Press Release Overview
Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH, BSE: 543412) issued a press release on 12 November 2026 urging residents of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram to adopt precautionary measures as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the "Very Poor" category from 2 to 9 November, reaching a peak of 382 on 6 November and 376 on Diwali, the highest Diwali‑day reading since 2021; the index fell to 299 (Poor) by the afternoon of 10 November.
The Central Pollution Control Board reported these AQI levels, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan on 2 November and Stage III across the NCR on 6 November. Forecasts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicated "Very Poor" air on 11 and 12 November, while the India Meteorological Department projected no rainfall in Delhi until 15 November.
In the same period, Star Health recorded a 344 % year‑on‑year increase in Home Health Care utilisation among eligible policyholders in the Delhi NCR region, rising to approximately 17,600 cases between April and September 2026 from about 4,000 cases a year earlier, representing a 4.4‑fold growth. Business Head Mannu Batura noted that more families are opting for medically supervised treatment at home and reiterated the advice to seek early medical attention for persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness or palpitations.
The advisory listed specific precautions: avoid outdoor activities during early morning and late evening peaks, wear properly fitted N95 masks (as cloth or surgical masks provide limited protection), keep windows closed during peak hours, refrain from using incense, mosquito coils or smoking indoors, shift exercise indoors when AQI is "Very Poor" or worse, and maintain a stock of inhalers, cardiac medication and prescribed medicines.
Star Health also highlighted three service interventions for policyholders: unlimited teleconsultations throughout the policy period, a dedicated helpline ("Talk to Star" at 7200 222 333, option 1 for Home Health Care, option 2 for planned hospitalisation) for guidance on treatment, cashless processes and network hospitals, and cashless Home Health Care covering doctor‑prescribed at‑home services such as nursing, blood tests, monitoring, IV fluids and injections, subject to policy terms. Non‑policyholders can access a free virtual doctor consultation from 8 am to 8 pm via the Star Health Customer app.
Company background: Star Health began operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurer, currently operating over 900 offices, employing more than 18,500 staff, supported by 8.7 lakh agents, and linked to over 17,000 network hospitals. It has settled over one crore (10 million) claims to date.