.
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  UPSC Angle: India's food system faces trust crisis due to contamination.

  Key Facts:

  • Food contamination through pesticides, antibiotics, and fertilizers
  • Food adulteration with deceptive labels
  • Weak enforcement of food safety laws
  • FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• 2025-11-23 [Science & Technology] — India's Superbug Surge
  A 2025 Lancet study found India recording the world's highest prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among patients undergoing a standard endoscopic procedure.
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  UPSC Angle: Lancet study: India has highest prevalence of MDROs after endoscopy.

  Key Facts:

  • India has the world's highest prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among patients undergoing a standard endoscopic procedure (2025 Lancet study).
• 2025-11-02 [Science & Technology] — Sulfadiazine Regulation
  Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, but its excessive use leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In India, it is a prescription medication for human use, with regulated application in food-producing animals and aquaculture.
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  UPSC Angle: Sulfadiazine is a prescription antibiotic, excessive use leads to AMR.

  Key Facts:

  • Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide antibiotic.
  • Excessive use leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Prescription medication in India for human use.
  • Regulated application in food-producing animals and aquaculture.
• 2025-10-19 [Science & Technology] — WHO Warns of Rising Antibiotic Resistance
  The WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report (2025) warns that 1 in 6 bacterial infections globally (2023) were resistant to antibiotics.
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  UPSC Angle: WHO warns of rising antibiotic resistance globally.

  Key Facts:

  • WHO
  • Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report (2025)
  • 1 in 6 bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics (2023)
• 2025-06-23 [Agriculture] — Insect-Based Livestock Feed to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
  Indian researchers and ICAR institutes are scaling up insect-based livestock feed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and lower the environmental impact of conventional animal farming. This feed, prepared from nutritious insect species like black soldier flies, crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers, provides a sustainable protein source for livestock and aquaculture. Nearly 700,000 people die of AMR every year.
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  UPSC Angle: Insect-Based Livestock Feed to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.

  Key Facts:

  • Insect-based livestock feed: Used to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
  • Insects used: Black soldier flies, crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers
  • ICAR: Involved in scaling up insect-based livestock feed
  • 700,000 deaths: Approximate annual deaths due to AMR
• 2025-03-25 [Science & Technology] — TB Genome Sequencing Project
  The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have launched a project named 'Dare to Eradicate Drug-resistant TB' ( डेयर टू एरा डीटीबी) to sequence the genomes of 32,500 TB patients' samples, with 10,000 samples already sequenced. The aim is to understand drug-resistant TB in India and identify its unique genomic characteristics, with a preliminary report indicating that 7% of samples show drug resistance. The project aims to complete sequencing by October 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: DBT, CSIR, ICMR launch 'Dare to Eradicate Drug-resistant TB'.

  Key Facts:

  • Project Name: Dare to Eradicate Drug-resistant TB ( डेयर टू एरा डीटीबी).
  • Participating Institutions: DBT, CSIR, ICMR.
  • Sample Size: 32,500 TB patients' samples.
  • Sequencing Progress: 10,000 samples sequenced.
  • Preliminary Report: 7% of samples show drug resistance.
  • Completion Target: October 2025.
  • 7% of TB samples are drug-resistant.
  • Most TB patients are between 18 and 45 years old.
  • Narendra Modi: Prime Minister
  • Year of PM's announcement to eliminate TB in India: 2018
  • India's TB elimination target: 2025
  • WHO's global TB elimination target: 2030

Supreme Court Interventions in Medical Ethics and Access

Focus: Judicial adjudication on specific medical treatments, definitions of health rights, and state accountability in healthcare administration.

UPSC Value: Illustrates the role of the Judiciary (Article 21) in filling gaps regarding medical negligence, treatment validity, and patient rights.

5 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-31 [Science & Technology] — Supreme Court on Stem Cell Therapy for Autism
  The Supreme Court ruled that stem cell "therapies" for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cannot be offered as a clinical treatment. This is due to the absence of established scientific evidence regarding their safety and efficacy.
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  UPSC Angle: SC: Stem cell therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder cannot be offered.

