docTLDR

The health ministry has prohibited medical representatives from entering Centre-run hospitals, directing them to share information via email or digital media instead. IMA's past president argues for regulation rather than outright ban, noting that representatives who use illegal means should be targeted specifically.

The Indian Medical Association has firmly rejected the central government's attempt to create a hybrid medical system by integrating different branches of medicine. IMA criticized the Union Minister for Ayush's statement suggesting premier institutions like JIPMER would become experimental labs for hybrid medicine, emphasizing that modern medicine remains essential for achieving health goals.

India’s active COVID-19 cases have surpassed 4,000, driven by the JN.1 Omicron subvariant. Most cases are mild, with symptoms like fever, fatigue, and sore throat. Experts stress that current vaccines remain effective and no new booster is needed. Clinicians should monitor vulnerable patients, especially those with comorbidities, as the elderly and immunocompromised remain at higher risk.

Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Centre for failing to present minimum standards for sample collection, revealing that India has no mandatory SOPs for diagnostic labs. This comes amid rising COVID cases, highlighting concerns about India's preparedness for future viral outbreaks despite lessons learned during the pandemic.

AIIMS doctors successfully performed one-anastomosis gastric bypass surgery on a 31-year-old government employee with a BMI of 75.5, weighing 254kg. The procedure reduces stomach capacity to 60-80ml and connects it to the small intestine, facilitating hormonal changes that normalize blood sugar and address comorbidities.

The Bengaluru District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has called on the government to form a task force targeting counterfeit drug networks across Karnataka. Enhanced enforcement is expected to improve drug safety and protect Indian patients from substandard or fake medicines.

A new expert consensus highlights strong clinician acceptance of AI-driven automatic pain assessment (APA) systems, especially for non-communicative patients. Recommendations include robust staff training, risk management, and ongoing validation. APA is seen as promising for real-time pain monitoring in vulnerable populations, but further research is needed for acute and chronic pain applications.

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) now requires all pharmacists to submit grievances exclusively through its digital portal. This move is expected to streamline complaint resolution, improve transparency, and enhance regulatory oversight for pharmacy practice nationwide.

Tears can now detect conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's to cancer and myopia. The technology shows promise for identifying retinopathy of prematurity in preterm babies and addressing dry eye disease, projected to affect half of urban Indians by 2030, through targeted treatment based on immunological markers.

A collaborative study between Indian and US researchers has identified a new subtype of Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) associated with mutations in the ABCC8 gene. This discovery could improve diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches for affected patients.

Biocon has secured CDSCO approval for its generic Liraglutide (Victoza) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, including use in adults, adolescents, and children over 10. This move is set to expand access to GLP-1 therapy in India, addressing the needs of over 77 million diabetics and supporting affordable, life-saving medication availability.

A new review in BMJ highlights hepatitis B as a persistent global health challenge affecting 254 million people. The comprehensive analysis covers epidemiology, disease progression mechanisms, screening practices, diagnostic methods, and antiviral treatment strategies, with special emphasis on emerging therapeutic approaches.

New cirrhosis management guidelines emphasize informed consent for paracentesis, recommend ultrasound guidance to reduce adverse events, and advise against routine coagulation testing before procedures. The guidelines also address hyponatremia management, suggesting hypertonic sodium chloride only for severe symptomatic cases.

A groundbreaking Pan-India study has evaluated the frequency of monogenic diabetes among clinically suspected cases across the country. This research provides crucial epidemiological data specific to the Indian population, potentially transforming diagnostic approaches for this often misdiagnosed form of diabetes.

A comprehensive review highlights drug repurposing as a transformative, cost-effective solution to combat multidrug resistance. This approach has particular relevance for India, where antimicrobial resistance rates are among the highest globally and where healthcare resource constraints necessitate economically sustainable solutions.