Healthcare
Healthcare investors go for full-body check-up: Forensic due diligence rise as sector faces scrutiny
Investors are increasingly scrutinizing India's healthcare sector, including pharma companies and hospitals, due to concerns about potential malpractices and regulatory scrutiny. They are conducting in-depth due diligence, examining doctor-management relationships, referral practices, and the appropriateness of treatments. This heightened scrutiny is driven by negative consumer feedback and stricter regulations, prompting companies to enhance employee background screening.
India's anti-obesity drug market has grown more than fourfold in the last five years
India's anti-obesity drug market has surged, growing over fourfold in five years, reaching ₹576 crore by March 2025, driven by lifestyle diseases and increased affordability. Semaglutide, particularly Rybelsus from Novo Nordisk, dominates the market, accounting for 69% of sales. The introduction of Mounjaro by Eli Lilly has further fueled acceptance, with Novo Nordisk planning to launch Wegovy soon.
As Empagliflozin goes off patent, 71 copies of the key diabetes drug roll out in a month
Following the expiration of Empagliflozin's patent, the Indian pharmaceutical market has seen a surge, with 71 new brands and 17 companies introducing their versions. This influx has significantly increased sales, driven by prices that are 80-90% lower than the original. The increased affordability is expected to improve access for a wider population, with further market expansion anticipated.
PE firms bet on small-town hospitals for a growth shot
Non-metro locations, such as Lucknow , Vizag, Jaipur, Cochin, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar and Patna, private equity investors believe, hold great growth potential in healthcare, in lockstep with an increasing affordability quotient in tier- 2 or 3 towns, and a greater availability of qualified doctors and specialists.
Do health insurers get the benefit of charging higher policy premiums? Experts say there's more than meets the eye
India's health insurance sector is experiencing a paradox; while premium collections have soared by 20%, new policyholder growth lags at 5%. Rising premiums, linked to medical inflation and increased claim sizes, deter renewals and new sign-ups, complicating affordability and access.
Govt plans capacity building activities for frontline workers of HPV vaccination
The Union Health Ministry plans to initiate capacity-building activities for frontline workers administering the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer. Following recommendations, the Ministry is finalizing strategies for this initiative. India accounts for a significant portion of global cervical cancer cases, with the vaccines aimed at addressing this major health issue.
Indians are quitting the safety net of health insurance; GST and high premiums are only part of the problem
Rising health insurance premiums and frequent claim rejections have led more Indians to drop their coverage. Despite the introduction of GST and government schemes, escalating costs leave many struggling to afford insurance, prompting calls for regulatory reforms to stabilize healthcare expenses.
Kerala launches digital payment system, online services in govt hospitals
Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the introduction of digital payment systems in 313 government hospitals to facilitate various service fee transactions. This system, part of the e-health initiative, employs POS devices from State Bank of India and Canara Bank, and includes capabilities such as the M-Health app and QR code-based ticket booking.
Major blow! Trump slaps 27% tariff on medical device sector, industry on edge
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 27% reciprocal tariff on Indian medical device exports, challenging the sector's growth. Indian export figures stood at $714.38 million compared to $1,519.94 million in imports from the U.S., raising concerns over competitiveness and regulatory barriers.
Fortis healthcare buys disputed Fortis trademark for Rs 200 crore
Fortis Healthcare has acquired the Fortis trademark from its former promoters, the Singh brothers, for Rs. 200 crore through a court-sanctioned auction. The trademark was involved in a litigation case with Japan's Daiichi Sankyo. Fortis Healthcare, now owned by IHH Healthcare, operates a network of 26 hospitals nationwide.