  Key Facts:

  • The Supreme Court ruled that stem cell “therapies” for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cannot be offered as a clinical treatment.
  • This is due to the absence of established scientific evidence regarding their safety and efficacy.
• 2025-12-18 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Addresses Kerala Clinical Establishments Act
  The Supreme Court has issued notice in a plea challenging the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018, and its rules. The Kerala Private Hospitals Association has approached the Apex Court, arguing that the Act does not define expressions such as 'fee rate' and 'package rate', leading to arbitrary enforcement.
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  UPSC Angle: Supreme Court addresses Kerala Clinical Establishments Act.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court issued notice
  • Challenging: Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018
  • Challenged by: Kerala Private Hospitals Association
  • Argument: Act does not define 'fee rate' and 'package rate', leading to arbitrary enforcement
• 2025-11-14 [Polity & Governance] — SC reserves verdict on plea seeking damages for deaths 'linked' to COVID vaccines
  The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a plea seeking compensation for deaths allegedly linked to COVID-19 vaccines. The case examines state accountability in public health ethics and compensation jurisprudence, connecting to the Right to Health (Article 21).
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  UPSC Angle: SC reserves verdict on plea seeking damages for deaths 'linked' to COVID vaccines.

  Key Facts:

  • Case: Plea seeking damages for deaths linked to COVID-19 vaccines
  • Court: Supreme Court of India
  • Related to: Right to Health (Article 21)
• 2025-11-07 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Reviews Surrogacy Act Definition of 'Infertility'
  The Supreme Court is reviewing the definition of 'infertility' in the ART and Surrogacy Acts, with petitioners arguing it should not be limited to primary infertility. They assert that reproductive choices are part of the right to privacy and the state should not interfere in personal reproductive decisions. A broader interpretation could uphold individual reproductive rights, facilitate equitable access to medical technology, and protect women from commercial exploitation.
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  UPSC Angle: Supreme Court reviews Surrogacy Act definition of 'infertility'.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court is reviewing the definition of 'infertility' in the ART and Surrogacy Acts.
  • Petitioners argue the definition should not be limited to primary infertility.
  • Advocate stresses that reproductive choices are part of the right to privacy.
• 2025-03-01 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court on Anti-Retroviral Therapy
  The Supreme Court directed all States to respond to concerns relating to periodic stockouts, transparency in tendering and procurement, and drug quality and certification processes of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). ART is a combination of medications that treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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  UPSC Angle: SC directs states on anti-retroviral therapy concerns.

  Key Facts:

  • SC directs states to address ART drug concerns
  • Concerns: stockouts, transparency, drug quality
  • ART: medications to treat HIV

Pharmaceutical Safety and Regulatory Control

Focus: Government interventions aimed at regulating drug safety, curbing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and ensuring rational medication use.

UPSC Value: Highlights the regulatory landscape of the pharmaceutical sector (GS2) and efforts to combat AMR (GS3).

5 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-01 [Polity & Governance] — Ban on Oral Nimesulide Formulations Above 100mg
  The government banned oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg due to potential risks to human health, particularly liver-related adverse effects, under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Safer alternative analgesics are available in the market.
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  UPSC Angle: Ban on oral Nimesulide formulations above 100mg due to health risks.

  Key Facts:

  • Ban on oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg
  • Reason: Risk to human health, particularly liver-related adverse effects
  • Ban imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• 2025-10-25 [Polity & Governance] — The Hindu Op-ed: Health rights of India's children
  The tragic deaths of 25 children in Madhya Pradesh due to contaminated cough syrup have reignited a critical debate on India's regulatory failure in child health and pharmaceutical safety. This exposes gaps in monitoring, quality control, and how India safeguards its youngest citizens' right to health. The emphasis must shift from blame to building robust regulatory architecture for the distribution of pediatric medicines.
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  UPSC Angle: Highlights regulatory failures in child health and pharmaceutical safety.

  Key Facts:

  • 25 children died in Madhya Pradesh due to contaminated cough syrup.
  • The pediatrician involved reportedly received a ₹2.54 lakh commission for prescribing the syrup.
• 2025-10-05 [Schemes & Programs] — Cough syrup directive by Health Ministry
  The Health Ministry has issued a directive regarding the rational use of medication, likely in response to concerns about cough syrup-related deaths.
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  UPSC Angle: Health Ministry issues directive regarding the rational use of medication.

