Heart attacks and strokes are among the leading causes of death globally, with millions suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) every year. There are more than seven million people in the UK alone, with about 100,000 patients experiencing heart attacks annually. However, a group of researchers at University College London (UCL) estimate that one 'polypill' taken daily day could eliminate a majority of these cases dramatically lowering death tolls.

The proposed polypill, a combination of a statin and three blood pressure-lowering drugs, has been under study for over two decades. Experts argue that introducing this pill universally for individuals aged 50 and above could be more effective than the current NHS Health Check, which assesses risk factors every five years for those aged between 40 and 74.

Studies have repeatedly proven the effectiveness of the polypill in preventing CVD. A groundbreaking 2019 study in The Lancet found that five years' use of the polypill cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by a third. In addition, previous modelling analyses have estimated that if given universally to people over 55, the polypill might be able to prevent 80% of heart attacks and strokes.

Today, the NHS Health Check follows a risk-based model in which patients are tested for CVD risk factors and treated with drugs accordingly. Yet, as per UCL's study, this system has serious flaws:

Low Uptake: Just 40% of those eligible for the NHS Health Check choose to have it, leaving a considerable number of at-risk patients undiagnosed and untreated.

Ineffective Prediction of Risk: The majority of heart attacks and strokes happen to people at average risk levels, thus making it challenging to identify the need for intervention effectively.

Limited Effectiveness: Even at maximum take-up, the NHS Health Check programme is predicted to have fewer health impacts compared to a polypill initiative applied to the whole population.

Simplicity and Affordability of the Polypill Strategy

One of the big benefits of the polypill is that it is so easy. In contrast to the existing screening-based model, the polypill scheme would not involve complicated medical tests or lengthy risk assessments. Instead, people reaching 50 would just have to fill out a few questions to determine possible side effects before they were prescribed.

Professor Aroon Hingorani of the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, one of the strongest proponents of this scheme, says:

"Finally, the time is now to do much better on prevention. A population approach would prevent a lot more heart attacks and strokes than is done today with a strategy of trying to target a smaller group only."

Aside from the possible health implications, the polypill is also an economic solution. The drugs used are off-patent, thus cheap to produce and distribute. With the vast economic cost of managing CVD-related illnesses, a preventive model could result in substantial cost-saving for the NHS in the future.

The polypill has been proven to be effective by numerous international trials. In 2019, a randomised trial in rural Iran discovered that participants who took the polypill for five years had a 34% reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to non-participants.

Likewise, modelling research has indicated that even if only 8% of people aged over 50 took up the polypill regimen, it would still be more beneficial to their health than the NHS Health Check programme.

Is This a Case of Over-Medicalisation?

One of the main objections to the polypill strategy is the suggestion that it might result in the unnecessary medicalisation of a significant proportion of the population. But, it is argued, it should be considered as a preventative measure, not as mass medication.

Professor Sir Nicholas Wald of UCL's Institute of Health Informatics explains:

"Instead of being a 'medicalisation' of a significant proportion of the population, a polypill programme is a prevention measure to prevent an individual from becoming a patient."

He compares it with public health measures like water fluoridation or compulsory seatbelts—interventions that have been shown to have a significant impact in reducing public health danger at low individual cost.

With the evidence in favour of the polypill's effectiveness and viability overwhelming, experts are calling on the NHS to act now. It is their belief that substituting the NHS Health Check with a polypill-based prevention program could be the UK government's flagship policy under its pledge to put disease prevention ahead of cure.

As Professor Hingorani points out, "The status quo is not a justifiable option." With CVD still a major cause of death globally, taking a population-wide polypill approach could be a turning point for preventative medicine, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. The question now is whether the NHS will take up this call and establish a policy with the potential to transform the prevention of cardiovascular disease on a national level.

While Delhi again woke up to a thick layer of haze on Tuesday, December 9, with the AQI remaining in "poor" and "very poor" categories as per the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi. A new Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) report released on December 6 noted that it is not Delhi, but Ghaziabad, which is the most polluted city in India, as of November 2025.

What Makes Ghaziabad The Most Polluted City In India?

Ghaziabad remained most polluted city in India, with a monthly average of PM2.5 or particulate matter 2.5 at the concentration of 224 µg/m³. This means Ghaziabad violated the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on every day of the month as per the CREA's Monthly Air Quality Snapshot.

Of the entire month, the city experienced 19 "very poor" days, with 10 "severe" days and 1 "poor" day. In the list of top 10, Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak also joined the list.

