VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html The wide-brimmed Sombrero galaxy is revealed in all its splendour by a telescope in Chile Why the UAE asked Pakistan for its $3.5bn back ‘Watching Virat Kohli cry was emotional’: Krunal Pandya When Randhir Kapoor took full responsibility for problems in marriage with Babita: ‘I drank a lot, came home late’ When is next Solar Eclipse 2026? Check date and how to witness this Surya Grahan Maruti Suzuki Fronx facelift spied testing: Big changes, features & more Take-off aborted at 193 kmph: How engine fire triggered chaos aboard SWISS Delhi-Zurich flight Virginia Hidden Barracks: Lost for 200 years: Virginia dig uncovers hidden barracks of America’s first soldiers | World News AP EAMCET hall tickets 2026 to be released tomorrow: Check steps to download admit cards here Dwayne Johnson looks back at a beloved tattoo that took over 60 hours to make: ‘Every marking tells a very personal story’ BMW F 450 GS vs KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Specs compared Parenting shift that makes kids say ‘yes’ more often; best time to use it BLA claims 27 attacks in Balochistan in 10 days, says 42 Pakistani soldiers killed DGCA grants licence to India’s first seaplane airline; service to start in Lakshadweep Sydney Sweeney praised for brutal performance as Cassie Howard in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 wedding: ‘Give Her the Emmy’ Vaishakha Purnima on 1st May: Astrological Remedies to strengthen your Moon OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is literally losing sleep over the technology that he says will ‘collapse’ the economy Uk Weather Forecast: UK temperatures rise to 21°C as early warm spell returns across Wales and Southern England | World News No Indian yet in Esports Chess World Cup 2026: How can it change? The road ahead explained | Chess News IAF recruitment 2026 notification released for Group C, LDC, typist, and driver posts; check details here ‘Welcome to Derry’ Season 2 creator Andy Muschietti confirms 1935 time jump, Bradley Gang plot: ‘There’s no suburban comfort’ What is your inner calling based on your birth date ‘All he needed was a room key’: Gaps that let a gunman get close to Trump during White House dinner NEW DELHI: For thousands of Indians living with heart failure, the biggest strain is not just the disease, but the cost of surviving it. A nationwide study has found that seven out of 10 patients have no financial protection, forcing families to pay almost entirely from their own pockets.Published in the journal Global Heart, the study led by Dr Panniyammakal Jeemon of SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, analysed 1,859 patients across 21 tertiary hospitals in India between September 2019 and December 2022.It shows that over 90% of treatment expenses are borne directly by patients, exposing a deep gap in financial protection for chronic illnesses.The numbers reflect a harsh reality. On average, a patient spends more than ₹1 lakh a year on treatment. At the same time, incomes are falling — nearly one in three patients and over a third of households reported a drop in earnings after diagnosis.Doctors say income often drops as patients stop working and families cut back to provide care. About 38% face catastrophic spending and nearly one in six borrow or sell assets, with many cutting basic expenses. The burden is highest on rural, low-income and uninsured patients.Insurance offers some relief — but not enough. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat provide coverage for hospitalisation, but gaps remain. Most schemes do not fully cover outpatient care, medicines and long-term follow-up — which form a major part of treatment in chronic conditions like heart failure. As a result, patients continue to spend heavily from their own pockets.“Heart failure care in India shows a clear gap between acute treatment and long-term management, driven by affordability, accessibility and availability,” said Dr Mohit Gupta, cardiologist at GTB Hospital. “Costs often force patients to cut medicines, delay follow-ups or skip tests. The biggest burden is repeated hospitalisation, not drugs. We frequently tailor treatment to what patients can afford. Insurance largely cover hospitalisation, but heart failure is a chronic outpatient disease, and gaps in covering medicines and follow-up care leave patients vulnerable. Expanding access to affordable drugs and structured follow-up can improve outcomes and reduce costs.”Dr Ambuj Roy, Prof in cardiology, AIIMS said that insurance schemes still favour one-time procedures over sustained care, while heart diseases demand long-term therapy. Even though newer drugs have improved survival and quality of life, most patients pay out of pocket, making heart failure treatment a significant financial burden.”Experts warn financial strain leads to delayed care and skipped medicines, worsening outcomes. Despite improved access, financial protection lags, making coverage of outpatient care and medicines critical.