  Key Facts:

  • Health Ministry
  • rational use of medication
• 2025-06-25 [Schemes & Programs] — India Restricts TB Drug Access
  To combat drug-resistant TB, India will restrict drugs like Bedaquiline and Delamanid to government programs. The DCGI mandates special labeling and usage as per STCI guidelines, and distribution will be limited to designated TB hospitals under the National TB Elimination Programme.
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  UPSC Angle: India restricts TB drug access to combat drug-resistant TB.

  Key Facts:

  • Action: Restricting access to TB drugs
  • Drugs restricted: Bedaquiline and Delamanid
  • Reason: To fight drug-resistant TB
  • Distribution: Limited to government programs and designated TB hospitals
  • Framework: National TB Elimination Programme
  • Mandate: Special labeling and usage as per STCI guidelines
• 2025-05-13 [Agriculture] — India Prohibits Key Antimicrobials in Aquaculture
  The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prohibited the use of several medically important antimicrobials in India's aquaculture sector to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The prohibition includes a range of antibiotics, antivirals, and antiprotozoals, aiming to protect public health and India's seafood export industry.
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  UPSC Angle: India prohibits key antimicrobials in aquaculture to combat AMR.

  Key Facts:

  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • antimicrobials
  • aquaculture
  • antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
  • antibiotics
  • antivirals
  • antiprotozoals

Standardization of Healthcare Education and Workforce

Focus: Legislative and policy measures specifically aimed at standardizing curricula, qualifications, and working conditions for medical and allied health professionals.

UPSC Value: Highlights the government's focus on professionalizing the health workforce and integrating diverse systems like Ayush into a unified global and national framework.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-07 [Polity & Governance] — Parliament Passes Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill
  The Indian Parliament recently passed the 'Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill, 2026', designed to create a comprehensive and standardized framework for the education, registration, and professional practice of various allied and healthcare professionals, excluding doctors and nurses who are covered by separate councils.
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  UPSC Angle: Parliament passes Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill, 2026.

  Key Facts:

  • Bill: Unified Healthcare Professionals Bill, 2026
  • Objective: Streamline regulations and establish a common framework for allied and healthcare professionals
  • Exclusions: Doctors and nurses
  • Purpose: Streamline regulations and establish a common framework for allied and healthcare professionals
• 2025-12-18 [Polity & Governance] — Health Ministry Urges Stipend Parity for MBBS Interns
  The Union Health Ministry has sent a reminder notice to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure stipend parity for MBBS interns in government and private medical colleges. The ministry is urging the NMC to incorporate changes in regulations related to stipend payments for undergraduate (UG) medical interns.
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  UPSC Angle: Health Ministry urges stipend parity for MBBS interns.

  Key Facts:

  • Union Health Ministry issued reminder to NMC
  • Purpose: Ensure stipend parity for MBBS interns
  • Applies to: Government and private medical colleges
  • Action: Incorporate changes in regulations related to stipend payments
• 2025-05-27 [Schemes & Programs] — India Partners with WHO to Mainstream Ayush Globally
  India signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to integrate Ayush into global healthcare standards. The agreement marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). This will ensure Ayush is recognized in globally standardized terms for billing, insurance, and clinical documentation.
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  UPSC Angle: India partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush into global healthcare.

  Key Facts:

  • Agreement signed to integrate: Ayush into global healthcare standards
  • Traditional Medicine module will be under: International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI)
  • Ayush therapies included: Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani
• 2025-04-24 [Schemes & Programs] — New Competency-Based Curricula Introduced for Healthcare Professions
  The Ministry has introduced new competency-based curricula for 10 healthcare professions. This initiative aims to align healthcare education with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, ensuring a more skilled and efficient workforce.
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  UPSC Angle: New competency-based curricula introduced for 10 healthcare professions.

  Key Facts:

  • Ministry introduces new competency-based curricula for 10 healthcare professions.

NMC Regulatory Oversight of Medical Institutions

Focus: Directives and guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to standardize clinical practices, institutional records, and academic admissions within medical colleges.

