-The Times of India Cancer drugs, being the top focus for research and development, corner the lion's share of medicines launched globally, yet only a handful make it to developing countries like India. Only seven oncology drugs were introduced in India over five years (2010-2014), when nearly 50 breakthrough therapies were rolled out globally. The disparity in availability of oncology therapies becomes even more stark over a 10-year period (2006-2016), with not even...

-The Indian Express The rights-based approach departs from the ‘assurance-based approach’ of the new National Health Policy, which essentially perpetuates the status quo, explains The Indian Express. Since the time the Mental Health Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha in 2013, decriminalisation of suicide has been its calling card. However, the legislation travels beyond just that colonial era relic, assuming a rights-based approach to mental Healthcare, and creating circumstances for removal of...

-eSocialSciences.org The primary aim of the National Health Policy, 2017, is to inform, clarify, strengthen and prioritize the role of the Government in shaping health systems in all its dimensions -- investments in health, organization of Healthcare services, prevention of diseases and promotion of good health through cross sectoral actions, access to technologies, developing human resources, encouraging medical pluralism, building knowledge base, developing better financial protection strategies, strengthening regulation and health...

-The Hindu Business Line By trying to appear more women-friendly than is necessary, the law may deter industry from employing women altogether The amendment to the maternity Bill, long overdue, calls for some serious reconsideration due to its skewed philosophy. While the most prominent flaw is its emphasis on employees in the new-age services sector, there are several other shortcomings. What is wrong Firstly, the need for expansion of the existing benefit lacks scientific basis....

-The Hindu Business Line It should have considered universal basic income. But sadly, budgets are not seen as a means to meet socio-economic goals The Union Budget attracts considerable media hype and debate. Democracy, if understood as a contract between the state and its citizens, may have to use the budgetary process to ensure not only prosperity for all, but justice or fairness to the most disadvantaged among them as well. A rational...