Lifestyle

Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Manipal Health Enterprises Limited on Friday reported a 13.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit for the second quarter of FY27, with profit falling to Rs 270 crore from Rs 311 crore a year earlier (Q2 FY26).

Despite the drop in profit, the healthcare major saw its revenue from operations rise sharply by 37.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 3,399 crore for the quarter ended September, compared to Rs 2,475 crore in the corresponding quarter last financial year, according to its stock exchange filing.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also posted healthy growth, increasing 29.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 872 crore, although the EBITDA margin narrowed to 26 per cent from 27 per cent in the prior-year period.

For the first half of FY27, Manipal Health's revenue increased by 37.7 per cent year-on-year to Rs 6,490 crore, and EBITDA grew 28.2 per cent to Rs 1,631 crore. Excluding a one-off gain in H1 FY26, EBITDA growth stood at 29.8 per cent, as per its regulatory filing.

The current consolidated results include the contribution from Sahyadri Hospitals, acquired in October 2025, which was not part of last year's numbers.

The company reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 285 crore for the quarter, with PAT excluding exceptional items standing at Rs 380 crore, up 21.6 per cent year-on-year.

Excluding post-tax interest from non-convertible debentures raised for the Sahyadri acquisition, PAT was Rs 455 crore, marking a 45.6 per cent increase.

Operating performance was buoyed by growth in both inpatient and outpatient volumes, which rose 35 per cent and 27.2 per cent year-on-year, respectively. Occupancy rates improved to 70.1 per cent, with the company operating an average capacity of 7,331 beds and an average length of stay of 2.8 days.

The company also expanded its licensed bed capacity to 13,440 with the opening of its Electronic City hospital in Bengaluru.

Shares of Manipal Health Enterprises Limited closed at Rs 680 on Friday, up 0.48 per cent on the BSE.

--IANS

pk

Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Natco Pharma Limited on Friday reported a sharp decline in its financial performance for the September quarter of the 2027 financial year (Q2 FY27), with net profit plummeting 60.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 203 crore.

This is a significant drop from the Rs 518 crore reported in the same quarter last financial year (Q2 FY26), according to its stock exchange filing.

The company’s revenue from operations also saw a substantial decline, falling 29 per cent to Rs 967 crore, compared to Rs 1,363 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

At the operating level, Natco Pharma’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped by 55.4 per cent to Rs 258.3 crore, down from Rs 579 crore a year earlier.

The EBITDA margin narrowed sharply to 26.7 per cent in the quarter under review, a decrease of 1,580 basis points from the 42.5 per cent margin reported last financial year.

Other income also declined, coming in at Rs 52 crore compared to Rs 100 crore in the same period of the previous year, according to its regualtory filing.

Following the release of the disappointing results, Natco Pharma shares came under pressure, falling as much as 3.60 per cent to an intra-day low of Rs 779.65. Although the stock recovered somewhat from its day’s lows, it continued to trade in negative territory. By last leg trading session, Natco Pharma shares were down 1.70 per cent at Rs 795.05.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the company at their meeting have declared second interim dividend of Rs 1.25 ( 62.50 per cent) each per equity share of Rs 2 each for the financial year 2026-27.

"The date for taking on record of its shareholders eligible for the purpose of payment of 2nd interim dividend i.e., record date is fixed as Thursday, 19th day of November, 2026. The payment of said interim dividend will start from 27th November, 2026," it said.

--IANS

pk

New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has directed strict monitoring of the implementation of Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, for which the reduced prices came into effect from November 9, an official statement said on Friday.

The latest revised price lists, based on submissions received from companies up to November 11, 2026, are available on the NPPA website and Pharma Sahi Daam app/portal. All manufacturers, retailers, dealers, stockists, hospitals and medical institutions have been directed to comply with the revised prices and prominently display the updated price lists at their premises and websites.

State Drug Controllers (SDCs) have been directed to strictly monitor compliance by manufacturers, dealers, hospitals and medical institutions to ensure that the benefits of the lower MRPs are passed on to patients. Any violation may attract overcharging proceedings under the provisions of DPCO, 2013, the statement said.