UPSC Value: Understanding the role of statutory bodies like the NMC in maintaining healthcare standards and educational quality.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-22 [Polity & Governance] — NMC Announces Online Applications for New Medical Colleges and UG Seat Increases
  The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that online applications are open for the establishment of new medical colleges intending to start Under Graduate (UG) courses and for increases in UG seats in established Medical Colleges with respect to the Academic Year 2026-27.
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  UPSC Angle: NMC announces online applications for new medical colleges and UG seat increases.

  Key Facts:

  • Organization: National Medical Commission (NMC)
  • Announcement: Online applications open
  • Purpose: Establishment of New Medical Colleges and Increase in UG Seats
  • Academic Year: 2026-27
  • Course: Under Graduate (UG)
• 2025-12-18 [Polity & Governance] — NMC Directs Medical Colleges to Set Up Prescription Monitoring Panels
  The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges across India to constitute Sub-Committees under the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) to monitor prescription practices. These subcommittees will ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and ethical standards, emphasizing legible prescribing.
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  UPSC Angle: NMC directs medical colleges to set up prescription monitoring panels.

  Key Facts:

  • National Medical Commission (NMC) directive
  • Action: Set up prescription monitoring panels
  • Panels under: Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC)
  • Purpose: Monitor prescription practices, ensure compliance with standards, emphasize legible prescribing
• 2025-07-28 [Polity & Governance] — NMC Mandates Authentic Patient Records & Regulates Live Surgeries
  On July 27, 2025, the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued directives regarding the maintenance of authentic patient records by medical colleges and guidelines to regulate the conduct and broadcast of live surgeries.
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  UPSC Angle: NMC mandates authentic patient records & regulates live surgeries.

  Key Facts:

  • NMC issued guidelines for medical colleges regarding patient records.
  • NMC issued guidelines to regulate live surgeries
• 2025-07-19 [Polity & Governance] — NMC Issues Guidelines for MBBS Admissions
  The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued interim guidelines on the assessment method for granting admission in MBBS Course for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Candidates for the Academic Year 2025-26.
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  UPSC Angle: NMC guidelines impact MBBS admissions for persons with benchmark disabilities.

  Key Facts:

  • NMC: National Medical Commission
  • Guidelines: Interim Guidelines on assessment method
  • Purpose: Granting admission in MBBS Course
  • Beneficiaries: PwBD Candidates
  • Academic Year: 2025-26

Scaling Vaccine Access and Public Health Integration

Focus: Policy initiatives, international agreements, and development efforts focused on integrating vaccines for high-burden diseases (Hepatitis A, Malaria, and HPV) into large-scale public health frameworks.

UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the evolution of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and the logistical challenges of public health delivery in India and globally.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-25 [Schemes & Programs] — Gavi, UNICEF Deal to Provide Easy Access to Malaria Vaccine
  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF announced a new agreement to increase global accessibility of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine. The deal expands access to RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines, focusing on high-burden African & Asian countries, ensuring predictable supply and lower cost.
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  UPSC Angle: Gavi, UNICEF deal to provide easy access to malaria vaccine.

  Key Facts:

  • R21/Matrix-M: Malaria vaccine, accessibility increased
  • UNICEF: Largest buyer of vaccines, delivering nearly three billion doses every year
  • WHO: Prequalified two malaria vaccines: R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S/AS01
• 2025-11-14 [Science & Technology] — Hepatitis A: Changing epidemiology and vaccine debate
  Hepatitis A is showing changing epidemiology with more adult infections, raising a debate on the cost-effectiveness and inclusion of its vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Outbreaks are linked to poor sanitation, and the Hepatitis A vaccine is currently not in UIP.
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  UPSC Angle: Changing epidemiology of Hepatitis A raises vaccine inclusion debate.

  Key Facts:

  • Hepatitis A showing changing epidemiology with more adult infections
  • Hepatitis A vaccine not currently in UIP
  • Rise in outbreaks linked to poor sanitation
• 2025-09-10 [Science & Technology] — Indigenous Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine AdFalciVax
  An indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, targets Plasmodium falciparum before it enters the bloodstream, aiming to block infection and reduce community transmission. The vaccine is designed to be affordable, stable, scalable, and provides protection for more than nine months, and its development involved ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research and the National Institute of Immunology.
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  UPSC Angle: AdFalciVax is an indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate.

