A report by Swachh Bharat Mission says that 74.5 per cent of public places are equipped with toilets. Another report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti states that there are 2.23 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes built across all States and UTs under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) since October 2014. Over 92 lakh toilets have been constructed since the launch of SBM Gramin (SBM (G)) in April 2020.

While toilets are there, are they accessible? This is the question one should ask. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) focuses on 131 health indicators, but not until the NFHS 5 survey did they include the question of accessibility of toilets in the survey. This happened after the inputs from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare questioned the accessibility.

One might ask, why is the question of accessibility so important? The answer is quite simple. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need and is also included under the Sustainable Development Goals by the UN.

Are These Numbers Real?

Just a few weeks back, I was travelling to Himachal Pradesh on a bus. While I was excited to explore the state for the first time, anxiousness gripped me. “What if I have to dehydrate myself again on the journey?” I thought.

This thought crossed my mind because back in 2021, I went on a solo trip, on a bus to Udaipur from Delhi. There, the bus made two stoppages. This was done so people could get a quick dinner and freshen up, relieve themselves and be prepared for the rest of the journey. This was a nightmare. The bus only stopped for 10 minutes. While some men used the washroom, others went to the bushes.

For the women, there were three cubicles. One of them was broken, and the other one did not have a light bulb, which meant only one was usable. There was a long queue for that cubicle, and time was short. There was no point in trying to find an isolated corner, because it was past midnight, in an unknown area.

I waited anxiously. When finally, my turn came, I saw an overused, dirty washroom. The toilet seat is in a horrible condition. I wanted to touch nothing there. But I had to pee. So, I used my mask to cover my nose from the odour, folded my pants so they did not touch the floor and squatted. It was quite a task to balance.

On my way back to Delhi, I made sure to not drink any water for over a 13-hour bus journey. I dehydrated myself so I did not have to use the washroom. When I did reach, I was severely dehydrated and was sick for three days.

I shared my experience with my friends only to realise that many women have faced the same. There are no washrooms for women.

A friend of mine told me that it is because these roads and dhabas are mainly designed to serve men. They are the ones who travel at night or are on the roads most of the time. As a result, the few women who do travel or are on the road suffer.

Health Risks Women Are Prone To

Holding your pee for too long can lead to many health risks. But peeing on a dirty seat may lead to infections.

Well, it is true, but partially. While holding your pee for too long can lead to health risks, peeing on a dirty toilet seat cannot lead to infections unless your urethra is in contact with the bacteria present on that toilet seat. However, nobody wants to sit on a dirty toilet seat, even if you do not get an infection. A safe and hygienic toilet is a basic need.

One of the regular saleswomen, Usha, who visits my house shared her experience with me. “Being on the road constantly means I must use the dirty public washrooms. But I do not want to use them. So, sometimes I ask my regular customers to let me use their washrooms. Some say yes, and some say no. I understand they are also concerned about their safety and privacy,” she says. As a result, Usha spends most of her day not drinking enough water and holding her pee when she is at work. Due to this, she also suffered from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Her friend, Halima too faced similar problems and due to increased levels of uric acid in her body, she suffered from Hyperuricemia.

Other health risks are kidney stones and other kidney problems, headaches, dull skin, xerostomia or dry mouth, fatigue, and urinary incontinence, which means losing control over your pelvic floor muscles leading to uncontrolled leakage of urine, seizures and weakness.

What Can You Do?

I learned my lesson from Udaipur and for this trip, I did not want to be sick. So, there are a few essentials that I carried this time with me, that you can too. Because not drinking water or holding your pee is not the solution.

Wear comfortable clothes and capris. Capri pants are comfortable and are short in length, which means this won’t touch the toilet floor when you squat or sit.

Carry Essentials

I now carry a stand and pee device. With this device, you no longer must sit on the dirty toilet seat. It is a slanted funnel-like device, which can be placed between your legs when you urinate. Once you are done, you can dispose of it and throw the device in the dustbin.

Even though you cannot get a UTI alone from sitting on a toilet seat, it is always safe to carry a toilet seat sanitiser. If nothing, it can help you get rid of the bad odour so you can use your stand and pee device inside the toilet. You can also use disposable toilet seat covers if your knees are weak, and you cannot squat. Always flush with your seat down.

