Health:

India is making constant and concerted effort to formulate and execute schemes to ensure adequate health care services to the people in line with the National Health Policy. While implementing these schemes, steps are being taken to make improvements in the health care system to cater to the health needs of the people.

Several National health programmes are being implemented as Centrally-sponsored schemes aimed mainly at reduction of mortality and morbidity caused by major diseases. The major health schemes include the National programmes for eradication of malaria, blindness, leprosy, tuberculosis, AIDS including blood safety measures and STD control, Cancer control. Special attention is also being paid to Trauma and Spinal Injuries. Pilot projects have also been taken up in respect of cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes and rehabilitation of the medically disabled.  

Tips to tourists on a healthy stay: 

1. Always drink bottled water
2. For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water
3. Eat fruit you can peel
4. Always wash fruit well before eating it
5. Wash your hands before and after eating
6. Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you
7. Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever, etc. Also, band aids and an antiseptic ointment.
8. Drink only bottled water. Many popular brands are available. In restaurants insist that they bring a sealed bottle to your table
9. Beef is not served in many parts of India. Pork is also not easily available
10. Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants. The meat in cheaper and smaller places can be of dubious quality
11. Good quality vegetarian food is easily available
12. Curd or yoghurt is served with most meals. It is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. 
     
    

If you have an upset stomach after trying spicy Indian cuisines, do not panic. Drink lassi (a yoghurt drink). It will help tone down the bacteria. Also eat plain rice, or try a simple khichdi (an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils). Don’t forget to drink plenty of coconut water. It's cooling, and naturally sterilized. Just drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts. You will be fit to try the irresistible cuisines in no time. 

Safety:

 
If you give the impression of being from a different country, chances are that you might be stared at, especially in the smaller towns. Don't be offended - they mean no harm, it is just curiosity. 
 
While shopping, try to shop only in government handicraft shops. There the prices are fixed and the quality is certified. If that is not an option, check the prices at a few shops before making a choice. Bargaining is standard in most places and is enjoyed by all. Get used to the fact that you will probably be charged more than the locals. If possible, take a local along when you go shopping.  

Don't be reckless. Rely on your senses and instincts and not so much on the travel guides. Carry your passport, travelers cheques, money, cards etc. in an inner shirt/jeans pocket. Better still, shove them in a hidden money belt against your skin. You can then dance around pickpockets and yet be safe. The worst thing to do is to carry them in a zippy bag hung over the shoulders. You will never know when someone just slips it out. The fanny bags or waist packs spell 'money' to pickpockets and make you an easy prey to swoop on. You cannot escape their nimble fingers and sharp razors. Turn your alarm sensors on when in crowded places like airports, railways stations etc.