South Korea is grappling with a growing emotional pandemic: loneliness. As young people withdraw from society, choosing isolation over connection, the phenomenon known as hikikomori, a Japanese term referring to reclusive individuals, has gained alarming prevalence. In 2022, it was estimated that up to 244,000 South Koreans had withdrawn from the world, spending their lives locked inside their rooms for months at a time.

This withdrawal from social life has stark consequences. The number of "lonely deaths" has also surged, reaching 3,661 last year, up from 3,559 in 2022, and 3,378 in 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. These figures reflect a sobering reality as an increasing number of South Koreans are dying alone, often unnoticed for extended periods.

Part of the rise in lonely deaths can be attributed to the ministry’s broader definition. In the past, only deaths where bodies were discovered after a significant delay were counted. Now, anyone who dies in social isolation—cut off from family or friends, whether from suicide or illness—is included in the category. This shift highlights the growing crisis of isolation, particularly among middle-aged and elderly men. More than 84% of lonely deaths in 2023 were male, with men in their 50s and 60s accounting for more than half of the total.

South Korea’s demographic trends are further exacerbating the issue. With an aging population and declining birth rates, deaths have consistently outpaced births in recent years, contributing to the overall rise in lonely deaths. Yet, beyond the numbers lies a deeper cultural issue: the struggle with loneliness, which is experienced differently in South Korea compared to other countries.

While loneliness is a universal feeling, it manifests uniquely in South Korea. According to psychology professor An, “Koreans may not necessarily feel lonelier than others, but the reasons behind their loneliness differ.” In many cultures, loneliness stems from unfulfilled relationships, but in South Korea, people often associate loneliness with a lack of purpose or a sense of inadequacy. Many Millennials and Gen Z Koreans are deeply self-critical, afraid of failure, and sensitive to societal expectations.

A 2023 study highlighted that loneliness in Korea is shaped by cultural nuances. Korean society emphasizes relational orientation, meaning people often define themselves in relation to others. As a result, even those with active social lives may feel profound loneliness if they perceive themselves as not contributing meaningfully to society. The intense pressure to achieve, combined with rising single-person households, reduced social interactions, and the dominance of social media, fuels feelings of inadequacy.

“When everyone pursues the same values excessively, we end up losing ourselves,” An explained. “Our society demands highly collective social living but often fails to respect the individual,” leaving many struggling with isolation and failure. As South Korea continues to navigate this emotional crisis, addressing loneliness remains a complex challenge requiring cultural and structural shifts.

With the patent on semaglutide expiring today in India, NATCO Pharma has become the first drugmaker to launch the generic version of the weight-loss drug in the country.

NATCO Pharma’s generic semaglutide injection prices start at INR 1,290 per month.

“NATCO is the first company to offer generic semaglutide in multi-dose vials with customized syringes… It is the most affordable GLP-1 currently in the Indian market as it is approximately 70 percent cheaper in cost than the pen device and 90 percent cheaper than the price of the innovator’s brand,” the Hyderabad-based company said, in a statement.

The company had received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in February 2026 to manufacture and market the drug, after a clinical comparison study.

Semaglutide works by targeting key areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and food intake. It reduces hunger, improves satiety, and cuts down food cravings, eventually inducing weight loss.

It also improves insulin resistance and has a beneficial effect on the reduction of cardiometabolic events and risk factors.

NATCO's Semaglutide Drugs

NATCO's semaglutide drugs will be sold under brand names SEMANAT and SEMAFULL in multi-dose vial formats. It will be priced:

• INR 1,290 per month for the 2 mg/1.5 ml and 4 mg/3 ml variants,
• INR 1,750 for the 8 mg/3 ml dose.

• INR 4,000 for 2 mg/1.5ml,
• INR 4,200 for 4 mg/3 ml,
• INR 4,500 per month for 8 mg/3 ml.

In comparison, Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy in pen devices cost INR 8,800 and INR 10,850, respectively, per month for the starting doses.

NATCO has also signed a distribution partnership with Eris Lifesciences to co-market its therapy in India.

Other Generic Versions

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Zydus Lifesciences are also expected to introduce their versions of semaglutide on Saturday.

Others in the pipeline include Alkem Laboratories, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and MSN Laboratories.

With intense competition, analysts believe around 50 branded semaglutide generics will enter the Indian market within months, BBC reported.

Calling it a potential "magic-pill moment" for India, investment bank Jefferies predicted that the semaglutide market in the country could reach $1bn domestically.