  Key Facts:

  • AdFalciVax
  • Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine
  • Targets Plasmodium falciparum
  • ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research
  • National Institute of Immunology
• 2025-04-04 [Schemes & Programs] — India Intensifies Cervical Cancer Prevention Drive
  India is intensifying its efforts to prevent cervical cancer by training thousands of doctors across the country to spread awareness about the HPV vaccine, aiming to increase its accessibility and acceptance.
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  UPSC Angle: India intensifies cervical cancer prevention drive with HPV vaccine awareness.

  Key Facts:

  • India is training thousands of doctors to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine.
  • The goal is to make the vaccine more accessible and widely accepted.
  • India is training thousands of doctors to spread awareness about the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

DHR-ICMR Institutional Strengthening of Health Research

Focus: A series of strategic initiatives by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and ICMR to formalize research metrics, inter-agency collaboration, and public engagement.

UPSC Value: Demonstrates the evolving governance of India's biomedical research ecosystem through evidence-based policy-making and institutionalized innovation scales.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-13 [Polity & Governance] — Anupriya Patel at DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit
  Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivered the Keynote Address at the 2nd DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel
  • 2nd DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2025
• 2025-11-13 [Schemes & Programs] — NHA Renews MoU with DHR and ICMR
  NHA renews MoU with DHR and ICMR to strengthen evidence-based health-care decision making.
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  UPSC Angle: NHA, DHR, ICMR MoU aims to improve healthcare decision-making using evidence.

  Key Facts:

  • NHA renews MoU with DHR and ICMR
  • strengthen evidence-based health-care decision making
• 2025-09-21 [Science & Technology] — ICMR proposes IRIS to measure research impact
  The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed the Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS) to measure the impact of biomedical, public health, and allied research projects in units called publication-equivalents (PEs). IRIS aims to measure research impact, potentially shaping India's research ecosystem, and assign a research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal 1 PE, citation in policies or guidelines 10 PEs, a patent's impact 5 PEs, and a commercial device being used at scale 20 PEs. Concerns include skewed incentives, prioritization of commercial devices, and the need for transparency.
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  UPSC Angle: ICMR proposes IRIS to measure research impact in health sector.

  Key Facts:

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS)
  • publication-equivalents (PEs)
  • 1 PE for a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal
  • 10 PEs for a research paper cited in policies or guidelines
  • 5 PEs for a patent
  • 20 PEs for a commercial device being used at scale
• 2025-08-10 [Schemes & Programs] — S.H.I.N.E. Initiative
  The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organized a nationwide open day titled S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers). This initiative aims to ignite scientific curiosity, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of health researchers by introducing students to health and biomedical research.
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  UPSC Angle: S.H.I.N.E. initiative promotes science and health among young explorers.

  Key Facts:

  • S.H.I.N.E. stands for Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers
  • Organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Public Health Rights and Patient Protection

Focus: Initiatives and reports focused on the rights of patients, protection from non-scientific practices, and the expansion of Universal Health Coverage.

UPSC Value: Connects the concept of 'Right to Health' with concrete measures like anti-superstition laws and infrastructure missions.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-21 [Polity & Governance] — Lancet Report Sets Healthcare Guidelines for India
  A new Lancet Commission report charts a rights-based, citizen-centred roadmap for Universal Health Coverage in India, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047. It emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen India's public healthcare by integrating services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
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  UPSC Angle: Lancet report charts roadmap for Universal Health Coverage in India.

  Key Facts:

  • Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047
  • Promotes community participation, transparency and equity
• 2025-11-23 [Schemes & Programs] — Universal Health Coverage Efforts in India
  India has implemented transformative policies to improve healthcare access, equity, and outcomes, focusing on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Key initiatives include the Ayushman Bharat program, which provides equitable health coverage, especially for rural and economically weaker sections, and the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, launched on October 25, 2021, with a budget of ₹64,180 crore for 2021-26 to improve health infrastructure.
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  UPSC Angle: India focuses on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

  Key Facts:

  • Policy: Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
  • Program: Ayushman Bharat
  • Mission: PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
  • Launch Date: October 25, 2021
  • Budget: ₹64,180 crore for 2021-26
  • Accounts Created: More than 79 crore
  • Health facilities registered: More than four lakh
  • Healthcare professionals registered: More than six lakh
  • Health records linked: More than 67 crore
• 2025-03-14 [Polity & Governance] — Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act Passed
  The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024, has been passed to eradicate non-scientific healing methods and protect citizens from exploitation, defining 'evil practices' broadly, which raises concerns about potentially impacting traditional healing practices.
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  UPSC Angle: Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024 passed.

