Healthcare Advocacy Campaigns

💔Healthcare is a service, not a license to loot helpless patients.🙉🙈🙊 One injection. Actual MRP: ₹1300 Charged to the patient: ₹5100 And how? By hiding the original MRP with another box. The Health Ministry should conduct random surprise audits in private hospitals across the country. Any hospital found overcharging, hiding MRP, or exploiting patients must face strict action. Today, many families don’t just fight disease — they fight inflated bills, hidden charges, and financial pressure. A hospital earns trust when it saves lives, not when it turns emergencies into business opportunities. Under the Consumer Protection Act, charging above MRP is illegal — whether it’s a shop, pharmacy, or hospital. Always: ✔️ Check the MRP on medicines & injections ✔️ Ask for an itemized bill ✔️ Question suspicious charges ✔️ Report unethical practices to the National Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000 Awareness is the first step against exploitation. Patients deserve treatment with dignity, honesty, and fairness. #Healthcare #PatientRights #MedicalEthics #ConsumerRights #India #HospitalBilling #Accountability

A historic moment for India’s health: Health is now part of the school curriculum! Indian schools teach maths for 2925 hours. Indian schools teach history for 1575 hours. Indian schools teach geography for ~1200 hours. But Indian schools teach health for 0 hours. I’ve always believed that just the way we study history, geography, integration, and differentiation in schools, we need to teach health as a subject in schools. Today, that dream is finally coming true. Most Indians are obsessed with education. We push our children to crack IIT, become doctors, engineers, and toppers. But the problem is while Indians are very educated, we aren’t health literate. But all of this is going to change now. I visited the first school in Delhi, Lotus Valley International School Gurgaon , which adopted health as a curriculum and here is what I saw: -A teacher was talking to 7-8 year old students about the importance of protein. -Kids were pointing out misleading marketing claims on products like Kissan Ketchup. -During breaks, children were playing a health version of snakes and ladders, where nutritious foods were the ladder and junk food were the snakes. To see all of this inside a classroom felt surreal. Our dream is starting to come true! A big thank you to Pawan Agarwal and Food Future Foundation for leading this initiative on the ground. Health in the school curriculum is a crucial first step to a healthy India. I hope more schools, more states, and more parents join in on our mission. My mission is to make 140 crore Indians health literate and we’re finally starting off. 

“Across the country,” writes Olivia Walton, “mothers are dying at rates that would have shocked our grandmothers.” Walton, the founder and CEO of Ingeborg Investments and Ingeborg Initiatives, lays out a call to action to stop what she rightly calls a moral crisis.    The numbers are shocking: the U.S. maternal mortality rate has more than doubled over the past 40 years and is now two to three times higher than in Canada or England. Even worse, the CDC estimates that 84% of these deaths are preventable.   To lead the way in reversing those numbers, Heartland Forward’s Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice is publishing “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America” — a state-led strategy to cut U.S. maternal mortality in half in five years. As Walton points out, for most private employers, maternal health is often their top cost driver. "We can make birth safer while making it less expensive,” she writes. "The data says so." There are solutions out there that we know work. As Walton writes, “We have the evidence. We have proof that progress is possible. Now we need leaders, employers, health systems, and philanthropy to step forward. Healthy moms are the foundation of healthy families. And healthy families are the foundation of a strong Arkansas — and a stronger America.”   You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/dz9HpDbK

🌟 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! 🌟 Let's come together to raise awareness, share stories, and make our voices heard. With the right tools and support, we can make a difference. Join us in spreading the word and taking action today! In this pivotal month dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, it's crucial to empower ourselves with knowledge and action. Colorectal cancer, affecting the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer worldwide. However, with early detection and preventive measures, its impact can be significantly reduced. Here's how you can take charge of your health and reduce your risk: 1. Screening: Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies or stool tests, are vital for early detection of precancerous polyps or cancerous growths. These screenings can detect abnormalities before they progress, potentially saving lives. 2. Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These fiber-rich foods help maintain digestive health and lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Limit consumption of red and processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. 3. Exercise: Physical activity is not only beneficial for overall health but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to keep your body moving and lower your cancer risk. 4. Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Practice moderation and limit your alcohol intake to reduce your risk. 5. Quit Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for various cancers, including colorectal cancer. Take steps to quit smoking and protect your health. 6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, lowering your risk of cancer. 7. Know Your Family History: Understanding your family's medical history is essential. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain hereditary conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), speak with your healthcare provider about personalized screening recommendations. 8. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, including changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss. Early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial for effective treatment. By prioritizing preventive measures, raising awareness, and supporting research initiatives, we can make significant strides in the fight against colorectal cancer. Together, let's take proactive steps towards a healthier future. Remember, prevention is key, and every action counts! 💪 #colorectalcancerawareness #preventioniskey #medtronicemployee #medtronicproud #medtronic