Of the 10 cities, six of them were from Uttar Pradesh, followed by 3 cities from Haryana and then Delhi. All cities except Delhi recorded PM2.5 levels higher than the previous year.

What About The Pollution Levels In Delhi?

The national capital ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 µg/m³ in November, about twice its October level of 107 µg/m³. The city experienced 23 ʻVery Poorʼ days, six ʻSevereʼ days, and one ʻPoorʼ day throughout November.

Despite widespread pollution, the contribution of stubble burning was comparatively lower this year, an average of seven per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year. Peak contributions of stubble burning reached 22 per cent, significantly lower than 38 per cent recorded in the previous year.

The analysis drew on real-time continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) PM2.5 data.

“Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning influence, 20 out of 29 NCR cities recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year, and many still did not register a single day within NAAQS limits. This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without sector-specific emission cuts, cities will continue to breach standards,” said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA.

CREA's previous report has highlighted that Delhi’s air pollution almost doubled in November, with average PM2.5 levels touching 215 micrograms per cubic meter. The city recorded 23 days of very poor air, six severe days, and only one poor day. Although stubble burning played a smaller role this year, contributing an average of 7 percent, the pollution remained dangerously high.

Across India, pollution trends were equally worrying. Nine of the ten most polluted cities saw higher pollution levels than last year. Ghaziabad was the worst affected, with PM2.5 levels at 224 micrograms per cubic meter.

According to CREA analyst Manoj Kumar, declining stubble burning shows some progress, but major year round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion activities continue to drive the crisis. Without strong emission cuts in these sectors, pollution levels will keep breaching national standards.

Doctors Warn of a Deepening Health Emergency

In an interview with ANI, doctors from AIIMS described Delhi’s air quality as a medical emergency. Prof Dr Anant Mohan and Dr Saurabh Mittal from the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine said the current situation is now putting vulnerable groups at serious risk, including pregnant women, unborn babies, newborns, and adults with heart or neurological conditions.

Dr Mohan warned that the impacts may be felt for generations. Since the particles are extremely small, they can pass from a pregnant woman to the fetus and interfere with growth. Babies exposed to such conditions in the womb are more likely to be underweight and may have weaker lungs as they grow. Some complications might show up only later in life.

Dr Mittal added that the effects of toxic air go far beyond respiratory illness. Prolonged exposure is increasing cases of breathlessness, lung inflammation, asthma attacks, and chronic conditions like COPD. Fine particulate matter is also entering the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The growing health concerns underline the need for immediate and coordinated action, making the work of the newly formed expert group even more urgent.

How To Read Delhi's AQI?

• 0-50: 'good'
• 51-100: 'satisfactory'
• 101-200: 'moderate'
• 201-300: 'poor'
• 301-400: 'very poor'
• 401-500: 'severe'

A new strain of mpox or what was previous known as monkeypox has been detected in a person in England, confirmed the UK health officials. This strain is a mix of the two major type of mpox virus that was found in someone who had recently returned from travelling in Asia.

The officials have said that they are still assessing the significance of the new strain. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is normal for viruses to evolve. The best shield of protection is to get vaccinated against such disease, even if the infector remain mild for most.

What Is The New Virus Strain Of Mpox?

The new virus strain contains elements from two mpox strain, which are clade Ib and clade IIb. The strain as of now has no name.

UK officials have also recently encouraged gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to get vaccinated against mpox. This call has come as the strain clade Ib showed early signs of local spread in some of the European countries. Whereas, the clade IIB is linked to a global outbreak of mpox in 2022 that affected countries across the globe.

Vaccines Available For Who?

In the UK, the vaccination is available for the most vulnerable group at the risk of catching mpox:

• those who have multiple sexual partners
• those who engage in group sex
• those who visit sex-on-premises venues

Health officials report that the mpox vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection. Although there are no specific studies yet on how well the vaccine works against the newest strain, experts believe it should still provide a strong level of defense.

Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told BBC that genomic testing made it possible to identify this strain. She explained that viruses naturally evolve and that ongoing analysis will help scientists understand how mpox is changing. Dr. Sinka encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, calling it a proven way to prevent severe illness.

Global Readiness and Gaps in Access

Prof. Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the UK has strong systems to detect cases and stop further spread. However, she noted that this is much more difficult in other regions, particularly in vulnerable populations where vaccine access is limited.

According to Prof. Lang, if more cases of this strain begin to appear in the UK or internationally, researchers will need to closely track how the virus spreads and how sick it makes people. Understanding these patterns will help determine whether the new strain poses more or less risk than previous ones.