Complaints regarding overcharging, shortage or non-availability of medicines can be reported through the Pharma Sahi Daam app/portal, NPPA helpline or email. State Drug Controllers have been asked to submit their Action Taken Reports to NPPA by November 16, 2026, the statement added.

The Centre has introduced a 30 per cent cap on trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, aiming to reduce the prices patients pay for these drugs.

The NPPA, through an order issued on October 17, brought the medicines under the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) mechanism which caps the profits made on the sale of these drugs at 30 per cent. By November 9, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) for 121 of the 137 medicines, covering 1,366 stock-keeping units.

The highest reported price reduction was 96.45 per cent, while more than 650 formulations recorded MRP reductions of over 50 per cent. The largest number of reductions fell in the 50–75 per cent range.

The estimated savings for patients stand at Rs 3,541 crore. These savings have been calculated by comparing the original and revised prices and applying the difference to the sales volumes recorded between April 2025 and March 2026, according to an official statement.

The 30 per cent cap applies across the pharmaceutical supply chain, including retail and hospital pharmacies. It covers the listed medicines irrespective of their dosage or form, such as tablets and injections, and whether they are sold individually or in combinations.

--IANS

sps/na

New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) India has cut tuberculosis-related deaths by 38 per cent since 2015, beating the global average decline of 35 per cent, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The estimated TB mortality rate in India fell from 280 deaths per million people in 2015 to 180 deaths per million in 2025, the WHO said in its Global TB Report 2026.

However, India still accounted for 25 per cent of global TB cases in 2025.

Indonesia followed with 10 per cent, the Philippines 6.8 per cent, China 6.5 per cent, Pakistan 6.4 per cent, Nigeria 4.9 per cent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.9 per cent and Bangladesh 3.7 per cent.

The WHO said most people who develop TB are in 30 high-burden countries.

India also remains among four countries that accounted for more than 50 per cent of global multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB cases in 2025.

Apart from that, both the WHO and the government confirmed that MDR-TB incidence has been gradually declining.

India's TB profile would be separately reviewed and updated after it analyses district-level sentinel surveillance (DLSS) data with India's Central TB Division and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the WHO added.

"Following completion of this work, estimates of trends in TB incidence are expected to be updated in early 2027 after which WHO will publish an updated country profile for India," the WHO said.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said the fall in TB mortality highlighted India's strong performance in reducing TB-related deaths.

"A high treatment success rate of 94 per cent demonstrates the effectiveness of India's patient-centred approach, strengthened treatment delivery and sustained support for people affected by TB," according to the ministry.

More than 25 crore people have been brought under intensified screening through the Centre's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

Over 11 crore chest X-rays were conducted to strengthen early detection, according to the government.

“48.64 lakh new TB cases were identified, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases,” it added.

--IANS

ag/

Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Pharmaceutical major Alkem Laboratories on Thursday reported an 11.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 675 crore for the quarter ended September 2026 (Q2 FY27), even as strong growth in domestic and international businesses helped drive double-digit revenue expansion.

The company's consolidated net profit fell from Rs 765 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year (Q2 FY26), according to its stock exchange filing.

During the quarter, Alkem also recorded a one-time gain of Rs 35 crore. Revenue from operations rose 13.8 per cent to Rs 4,552 crore in Q2FY27 from Rs 4,001 crore a year earlier, supported by healthy growth across key markets.

At the operating level, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 11.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,025 crore, compared with Rs 921 crore in the year-ago period.

However, EBITDA margin narrowed to 22.5 per cent from 23 per cent a year ago.

The company's India business continued to remain its largest revenue contributor, with domestic sales rising 9.5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3,027.5 crore.

The domestic market accounted for 68 per cent of total sales during the quarter, compared with 70 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

According to IQVIA data, Alkem's domestic business grew 13.8 per cent during the quarter, largely in line with the Indian Pharmaceutical Market.

Its acute portfolio expanded 12.1 per cent, while the chronic segment grew 22.4 per cent, significantly outpacing market growth of 16 per cent.

The company also outperformed the broader market across several focus therapies, including vitamins, minerals and nutrition, pain management, anti-diabetic, cardiac, urology, respiratory, neuro/CNS and dermatology.

