August 28, 2026
In his Hindustan Times column, Vital Signs, OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan writes that regulation should go beyond punishment and focus on creating incentives for good behavior.
Using examples from India, including road safety, workplace safety, food hygiene, and antibiotic use, he highlights how governments can reward people and businesses that consistently follow safety standards.
For instance, safer commercial drivers could receive lower insurance premiums, while pharmacies that demonstrate responsible antibiotic dispensing could earn recognized certifications.
This approach could make compliance more attractive, reduce the burden on regulators, and generate better health and safety outcomes.
Read the article here.