The recent Labour Code update is a big milestone for India. For the first time, preventive health features prominently in our labour framework. Employers are now required to conduct annual health checkups for employees over 40. It’s a clear shift toward early detection and healthier workplaces. This may look like a compliance line item, but it signals something bigger: a change in how the country thinks about workforce health. It’s the government saying, don’t wait for disease; catch it early. While we work closely with India’s most progressive companies to make healthcare more accessible, it’s great to see the government leading the charge. At Plum, we’ve believed this for a long time. And we had to build a best-in-class product and experience. Traditional checkups were often shallow and generic, with long panels that told you very little. So we built clinically advanced screenings like ApoB, HsCRP, GGT and Homocysteine that surface risks years before symptoms appear. Prevention isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about identifying the one in three employees with high cholesterol, the one in four with fatty liver, and the many silent metabolic issues that become far more costly when discovered late. If this policy nudges organisations to invest in early detection for everyone, not just the 40+ group, we’ll see healthier and more productive teams across the country. We welcome this shift. It’s time India moved from reactive care to preventive care. If you’d like to understand what this change means for your organisation or how to stay compliant without adding operational load, happy to help.

It is the most random insights that click and help companies unlock better customer experience. This is something I have learned time and again while working with Policybazaar. So, interesting story - We noticed that the group health insurance claims were going very high for our customers. At first glance, this seemed normal. People get sick, accidents happen, right? But when we dug deeper, we found a pattern: a lot of these claims were coming in because people had no idea something was wrong until it was too late. I don’t know why, but for some reason getting routine medical checkups is not common in our country. A lot of us don’t know what is going on in our bodies. We might feel fine, but health issues like high cholesterol, blocked arteries, or a weakening heart don’t always come with a warning sign. By the time something serious happens—boom—an insurance claim. So, we thought, why not catch these issues before they turn into emergencies? That’s exactly what we do now, making it easier for companies to care for their people. Whether employees are working from home or in the office, we help them understand their health through annual checkups right at their workplace. We’ve partnered with health providers to run these checkups, and our team brings the doctors and support staff, ensuring employees get their results quickly and can take action if needed. Let’s look at an example to understand how this helps: Someone finds out during a regular checkup that their cholesterol is high, or maybe an ECG hints at a potential heart issue. With that knowledge, they can take simple steps. Maybe lifestyle changes, or medication - before things escalate into a situation where they’re in a hospital bed facing something as frightening as a heart attack. Prevention is, after all, far better than cure. It’s not just about reducing claims. It’s about showing care and making sure people don’t have to wait for a crisis to know what’s going on with their health. Because when we understand our health better, we can live better. And that’s the kind of impact we want to have. #grouphealthinsurance #preventivehealthcare #employeebenefits #PolicybazaarforBusiness

The U.S. faces a growing problem: diminishing access to physicians and health care services for 60 million people living in rural communities. Rural residents face longer travel times to receive care and there is increased pressure on those physicians remaining in the community. In a new piece in Healthcare Dive, I outline seven policies to reshape rural primary care and support the growth or the rural primary care physician workforce.   1. Tax credits for physicians practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas 2. Professional liability insurance coverage via Federal Tort Claims Act 3. Tax deduction for teaching and mentoring medical students and residents in rural practices 4. Rural Medicare payment enhancement 5. Prompt pay in Medicare Advantage 6. Strengthen the Healthy Americans incentive 7. Direct contracting with primary care physicians for Medicare and Medicaid patients Rural communities deserve access to high quality, accessible primary care. I challenge the new Congress and administration to seek bold policy changes that that make this a reality for the millions of Americans who call these rural communities home. https://lnkd.in/eRz3g2Kw