Alkem's international business delivered robust growth, with sales rising 22.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,454 crore.

US sales increased 2.4 per cent to Rs 783 crore despite continued pricing pressure, while non-US sales surged 58 per cent to Rs 671 crore. Excluding the impact of Occlutech, non-US business growth stood at 28.6 per cent.

--IANS

pk

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The Ministry of Ayush will observe the 9th National Naturopathy Day on November 18, 2026, under the theme "Prakrutik Chikitsa, Swasth Bharat", to strengthen the scientific foundation of naturopathy, an official statement said on Thursday.

The theme emphasises preventive and promotive healthcare through appropriate dietary practices, physical activity, yoga, stress management and other evidence-informed naturopathic approaches, the statement from Ministry of Ayush said.

The day is observed to promote awareness of naturopathy and its role in health promotion, disease prevention and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The event will be held at the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) in Nagamangala, Karnataka.

"Naturopathy in India is gradually moving beyond its traditional association with nature cure towards a more structured ecosystem of scientific research, clinical evaluation and preventive healthcare," the statement said.

It also seeks to strengthen public awareness about obesity prevention and lifestyle-related disorders, encouraging individuals and communities to adopt healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.

The observance aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Fit and Healthy India, emphasising preventive healthcare, healthy living and collective responsibility towards public well-being.

“Naturopathy encourages us to recognise the close relationship between lifestyle, nature and overall health. Our emphasis is on strengthening its scientific foundation through credible research, quality education and responsible integration with conventional healthcare,” said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

This approach can contribute to preventive healthcare while advancing the vision of a Fit and Healthy India, the statement noted.

The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) published various research papers in peer-reviewed journals during FY26, while five research councils under the ministry collectively published 653 papers.

The Council also has 22 units across India, reflecting its institutional presence in research, education and outreach, the statement noted.

—IANS

aar/pk

Guwahati, Nov 11 (IANS) In a significant milestone for advanced healthcare in Assam, the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has completed 100 complex Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) procedures under its Liver Transplant and HPB Programme, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

The achievement comes just weeks after GMCH performed the Northeast's first liver transplant in a government hospital, marking another step forward in the state's efforts to expand access to specialised and high-end medical care.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister said the 100 procedures included 64 liver and biliary surgeries, 17 pancreatic procedures, 12 spleen-related surgeries and seven other complex operations.

“Advanced care, right here at Assam,” Sarma said, congratulating the medical team behind the achievement.

According to the Chief Minister, the procedures involved high-complexity cases, including rare medical conditions, and were carried out under tight timelines.

HPB surgery is a highly specialised branch of medicine dealing with diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.

Such procedures often require specialised surgical expertise, advanced infrastructure and coordinated post-operative care, making their availability at a government medical institution a major development for patients requiring complex treatment.

The expansion of the Liver Transplant and HPB Programme at GMCH is expected to reduce the dependence of patients from Assam and other northeastern states on hospitals in metropolitan cities for advanced surgeries.

For years, patients requiring complex liver and pancreatic treatment have often had to travel outside the region, incurring significant expenses and facing delays in accessing specialised healthcare.

The latest milestone reflects Assam's broader push to strengthen tertiary healthcare infrastructure and bring advanced medical facilities closer to people in the Northeast.

Sarma said the successful completion of the procedures demonstrated the growing capabilities of GMCH's medical team and infrastructure, while extending his compliments to the doctors and healthcare professionals involved in the programme.

The development comes as the Assam government continues to focus on upgrading government hospitals and expanding access to specialised healthcare services across the state.

--IANS

tdr/dan

Patna, Nov 11 (IANS) Amid growing political activity in Bihar, Health Minister Nishant Kumar appears to have shifted into action mode, conducting surprise inspections of two Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) in Patna ahead of the Chhath festival.

He visited the Urban Primary Health Centre in Dariyapur, where he inspected the facilities and interacted with patients and residents to assess the availability of medicines, healthcare infrastructure and services.

During the interaction, several people raised concerns about healthcare facilities. Nishant Kumar heard their grievances and directed the officials concerned to take necessary action.

He subsequently visited the UPHC in Shastri Nagar, where he reviewed the available facilities, checked medicine stocks and sought feedback from patients about the quality of treatment.