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArvind Kejriwal Shocks Court With Refusal To Appear In Excise Case“Hope Of Justice Shattered”: Kejriwal Skips Court, Sends Letter To Justice Swarana KantaAAP Workers Detained Outside Raghav Chadha’s House During Mumbai Protest“Fix Delhi And Pahalgam First” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Launches Fierce Attack On BJP“TMC’s Time Is Over” Amit Shah Tears Into TMC Over Infiltrators During Bengal RallyPassport Row Escalates: Pawan Khera Approaches Supreme Court After Gauhati HC Rejects Bail PleaBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Attacks TMC, Raises RG Kar Case And Law And Order ConcernsPM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 594 Km Ganga Expressway In Uttar Pradesh On April 29“India Expands Global Trade Reach” Union Minister Piyush Goyal On NZ FTAMarathi Mandatory In Maharashtra From May 1 |CM Fadnavis Pushes Language Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers123PhotostoriesWhat is your inner calling based on your birth dateThese 5 Zodiac Signs Will Find Their Person This Year5 cutest cat breeds in 2026 that are taking over the internet right now5 simple moves that stop blood sugar spikes after every meal8 healthy infused waters that are a must have in summer for healthy digestion6 common flight mistakes by that may cost travellers their health7 best British trees for a front garden that looks good all year (and how to maintain them through every season)Copy-paste genetics? These 5 celebrity kids look exactly like their parents5 Indian summer fruits you can grow in the backyard7 radiant baby girl names that symbolise sunshine123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRussini Mike Photo ControversyTamil Nadu electionNFL Trade RumorsPetrol Diesel PriceAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap New Zealand 0/0 in 0.0 Overs | BAN vs NZ Live Score, 1st T20I: Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Chattogram Opener Comfort push: Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi trains set for nationwide revamp Female fan kneels before Dhanush at ‘Kara’ event; ‘Do not worship celebrities,’ React netizens Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express set to launch on April 30; travel time cut to 5 hours These 5 Zodiac Signs Will Find Their Person This Year India-New Zealand FTA signed: Duty on 100% Indian exports down to zero; top points to know about trade deal IPL 2026: Virat Kohli fever peaks in Delhi; Metro offers big relief on DC vs RCB match day | Cricket News IPL 2026: ‘Abuse of cricket equipment’ – Angkrish Raghuvanshi fined after controversial dismissal in LSG vs KKR match Stocks to buy: What’s the outlook for Nifty for April 27-April 30 week? Check list of top stock recommendations Akshay Kumar reveals Farah Khan sold her records to survive after father failed in Bollywood: ‘Aaj khud records todti hai’ This little boy said ‘no’ to his birthday cake until…: What happened next is a powerful lesson for parents about what children truly value | Petrol, diesel prices today: Rates steady despite global oil surge – check city-wise list – NEW DELHI: Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person after a mazaar in the Chinour area of Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district was allegedly vandalised and a sacred cloth, or ‘chadar’, burnt, officials said on Monday.The incident, which came to light under the Sadar Bazar police station limits, triggered tension in the locality, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to trace those responsible.Superintendent of Police Saurabh Dixit told news agency PTI that burnt pieces of cloth were found at the spot during inspection. “It appears that someone removed the chadar offered at the mazaar and set it on fire. Besides, the iron mesh surrounding the shrine was found damaged,” he said.He said a complaint was lodged on Sunday, following which police registered a case against an unknown person and launched an investigation. “Police teams have been directed to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest,” he added.Mohammed Ahmed, also known as Chand Miyan, the caretaker of the shrine, said the site is frequented by people from different communities. “More Hindus than Muslims visit this mazaar. The police visited the spot after the incident. We demand the immediate arrest of the person who broke the iron mesh surrounding the shrine, burnt the chadar and pelted stones at the structure,” he said.Police have registered the case under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to damaging or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class.Officials said CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to identify the accused and establish the sequence of events.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArvind Kejriwal Shocks Court With Refusal To Appear In Excise Case“Hope Of Justice Shattered”: Kejriwal Skips Court, Sends Letter To Justice Swarana KantaAAP Workers Detained Outside Raghav Chadha’s House During Mumbai Protest“Fix Delhi And Pahalgam First” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Launches Fierce Attack On BJP“TMC’s Time Is Over” Amit Shah Tears Into TMC Over Infiltrators During Bengal RallyPassport Row Escalates: Pawan Khera Approaches Supreme Court After Gauhati HC Rejects Bail PleaBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Attacks TMC, Raises RG Kar Case And Law And Order ConcernsPM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 594 Km Ganga Expressway In Uttar Pradesh On April 29“India Expands Global Trade Reach” Union Minister Piyush Goyal On NZ FTAMarathi Mandatory In Maharashtra From May 1 |CM Fadnavis Pushes Language Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers123PhotostoriesKareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan:5 relationship lessons to learn from Bollywood’s power couple8 healthy infused waters that are a must have in summer for healthy digestion6 common flight mistakes by that may cost travellers their health7 best British trees for a front garden that looks good all year (and how to maintain them through every season)Copy-paste genetics? These 5 celebrity kids look exactly like their parents5 Indian summer fruits you can grow in the backyard7 radiant baby girl names that symbolise sunshineFrom facing trolls over husband Shardul Bayas’ past divorces to choosing not to have kids, Nehha Pendse opens up about her career, marriage, and lifeRhea Chakraborty gets relief in Sushant Singh Rajput case: What court said on unfreezing bank accounts and what