Our Journey Through Cancer: A Story of Strength, Support, and Resilience It hasn’t been easy to share this personal story, I hesitated. But I believe that our experience might help others facing similar challenges, and that’s why I’ve decided to share a few key reflections. My wife has been battling cancer since last year and has undergone two major surgeries. Throughout her treatment, we have been reminded of the crucial importance of early detection, family support, and proper medical coverage. I want to share some reflections from our experience, hoping it resonates with others who may be facing similar challenges. 1. Treatment and Doctors Choosing the right doctor for consultation is one of the most critical decisions during cancer treatment. While the emotional toll of such a diagnosis is overwhelming, it’s crucial to remain steady and focused on making the best decisions for long-term outcomes. 2.  Cost and Medical Insurance Cancer treatment can be extremely costly, but we were fortunate that much of it was covered by our medical insurance plan. Without proper insurance, the financial burden would have been overwhelming. 3. The Importance of Care and Family Support The recovery process required extensive care, and I became the primary caregiver. For about a month after second surgery, my wife was unable to bathe independently and needed assistance with many daily activities. Simple tasks like helping with her compression stockings became part of our new routine. This experience made me realize just how crucial family support and having reliable care providers are in times like these. The emotional and physical help from loved ones truly makes all the difference. 4. Flexible Time The flexibility of my work schedule was another blessing. I was able to be present for my wife, assisting her through the toughest days of post-surgery recovery. This experience has made me more aware of the importance of work-life balance and the ability to prioritize family when it’s needed most. Through this journey, we’ve learned so much about resilience, love, and the strength of community. I’m deeply grateful for the care my wife received and for the overwhelming support from family, friends, and colleagues along the way. This experience also inspired me to lead my company’s Race Against Cancer CSR initiative in support of the Singapore Cancer Society. While we’ve been fortunate to have medical insurance and critical illness coverage, many others are not as fortunate. It’s for these individuals that we must come together as a society to offer the help and support they need during their treatment and care. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with us. I am Khan Loon Tang 陈康伦, and I write about #Leadership, #Growth, and #Fitness. 👀 Check out my latest posts here: https://lnkd.in/g86wXQck 🤝 Follow me on LinkedIn: Follow me on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gRnnCkvc #Tangnology #CancerAwareness #Resilience #FamilySupport #Healthcare

To close out Black Maternal Health Week this morning, I want you to meet the doulas of By My Side. In the most disinvested neighborhoods in Brooklyn, these women are delivering outcomes better than the citywide rate for the most advantaged New Yorkers. By My Side was one of the nation’s first municipally-operated community doula programs when it launched and the results are extraordinary: - A 𝟓𝟑% 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡. 5.6% for BMS participants vs. 11.9% for matched controls in the same neighborhoods. - A ~𝟒𝟎% 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 5.8% vs. 9.7%. And here is the part that should stay with you. The program produced preterm and low birthweight rates among its at-risk mothers that were lower than the citywide rates for their white counterparts. They didn’t just close the gap. They closed it decisively. And the Citywide Doula Initiative, built on the By My Side model, has now served more than 3,200 families across the five boroughs. Not one maternal death. The data is clear. This is what community-based care looks like when we actually invest in it. This is public health. 🙏🏽 [Articles in comments]

Using Tech to Tackle Black Maternal Health Inequalities 🤰🏾📲 When we launched the Five X More app, it wasn’t just about creating a tool—it was about using technology to tackle one of the biggest inequalities facing Black women today: maternal health disparities. The stats are heartbreaking. Black women are still three times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth in the UK. For us, this isn’t just data; it’s a reality for our community, and something has to change. That’s where the app comes in. We wanted to create something that would give Black women the knowledge, confidence, and tools to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and childbirth. But more than that, we wanted a resource that’s accessible, practical, and, most importantly, made with us in mind. The journey to launching this app wasn’t easy (far from it). From funding issues to development delays, there were countless moments when it felt like it wouldn’t happen. But here we are—because sometimes, when the system doesn’t work for you, you have to build something that does. Technology isn’t the solution to everything, but it’s a powerful way to level the playing field. And this app? It’s just the beginning. We’re already dreaming up ways to expand its impact, and I can’t wait to share more soon. For now, I’d love to hear from you—how else can we use tech to solve systemic issues and drive real change? Keep speaking up. Keep showing up. Change will follow 🤎 #BlackMaternalHealth #Femtech #InnovationForChange #DiversityInTech