  Key Facts:

  • Act: Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024
  • Objective: Eradicate non-scientific healing methods
  • Concerns: Overreach and impact on traditional healing practices

Public Health Access and Coverage Initiatives

Focus: State and central government schemes focused on providing free medical treatment, insurance coverage, and guaranteed antenatal care services.

UPSC Value: Useful for comparing different models of public health delivery (insurance-based vs. service-guarantee) and federal cooperation in healthcare.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-05 [Schemes & Programs] — Punjab to Launch 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna'
  Punjab will launch the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna' on January 15, 2026, providing free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family for all 65 lakh families in the state. Any resident of Punjab with a valid Aadhaar card and voter ID can avail the benefits.
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  UPSC Angle: Punjab scheme providing ₹10 lakh cashless medical treatment per family.

  Key Facts:

  • Scheme name: Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna
  • Launch date: January 15, 2026
  • Benefit: Free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family
  • Beneficiaries: all 65 lakh families in Punjab
  • Eligibility: Valid Aadhaar card and voter ID
• 2025-06-09 [Schemes & Programs] — Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
  As of June 9, 2025, 6.19 crore pregnant women have been examined under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA). Launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the initiative provides assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care (ANC) services free of cost to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
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  UPSC Angle: 6.19 crore pregnant women examined under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.

  Key Facts:

  • Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
  • Launch Date: June 2016
  • Beneficiaries: 6.19 crore pregnant women examined
  • Objective: Provide free antenatal care (ANC) on the 9th of every month
  • Focus: Second and third trimesters of pregnancy
  • 6.19 crore pregnant women examined
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
  • Launched June 2016
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • Antenatal care (ANC) services
  • Free of cost
  • 9th of every month
  • Second and third trimesters
• 2025-04-07 [Schemes & Programs] — Delhi to Implement Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana
  The Delhi government has signed an MoU with the National Health Authority to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, making Delhi the 35th Union Territory/state to adopt this health insurance scheme. Ayushman Bharat, launched on September 23, 2018, aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to vulnerable sections of society.
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  UPSC Angle: Delhi implements Ayushman Bharat, becoming the 35th UT/state to adopt it.

  Key Facts:

  • Delhi: 35th Union Territory/state to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
  • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana launch date: September 23, 2018

ICMR's Surveillance and Response Infrastructure

Focus: Specific initiatives by the ICMR to expand pathogen monitoring (sewage, mobile labs) and develop biological countermeasures (antibodies).

UPSC Value: Highlights the institutional capacity building of India's apex medical research body in preparation for future outbreaks.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-03 [Science & Technology] — ICMR Pushes for Indigenous Monoclonal Antibodies Against Nipah Virus
  The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations and manufacturers for the development and production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Nipah viral disease. Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, with the Bangladesh clade (NiV-B) predominating in India and Bangladesh. The fatality rate varies between 40% and 75%, and the animal host reservoir is the fruit bat.
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  UPSC Angle: ICMR seeks indigenous monoclonal antibodies against Nipah virus.

  Key Facts:

  • ICMR invites EoI for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Nipah
  • Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen (Paramyxoviridae family)
  • Bangladesh clade (NiV-B) predominates in India and Bangladesh
  • Fatality rate: 40% - 75%
  • Animal host reservoir: Fruit bat
• 2025-10-04 [Science & Technology] — Environmental Surveillance Expansion Under ICMR
  Environmental Surveillance, which involves monitoring pathogens in sewage to predict outbreaks, is being expanded under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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  UPSC Angle: Environmental Surveillance expanded under ICMR to predict outbreaks.