Also read: CDSCO threatens action against pharma companies for promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs

End Of Novo Nordisk’s Patents

In January this year, Canada became the first country to lose patent protection for semaglutide. However, the country's health regulator hasn’t approved any generics so far.

Novo Nordisk is expected to lose the patent in 10 more countries, including Brazil, China, South Africa, Turkey, and Canada, by the end of 2026.

In view of losing patent, Novo Nordisk recently cut prices for Wegovy in India. The company also launched its blockbuster brand Ozempic in December.

Once affecting people who smoked tobacco, lung cancer in India is today more common among people who never smoked. The major reason: exposure to poor air, almost year-round.

Although air pollution has emerged as an important risk for lung cancer, the evidence on this issue from India is limited. To explore more on this, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, today announced undertaking a major study.

The study, dubbed ‘AIRCARE (Air Pollution and Cancer Research Ecosystem): Center for Advanced Research on Environmental Health and Lung Cancer Risk’, will examine the connection between the fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and the risk of lung cancer in the country.

PM2.5 particles, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, are approximately 30 times smaller than a human hair. It is a significant yet often unseen threat to air quality.

“India is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world, and there is an urgent need to scientifically look at the effects of pollution on people’s health. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among males in India, and there is a high number of non-smoking lung cancers among females and young adults,” said Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology at AIIMS, who will lead the study, while addressing the media.

“It is deeply concerning that lung cancer, once assumed to be a disease mostly associated with people who smoke tobacco, is now seeing a rapid increase in incidence amongst people who do not smoke,” he added.

The expert urged the "need to implement policy and management strategies to tackle this disease and mitigate further loss of life”.

The AIRCARE Study

It will be the first-of-its-kind scientific study in India to evaluate the effects of exposure to air pollution.

About 1,615 lung cancer cases with 1,615 controls from their family members will be added to the study.

The study will employ both a cohort and case-control design to track the effects of chronic PM 2.5 exposure on lung cancer incidence across various demographics and socio-economic groups.

It will also attempt to isolate an Indian population-specific genetic imprint.

Based on the findings, the researchers aim to develop a risk- based screening model that will include both clinical and molecular components specific to the Indian population and exposure levels.

It will also identify the susceptible population among the cohort who are more at risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung Cancer And Air Pollution Risks In India

Data from the National Cancer Registry shows that lung cancer affects about 72,000 people and claims 66,000 lives every year in India -- making it one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the country.

From a smoker’s illness, lung cancer has now emerged as a major concern due to poor air quality. Several doctors across Delhi and Maharashtra have n noted a significant increase in pulmonary cancer due to air pollution.

A 2025 study at a government hospital in North India found that 52 percent of lung cancer cases were among non-smokers.

The Indian government today constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC), in a major reform to improve the quality of dental education in the country and align it with global standards, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on the occasion of World Oral Health Day.

The government also announced three autonomous boards under the NDC and repealed the erstwhile Dental Council of India (DCI). The developments were notified on March 19, making the new framework operational from the same date, the Ministry said in a statement.

The NDC aims to introduce essential and long-overdue regulatory reforms in dental education and enhance access to affordable oral healthcare across the country.

The three autonomous bodies aim to support the functioning of the Commission. These are:

• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board -- to oversee dental education
• Dental Assessment and Rating Board -- to regulate accreditation and institutional assessment
• Ethics and Dental Registration Board -- to govern professional conduct and registration of dentists

The key functions of the National Dental Commission includes:

• Framing regulations to implement the provisions of the Act
• Conducting rating and assessment of dental institutions
• Evaluating human resources and promoting dental research
• Framing guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges
• Establishing standards for community dental care, education, research, and professional ethics

World Oral Health Day

Every year on March 20, World Oral Health Day is observed to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

The 2026 theme is “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” raises awareness about the importance of caring for your mouth at every stage of life - from birth through later years.

"Healthy Mouth, Healthy Nation. This World Oral Health Day, let’s raise awareness and take action, practice proper brushing, reduce sugar intake, and prioritize regular dental check-ups. Your smile deserves daily care," the Ministry of Health shared in a post on social media platform X.

Also read: World Oral Health Day: Your Mouth May Signal Disease Before You Even Know, According To Doctor

"A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body. This World Oral Health Day, let’s focus on building better habits for ourselves and our families," said Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

He called for building up "simple steps like proper brushing, limiting sugary foods, and regular dental check-ups" to maintain good oral health.

"Good oral care not only keeps our smile bright but also supports overall well-being. Let’s use this occasion to raise awareness and commit to maintaining good oral hygiene every day," he added.