Third AYUSH Conference in Dubai Calls for Global Health Integration
The third international AYUSH conference and expo concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 1,500 delegates and around 20,000 visitors from 30 countries. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and AYUSH Minister Pratap Rao Jadhav attended the valedictory session. Organised by the Science India Forum and the World Ayurveda Foundation, with support from India’s AYUSH Ministry and Indian missions in the UAE, the event highlighted the need for responsible, quality‑assured integrative healthcare. Participants urged structured growth, robust pharmacovigilance, and scientific rigour to advance global acceptance of AYUSH systems. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))
Third international AYUSH conference concluded
Over 1,500 delegates and 20,000 visitors from 30 countries
Goa Chief Minister and AYUSH Minister attended
Focus on responsible, quality health integration
Emphasis on pharmacovigilance and scientific rigour
Feb 16, 2026
International Childhood Cancer Day Observed Worldwide
International Childhood Cancer Day is being observed globally to raise awareness and support for children and adolescents with cancer. In New Delhi, AIIMS and the IRSLA organized a walkathon at India Gate with cancer survivor children and their families. Health experts emphasise early detection, complete treatment and long-term follow-up care. The event links researchers, clinicians and the public to improve outcomes and access to therapy. Governments and organisations continue to emphasise sustained funding for pediatric oncology and survivorship programs.
Global observance of International Childhood Cancer Day
AIIMS and IRSLA walkathon in New Delhi
Emphasis on early detection and complete treatment
Importance of long-term follow-up care
Call for ongoing funding for pediatric oncology
3rd International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition 2026 Begins at Dubai World Trade Centre
The 3rd International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition 2026 opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The three-day event runs until 17 February and focuses on Evidence-Based AYUSH Interventions in Mind-Body Health. Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the conference, highlighting India’s traditional knowledge in global health discussions. Delegates from multiple countries discuss holistic and evidence-based solutions that connect body, mind and environment, while showcasing AYUSH therapies and research. The event emphasizes international collaboration and the growing role of traditional medicine in contemporary health care.
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre; dates Feb 16–17
Theme: Evidence-Based AYUSH Interventions in Mind-Body Health
Inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav
Global delegates discuss AYUSH therapies and research
Highlights the place of traditional medicine in global health
Feb 13, 2026
India launches first national biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders
India has established its first government‑backed national biobank dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), created by researchers from twenty‑eight institutions across six states and two Union Territories. The biobank integrates biological samples with detailed clinical, biochemical and genetic data from five hundred thirty patients across fifteen states. Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, the project aims to support development of affordable screening tools and therapies for children affected by LSDs, a group of more than seventy rare inherited metabolic conditions. LSDs involve enzyme deficiencies causing lipid and sugar accumulation in cells, leading to progressive organ damage if untreated.
National LSD biobank involves 28 institutions across India.
Data from 530 patients across 15 states is integrated.
Funded by the Department of Biotechnology.
Goals include affordable screening tools and therapies for LSDs.
Feb 12, 2026
Uttar Pradesh Begins Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis
Lucknow, 10 February 2026 — Uttar Pradesh has launched a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign to combat lymphatic filariasis across multiple districts. The campaign follows WHO guidelines and involves door-to-door distribution of preventive medicines, community mobilization, and monitoring to reduce transmission and disability associated with the disease. Health workers, volunteers, and district administration are coordinating to achieve high coverage over coming weeks. The initiative underscores India’s broader public health effort to eliminate neglected tropical diseases through preventive chemotherapy and community engagement.
MDA launched in Uttar Pradesh
Targets lymphatic filariasis across districts
Door-to-door distribution under WHO guidelines
Community engagement essential to success
Part of broader NTD elimination efforts
Cipla Foundation, IISc Launch Centre for Advanced Pulmonary Care & Research
Bengaluru, 12 February 2026 — Cipla Foundation and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) announced a joint centre for Pulmonary Medicine at the Tata IISc Medical School. The Cipla Foundation Centre will provide diagnostics, outpatient and inpatient services, a dedicated ICU, and high‑dependency units to advance treatment for respiratory illnesses. It will support Indian guidelines for COPD, ILD, and asthma, along with biomarker research, pharmacogenomics, and AI‑based lung diagnostics. The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s respiratory health ecosystem through clinical care, research, and skill development, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals.
Cipla Foundation and IISc launch Pulmonary Centre
Location: Tata IISc Medical School, Bengaluru
Services include ICU and high‑dependency units
Research on COPD, ILD, asthma; AI diagnostics
Aim: strengthen India’s respiratory health ecosystem
Feb 10, 2026
CBSE to use On Screen Marking for Class 12 from 2026
CBSE announced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer books, to be used from the 2026 board examinations starting 17 February. Class 10 answer books will remain evaluated physically in 2026. The board notes that examinations are conducted in India and in 26 other countries for nearly 46 lakh students. The shift to digital evaluation aims to improve accuracy, transparency, and turnaround times. Schools and parents have been informed through official notices, and CBSE says the transition aligns with broader digital education initiatives.
OSM introduced for Class 12 from 17 February 2026
Class 10 evaluations stay physical in 2026
Approximately 46 lakh students involved
Digital evaluation aims for accuracy, transparency, speed