  Key Facts:

  • Expansion of Environmental Surveillance under ICMR
  • Monitoring pathogens in sewage to predict outbreaks
• 2025-06-29 [Science & Technology] — ICMR Enhances Mobile Biosafety Laboratory Capacity
  The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is expanding its Mobile Biosafety level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory capacity to improve India's response to outbreaks and strengthen public health delivery. These mobile labs are also known as Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN).
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  UPSC Angle: ICMR enhances Mobile Biosafety level-3 laboratory capacity for outbreak response.

  Key Facts:

  • ICMR is adding to its Mobile Biosafety level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory capacity
  • Mobile labs are also known as Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN)

Modernization of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Infrastructure

Focus: These items focus on the modernization of specialized hospital units, the acquisition of advanced medical technology (such as linear accelerators), and the expansion of clinical education facilities in South Asia.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing public health policy, infrastructure development in the health sector, and regional cooperation in healthcare capacity building.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-11 [Polity & Governance] — Andhra Pradesh a Leader in Healthcare Services
  Andhra Pradesh is a leader in healthcare services and medical education, according to Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. A new medical college has become functional in the tribal area of Paderu, adding to the existing 34 medical colleges in the State. Post Graduate medical courses are now functional at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • S. Abdul Nazeer
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • NTR University of Health Sciences
  • Established in 1986
  • Paderu medical college in Alluri Sitharama Raju district
  • 34 existing medical colleges in the State
  • Post Graduate medical courses in Anaesthesiology, Radiation, and Oncology at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam
• 2025-09-10 [International Relations] — India to fund emergency unit and equipment at Mannar District General Hospital
  India will fund the establishment of an emergency unit and provide equipment at the Mannar District General Hospital in Sri Lanka.
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  UPSC Angle: India to fund emergency unit at Mannar District General Hospital, Sri Lanka.

  Key Facts:

  • India to fund emergency unit and equipment at Mannar District General Hospital
• 2025-08-30 [Science & Technology] — Plans underway to provide state-of-the-art linear accelerator machine to the cancer treatment unit
  Plans are underway to provide a state-of-the-art linear accelerator machine to the cancer treatment unit at the Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • A state-of-the-art linear accelerator machine is to be provided to the cancer treatment unit at the Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle

Evolution of Patient Rights and Medical Ethics in India

Focus: Legal and policy developments focused on the ethical treatment, dignity, and protection of patients within the Indian healthcare system, ranging from end-of-life care to protection from hospital exploitation.

UPSC Value: Relevant for GS Paper 2 (Health Policy and Governance) and GS Paper 4 (Medical Ethics), highlighting the shift toward a rights-based approach in Indian healthcare.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-07-03 [Polity & Governance] — Integrating Palliative Care into India's Healthcare
  An editorial emphasizes the need to integrate palliative care into India's healthcare system, addressing issues such as low funding, weak infrastructure, and lack of public awareness. It suggests building capacity through training, including palliative care in medical education, and supporting allied health professionals. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat should cover palliative care services.
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  UPSC Angle: Need to integrate palliative care into India's healthcare system.

  Key Facts:

  • India has 34.33 lakh registered nurses and 13 lakh allied health professionals who can provide palliative care with targeted training.
  • The 2017 National Health Policy included palliative care.
  • Schemes like Ayushman Bharat should cover palliative care services.
• 2025-03-17 [Polity & Governance] — Active Euthanasia Prohibited in India
  Active Euthanasia is prohibited in India while Passive Euthanasia is legalized under strict conditions.
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  UPSC Angle: Active euthanasia is prohibited, passive euthanasia is legal with conditions.

  Key Facts:

  • Active Euthanasia is prohibited
  • Passive Euthanasia is legalized under strict conditions
• 2025-03-05 [Science & Technology] — India's AI Safety Institute and Patient Protection
  India has established an AI Safety Institute, reflecting a commitment to responsible AI development and deployment. There is a perceived need to enhance measures to protect patients from potential exploitation by private hospitals, including concerns about unregulated medical billing and restrictions on purchasing medications from outside the hospital's own medical unit.
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  UPSC Angle: India has established an AI Safety Institute.

  Key Facts:

  • India's AI Safety Institute has been established.