Technology has always been a game-changer in medicine, driving progress through innovation and research. One of the most remarkable recent breakthroughs comes from Indian scientists at Christian Medical College, Vellore. They developed a novel gene therapy for haemophilia, a condition characterized by bleeding episodes due to low levels of clotting factors. In trials conducted among patients in Tamil Nadu, five individuals experienced no bleeding episodes for over a year after undergoing this treatment. Unlike traditional methods that require regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates, this therapy uses lentivirus to introduce corrected genes into patients' cells, offering promising outcomes. Unlike adenovirus-based therapies, lentivirus has a lower risk of triggering antibodies, making it a safer option for broader use.

Meanwhile, researchers at IIIT-Delhi developed AgeXtend, an AI-based platform that identifies age-defying molecules with unprecedented efficiency. Screening over 1.1 billion compounds in two years, the platform narrowed down potential molecules with geroprotective properties, significantly reducing research time. AI also continues to transform ophthalmology, with technologies like telemedicine and diagnostic tools becoming integral to the field. AIIMS and Wipro’s collaboration to establish an AI Health Innovation Hub in India highlights the growing role of AI in public healthcare.

Another significant milestone in Indian healthcare is the establishment of the nation’s first diabetes biobank in Chennai. Developed by ICMR and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, the biobank collects, processes, and stores biological samples to support medical research, particularly for non-communicable diseases like diabetes. This initiative promises to advance understanding and treatment of diabetes in India.

On the topic of lifestyle diseases, research from Chennai warns against the high carbohydrate content in packaged foods, posing risks for individuals with diabetes or predisposition to high blood sugar. Additionally, studies link sweetened beverages to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, while new findings reveal that paracetamol may cause side effects in the digestive tract, heart, and kidneys among older adults.

Global health also faces challenges. The WHO's recent report states that India accounted for half of all estimated malaria cases in the South-East Asia region in 2023, emphasizing the need for intensified efforts against the disease. In Europe, poliovirus was detected in wastewater in Spain, Germany, and Poland, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage.

Air quality in Delhi-NCR remains a pressing concern, with AQI levels breaching the 400-mark and entering the "severe" category again. Seasonal ailments and environmental factors continue to burden the region’s healthcare systems.

Healthcare infrastructure is also under scrutiny. A fire at a private hospital in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, led to six deaths and exposed lapses in safety protocols. Initial investigations revealed the cause as a short circuit, raising questions about the implementation of fire safety norms in healthcare facilities.

On a social note, the trend of home and water births in Tamil Nadu without skilled medical assistance raises concerns about maternal and newborn health. Simultaneously, the Karnataka Health Department has urged doctors to prioritize natural births to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections, focusing on safer delivery practices.

Lastly, issues of accessibility and trauma come to light. Denying access to restrooms for gender non-conforming individuals has serious health and psychological consequences. Trauma’s impact on brain function was also highlighted in a talk by Peter Choate, emphasizing the need for understanding and addressing its long-term effects.

As technology reshapes medicine, balancing innovation with accessibility and safety remains critical for a healthier future.