The minister instructed officials to ensure that all essential facilities and medicines remain available at health centres and that no patient faces difficulty in accessing treatment.

He emphasised the need to improve healthcare delivery and address public grievances promptly.

Speaking during the inspections, Nishant Kumar said the government was continuously working to strengthen healthcare services in both rural and urban areas.

He said doctors were being deployed at health centres across the state and efforts were underway to ensure the availability of essential medicines. The government was also working to provide patients with necessary facilities at super-speciality hospitals, he added.

Officials of the Health Department are committed to improving healthcare services, he said.

The minister also reviewed preparations for providing medical assistance during the Chhath festival. He said the ghats had been inspected, including during a visit alongside Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and instructions had been issued to ensure adequate healthcare arrangements at all major locations.

Doctors, nurses and essential medicines will be deployed at the ghats so that devotees facing health emergencies can receive immediate medical attention.

Nishant Kumar said the department was working to ensure that healthcare facilities remained fully functional during the festival, from hospitals to Chhath ghats.

--IANS

ajk/dan

Colombo, Nov 11 (IANS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday reaffirmed India's readiness to share its expertise and best practices in healthcare with BIMSTEC member nations.

Addressing the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Sri Lanka's Colombo, Nadda highlighted India's progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure, and digital healthcare initiatives.

"Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda addressed the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, highlighting India’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure and digital healthcare initiatives," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a post on X.

"Emphasising regional solidarity, the Minister called for enhanced cooperation in health security, pandemic preparedness, One Health and traditional medicine, while reaffirming India’s readiness to share its expertise and best practices with BIMSTEC member nations," it added.

During the meeting, Nadda highlighted India’s commitment to hosting the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine in Gujarat's Jamnagar to promote joint research, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

"Guided by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, India remains committed to building a healthier, more inclusive and resilient BIMSTEC region," he said, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Nadda arrived in Colombo on Tuesday to participate in the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting and was received by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

He said that he looked forward to engaging with his counterparts from BIMSTEC member nations to strengthen regional health cooperation, advance shared public health priorities and foster greater collaboration in healthcare.

"Arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the historic first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting. Looking forward to engaging with my counterparts from BIMSTEC member nations to strengthen regional health cooperation, advance shared public health priorities and foster greater collaboration in healthcare," Nadda posted on X.

"Guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Neighbourhood First and Act East, India remains committed to building a healthier, more resilient and prosperous BIMSTEC region," he added.

--IANS

akl/vd

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The government on Wednesday proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for provisional registration of eligible allied and healthcare professionals, with clearly defined pathways for skill upgradation, competency assessment and transition to regular registration.

The proposed framework by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the Health Ministry, aims to bring greater uniformity, transparency and accountability to professional registration while creating structured opportunities for eligible practitioners to enhance their qualifications and competencies in accordance with prescribed standards.

A key feature of the proposed regulations is the establishment of a transparent and standardised mechanism for provisional registration of eligible allied and healthcare professionals, in accordance with the provisions of the NCAHP Act, 2021.

The framework provides for prescribed eligibility criteria, verification of credentials and clearly defined registration procedures, ensuring that professional recognition is aligned with statutory requirements and competency standards.

Notably, the proposed regulations also provide opportunities for eligible provisionally registered professionals to undertake prescribed bridge courses for skill enhancement, supervised clinical training and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable, to meet the requirements for regular registration.

“This competency-based approach seeks to promote continuous professional development, facilitate career progression and strengthen the quality of allied and healthcare services,” said an official statement.

The proposed framework also places emphasis on skill development, professional competence and regulatory accountability.

The NCAHP has invited public and stakeholder comments on the Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, by December 4.

The draft regulations envisage an integrated online registration system to streamline application submission, credential verification, eligibility assessment and issuance of provisional registration certificates.

Eligible professionals granted provisional registration would receive a Provisional Registration Unique Identification Number (PR UID), enabling systematic identification and regulatory oversight.

The digital mechanism aims to simplify registration procedures, improve accessibility and promote greater transparency, efficiency and uniformity across States and Union Territories.

—IANS

na/