it meansEat smart for every organ: Foods that support your lungs, liver, gut, and eyes123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRussini Mike Photo ControversyTamil Nadu electionNFL Trade RumorsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap KCET answer key 2026 released at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in: Check important details here Isro’s Bold Move: Civilian Astronauts to Join Gaganyaan Missions | ‘Good bye tukde-tukde INDI alliance’: Kiren Rijiju on Raghav Chadha, 6 AAP MPs joining BJP | India News TS EAMCET hall ticket 2026 expected to be released today at eapcet.tgche.ac.in: Check details here ‘Patriot’ advance booking update: Mammootty and Mohanlal film crosses 200K USD overseas 8 healthy infused waters that are a must have in summer for healthy digestion Mercedes-Benz CLA EV vs BYD Seal: Price, range, features compared NASA satellite spots gleaming halo around New Zealand’s Chatham Islands | Guinness World Records: London sets Guinness World Record with 440-metre tiramisu made by 100 chefs using 50,000 biscuits | World News Mamata Banerjee’s visit to a local market in Kolkata NEW DELHI: With the West Bengal assembly elections entering a crucial phase, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday took her poll campaign to the local streets and visited a busy local market in Kolkata to interact directly with vendors and shoppers.Dressed in her trademark white saree and slippers, Mamata walked through narrow market lanes, stopping at stalls to speak with vegetable sellers and customers. She enquired about wholesale and retail prices of essentials such as potatoes, onions and seasonal greens, and listened to grievances, particularly from women vendors.She also assured continued support through state welfare schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, positioning the state government as responsive to everyday economic concerns.The market visit comes amid a broader political contest over Bengal’s street connect and cultural identity. It also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent campaign stop in Jhargram, where he was seen having “jhalmuri” during an outreach event.Mamata had earlier targeted the episode, alleging it was stage-managed. “They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security. They had prepared jhal muri from home for security concerns and gave ₹10 to the shopkeeper. In fact, I don’t carry any notes,” she said.Taking a swipe at the BJP’s campaign optics, she added, “They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi. First, they showed a ‘chai-wala’, and now they are showing jhal muri to win the election.””We are habitual of spicy jhal muri, but have you ever tried fish and chicken curry? I eat your dhokla, I eat dosa, I eat litti, I eat thekua, I eat sattu. I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa. Don’t teach me religion,” she added.The chief minister also questioned the BJP’s confidence after the first phase of polling. “Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?” she said, adding that the polls would be a vote on the rights of Bengal’s people.The first phase of polling, held on April 23, recorded a high turnout, with both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP claiming an edge. With campaign activity intensifying on the ground, Bengal is set to go to polls for phase 2 on April 29 for 142 seats.The counting of votes will take place on May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArvind Kejriwal Shocks Court With Refusal To Appear In Excise Case“Hope Of Justice Shattered”: Kejriwal Skips Court, Sends Letter To Justice Swarana KantaAAP Workers Detained Outside Raghav Chadha’s House During Mumbai Protest“Fix Delhi And Pahalgam First” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Launches Fierce Attack On BJP“TMC’s Time Is Over” Amit Shah Tears Into TMC Over Infiltrators During Bengal RallyPassport Row Escalates: Pawan Khera Approaches Supreme Court After Gauhati HC Rejects Bail PleaBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Attacks TMC, Raises RG Kar Case And Law And Order ConcernsPM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 594 Km Ganga Expressway In Uttar Pradesh On April 29“India Expands Global Trade Reach” Union Minister Piyush Goyal On NZ FTAMarathi Mandatory In Maharashtra From May 1 |CM Fadnavis Pushes Language Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers123PhotostoriesKareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan:5 relationship lessons to learn from Bollywood’s power couple8 healthy infused waters that are a must have in summer for healthy digestion6 common flight mistakes by that may cost travellers their health7 best British trees for a front garden that looks good all year (and how to maintain them through every season)Copy-paste genetics? These 5 celebrity kids look exactly like their parents5 Indian summer fruits you can grow in the backyard7 radiant baby girl names that symbolise sunshineFrom facing trolls over husband Shardul Bayas’ past divorces to choosing not to have kids, Nehha Pendse opens up about her career, marriage, and lifeRhea Chakraborty gets relief in Sushant Singh Rajput case: What court said on unfreezing bank accounts and what it meansEat smart for every organ: Foods that support your lungs, liver, gut, and eyes123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRussini Mike Photo ControversyTamil Nadu electionNFL Trade RumorsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap Apr 27, 2026, 11:48 IST Paytm share price today: One 97 Communications plunges 8% after RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank’s banking licence.; what’s the outlook? Sunita Ahuja says she’d prefer Govinda as a son, not a husband: ‘Woh 60 saal ka ho gaya woh apne liye jiya hi nahi aaj tak’