Rising Global Cases and Concerns

Nearly 48,000 mpox cases have been confirmed worldwide in 2025, including about 2,500 in the past month. Most infections have been reported in central Africa.

Dr. Boghuma Titanji, assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, said the emergence of a new strain is what experts expected as the virus continued to circulate globally. She warned that allowing ongoing transmission gives mpox more chances to adapt and embed itself as a long-term human pathogen.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral illness that can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include lesions or a rash lasting two to four weeks. People may also experience fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and fatigue.

The virus spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and shared items such as bedding, towels or clothing.

Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have mpox to contact NHS 111 for guidance on next steps.

Coughs. Sneezing. Wheezing. All of this can be heard everywhere, with many people taking sick leaves, and coming back to office still with health complains. This is what is happening in Delhi as the national capital remains in the 'very poor' category for its Monday morning Air Quality Index (AQI). The average AQI of the city stood at 318 on 7am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The thick layer of smog has engulfed the city and there has been no improvement to get rid of the toxic air. Visibility too has been reduced in several areas, including Anand Vihar, India Gate, Dwarka, and ITO.

Amid the continuously worsening air condition in Delhi, the government has now formed an 'expert group' to combat air pollution as health crisis rise.

The panel will study how pollution builds up from human activity as well as natural causes and will recommend technology upgrades, policy reforms, and sector specific interventions that can be put into action.

Who Will Lead the Expert Panel

The group will be chaired by retired IAS officer and former Union Environment Secretary Leena Nandan. Other members include former CPCB member secretary Dr JS Kamyotra, IIT Delhi professor emeritus Mukesh Khare, IIT Kanpur professor emeritus Mukesh Sharma, and Dr Suneel Pandey, director of Circular Economy and Waste Management at TERI. Representatives from CAQM, the IMD, APAG, PHDCCI and senior officials from the Delhi government are also part of the group. The Secretary of Environment and Forest is a member, and the DPCC chairman will serve as member secretary.

What the Group Will Do

This expert panel will act as a high level advisory body, offering clear, actionable guidance that can shape both emergency responses and long term reforms. It will track the progress of current pollution control programs, study global best practices, and flag where corrections are needed. The group will meet every month, either in person or virtually, and will receive administrative support from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The initial tenure is six months, with the option to extend if required.

Government Planning and Oversight

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the expert group, along with a separate High Level Implementation Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary. While the expert group will guide policy and strategy, the implementation committee is responsible for enforcing directives, coordinating across departments, and ensuring timely action. Delhi BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has welcomed the move and said that combined efforts from the government and citizens can make a meaningful difference.

Delhi’s Pollution Levels Are Rising Fast

A new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights the scale of the crisis. Delhi’s air pollution almost doubled in November, with average PM2.5 levels touching 215 micrograms per cubic meter. The city recorded 23 days of very poor air, six severe days, and only one poor day. Although stubble burning played a smaller role this year, contributing an average of 7 percent, the pollution remained dangerously high.

Across India, pollution trends were equally worrying. Nine of the ten most polluted cities saw higher pollution levels than last year. Ghaziabad was the worst affected, with PM2.5 levels at 224 micrograms per cubic meter.

According to CREA analyst Manoj Kumar, declining stubble burning shows some progress, but major year round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion activities continue to drive the crisis. Without strong emission cuts in these sectors, pollution levels will keep breaching national standards.

Doctors Warn of a Deepening Health Emergency

In an interview with ANI, doctors from AIIMS described Delhi’s air quality as a medical emergency. Prof Dr Anant Mohan and Dr Saurabh Mittal from the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine said the current situation is now putting vulnerable groups at serious risk, including pregnant women, unborn babies, newborns, and adults with heart or neurological conditions.

Dr Mohan warned that the impacts may be felt for generations. Since the particles are extremely small, they can pass from a pregnant woman to the fetus and interfere with growth. Babies exposed to such conditions in the womb are more likely to be underweight and may have weaker lungs as they grow. Some complications might show up only later in life.

Dr Mittal added that the effects of toxic air go far beyond respiratory illness. Prolonged exposure is increasing cases of breathlessness, lung inflammation, asthma attacks, and chronic conditions like COPD. Fine particulate matter is also entering the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The growing health concerns underline the need for immediate and coordinated action, making the work of the newly formed expert group even more urgent.

How To Read Delhi's AQI?

0-50: 'good'

51-100: 'satisfactory'

101-200: 'moderate'

201-300: 'poor'

301-400: 'very poor'

401-500: 'severe'