Always keep disposable gloves, a portable bidet (fill it with water before use), a pocket liquid handwash, wet wipes, tissues and sanitiser handy. Do not forget to keep extra sanitary pads. It might sound a lot, but I promise that it all fits in one pouch. Use this travel-friendly pouch every time you are on the road, or using a public washroom.

What Can We Learn From Others?

Countries like South Korea, Japan, and China have incorporated technologies in their toilet to provide a safe experience. They have different water modes, and a button that will wipe your seat when pushed. There are buttons that change your toilet seat covers too.

However, in case we do not get these technologically advanced toilets here, you can always pack a travel-friendly toilet kit!

Blockbuster drug Ozempic, known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, has a surprising side effect. A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry showed that the GLP-1 receptor agonists might prevent worsening of depression and anxiety.

People with diabetes or obesity are generally more likely than the general population to suffer from depression and anxiety. It is because both diabetes and obesity increase the risk of mental ill-health, and vice versa.

The findings showed that people with diabetes using semaglutide had a substantial decrease in hospitalizations and sick leave due to mental illness, including less worsening of depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

“Our findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs, particularly semaglutide, might contribute to better mental health in people with diabetes and obesity, but since this was an observational study, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results,” said Jari Tiihonen, specialist physician and professor at the Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet.

What Did The Study Find?

The research, led by an international team from Griffith University, the Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Eastern Finland, tracked Swedish national registers between 2009 and 2022.

It included 95,490 people, of which GLP-1 receptor agonists were used by 22,480 individuals during the follow-up period.

Semaglutide was associated with a decreased risk of worsening

• depression
• anxiety
• substance use disorder
• self-harm.

Patients using semaglutide experienced a 42 percent lower risk of hospitalization for mental health issues during periods of use, compared to periods when they were not taking the drug.

More specifically, the risk reduction was 44 per cent for sickness absence or hospital care due to depression, 38 per cent for anxiety disorders, and 47 per cent for substance use.

Also read: Can Weight Loss Jabs Surge Divorce Rates? What Experts Are Saying

The team also found some benefits with Liraglutide. The drug was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of sickness absence and hospital care due to psychiatric reasons.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows gastric emptying and makes you feel fuller longer. It also signals the brain to reduce hunger and cravings, and triggers the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high.

They work by increasing insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, decreasing the liver's production of glucagon, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which helps lower blood sugar levels after a meal. They also act on the brain to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Read More: Can Semaglutide Help Fight Cancer In The Brain?

In people with type 2 diabetes, notes Harvard Health, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin and the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. This is when GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon.

These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes.

In the wake of a young doctor from Chandigarh accusing a well-known private hospital of unnecessarily admitting patients to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), it is imperative to understand who truly requires critical care.

In a widely shared video posted on the social media platform Instagram, Dr Prabhleen Kaur alleged that the hospital is making the patients remain admitted in the ICU for as long as possible to mint money.

The doctor did not mention the name of the hospital. And HealthandMe could not independently verify the details and the authenticity of the post.

However, the incident reignited concerns over accountability, patient safety, and standards of care in the country.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Sachna Shetty, Consultant Emergency Medicine at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said that: "ICU admissions are for patients with life-threatening conditions needing intensive support".

"This includes shock, respiratory failure, neurological emergencies, cardiac issues, and multi-organ dysfunction," the doctor added.

What Is ICU? Who Needs Critical Care?

The NHS UK explains that intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill.

They're staffed with specially trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment.

Also called critical care units (CCUs) or intensive therapy units (ITUs), it is required in cases where a person is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring.

Most people in an ICU have problems with one or more organs. For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own. Some common reasons include:

• a serious accident
• a serious short-term condition
• a serious infection
• a major surgery.

"It is not for stable patients, those needing observation, end-stage disease with no reversible cause, or those refusing aggressive care" Dr. Shetty said.

"ICU beds are limited, reserved for those who'll benefit most. Decisions are time-sensitive, based on triage and clinical scoring. It's about who needs advanced life support, not just who looks critical. Fair use of resources is key," the doctor added.

ICU Admissions: What India’s Guidelines Say

India’s ICU admission guidelines—issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in January 2024 — clearly defines who should and should not be admitted to an ICU. According to the guidelines:

• ICU admissions must be based on the severity of organ failure and the necessity for organ support or in anticipation of a potential deterioration in the patient's medical condition.
• Hospitals cannot admit critically ill patients in ICU in case of refusal by them and their relatives.
• ICU is not recommended in cases where there is no treatment possible or available, and if the continuation of therapy is not going to make an impact on the outcome, especially survival.
• Anyone with a living will or advanced directive against ICU care should not be admitted to ICU.
• Low priority criteria in case of a pandemic or disaster situation, where there is resource limitation, should be taken into account for keeping a patient in the ICU.
• Blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, breathing pattern, heart rate, oxygen saturation, urine output and neurological status among other parameters should be monitored in a patient awaiting an ICU bed

The criteria for ICU admission includes:

1. patients with altered level of consciousness,
2. hemodynamic instability,
3. need for respiratory support,
4. patients with acute illness requiring intensive monitoring
5. organ support or any medical condition or disease with anticipation of deterioration.

Guidelines For ICU Discharge Criteria In India

The guidelines stress the importance of physiological parameters returning to near-normal or baseline status.

Furthermore, reasonable resolution and stability of the acute illness that led to ICU admission are essential factors.

Patient and family agreement for ICU discharge, particularly in cases where a treatment-limiting decision or palliative care is opted for, is also highlighted.

Modern lifestyle changes are contributing towards the rising neurological problems among young adults, said health experts today on World Health Day 2026.

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide. World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

The health experts noted that conditions such as recurrent headaches, mild weakness, strokes, and spine disorders were traditionally more common among older adults. However, modern lifestyle changes—sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, and increased screen time—are now driving a surge of these neurological problems among younger populations.

“The surge in neurological conditions today is not just a clinical challenge, but a reflection of how rapidly our lifestyles are evolving. We are seeing younger patients presenting with serious issues like stroke and spine disorders, conditions that were once more age-associated. This shift makes it imperative to recognize that neurological health is closely linked to everyday habits, stress, and timely medical attention,” Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Paras Health Panchkula, told HealthandMe.

Neurological Disorders: Silent Onset

The health experts emphasized that the threat of neurological disorders is surging silently. The conditions, ranging from recurrent headaches and mild weakness to strokes and spine disorders, often show no noticeable symptoms in the early stage.

As a result, these go unnoticed until advanced stages, which makes the role of early detection and preventive care more crucial.

“Neurological disorders often progress silently, and by the time symptoms become severe, the condition may already be advanced. One of the biggest challenges we face today is the lack of awareness around subtle early signs, whether it is recurrent headaches, mild weakness, or persistent back issues, which are frequently overlooked or ignored,” Dr. Ritu Jha, Director & HOD - Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital Sector -8, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.

Health specialists stressed the need to boost early detection, preventive care, and lifestyle modifications to protect brain and nerve health.

They called for changing the mindset from reactive to proactive care. Early identification of symptoms and prompt intervention can dramatically alter outcomes. They recommended:

• timely check-ups,
• awareness of warning signs,
• regular exercise,
• balanced nutrition,
• stress management.

Advancement In Neurological Care

With the progress in precision-driven and minimally invasive neurosurgery, we are now better equipped than ever to treat complex conditions effectively, provided patients seek care at the right time.

“Today’s advanced surgical techniques allow us to operate with greater accuracy while minimizing trauma to the patient, leading to faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between symptom onset and specialist consultation will be key to reducing the overall burden of these conditions,” Dr. Jha said.

Over 7% Indians Engaging In Healthy Aging

A nationwide survey conducted by Local Circles, a Delhi-based community platform and citizen pulse aggregator, for World Health Day 2026, found that more than 7.3 percent of Indians are actively working on slowing aging.

The report showed that preventive healthcare has gained importance, and people are increasingly indulging in healthy practices such as lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements, and therapy to ensure healthier, more active years.

It noted that fitness trends such as yoga, strength training, and regular physical activity, along with balanced diets rich in antioxidants, are widely promoted to maintain physical health and vitality.

Mental well-being practices, including meditation and stress management, are also being recognized as essential components of healthy aging.