docTLDR

Health experts now classify COVID-19 as seasonal and endemic, with over 5,300 active cases in India. Genome sequencing shows links to Omicron subvariants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Experts advise standard respiratory infection precautions only for those over 65 or with pre-existing conditions, emphasizing that current cases are not severe.

Leading medical associations have formally opposed the Centre’s plan to launch India’s first integrated MBBS+BAMS course at JIPMER Puducherry, citing scientific incompatibility and risks to medical education quality. Doctors warn that merging allopathic and Ayurvedic curricula could undermine clinical standards and patient safety, urging the government to revoke the proposal.

India’s active Covid-19 caseload has risen to over 5,000, with seven deaths reported in the last 24 hours, including fatalities in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka. The Ministry of Health urges clinicians to remain vigilant, especially for patients with comorbidities, as new cases and hospitalizations show an uptick.

Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, renowned for anti-venom research, details his two-year struggle with a predatory journal that published his work then demanded £1,000 with threats. The 75-year-old physician experienced severe anxiety, lost 8kg, and required psychiatric help. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors estimates over 15,000 such journals now exist.

Leading experts advocate for increased funding and a whole-of-NIH approach to women's health research. This perspective aligns with India's need to address high maternal mortality while expanding research on women's health conditions beyond reproductive care in its growing clinical research ecosystem.

Former DCGI Dr. G N Singh emphasizes that India must uphold global regulatory standards to maintain its status as the 'pharmacy of the world.' He reiterates that generic drugs meet the same quality standards as branded ones and urges doctors to confidently prescribe generics, dispelling myths about efficacy.

The Serum Institute of India has launched the 'Conquer HPV Cancer Conclave 2025', focusing on raising awareness about HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among Indian women. The campaign urges clinicians to educate patients on vaccination and early screening for both genders.

The NPPA has fixed retail prices for 41 drug combinations, including 18 variants of empagliflozin after its patent expiry. The move, impacting diabetes, cholesterol, and sleep disorder treatments, has triggered an 80–85% price drop, making essential therapies more affordable and accessible for Indian patients.

India faces dual epidemics with 267 million tobacco users and high TB rates. Recent studies show smokeless tobacco (SLT) users have higher TB prevalence than the general population. Mechanisms include oral mucosal damage, impaired immunity from nicotine, malnutrition, and spitting behaviors facilitating TB spread. Experts urge integrating SLT cessation into TB prevention strategies.

A randomized clinical trial shows mailed self-collection kits with patient navigation substantially increased cervical cancer screening participation in underserved populations. This approach could address India's rural screening challenges, where healthcare access barriers contribute to high cervical cancer mortality.

Foldax has secured approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for its Tria polymer mitral heart valve. This next-generation valve, designed for enhanced durability and reduced calcification, offers Indian cardiologists a novel option for mitral valve replacement, potentially reducing reoperation rates and improving patient outcomes in rheumatic and degenerative heart disease.

LivaNova's CORE-VNS study, with over 800 patients, confirms that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy yields sustained seizure reduction in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. Indian neurologists may consider VNS as an adjunct for patients not responding to medication, with data showing up to 87% median reduction in disabling seizures at three years.

A recent multicentre international study reveals India has the highest global prevalence of ultra-short coeliac disease (USCD) at 14.4%. This finding urges Indian clinicians to consider early duodenal biopsy and serological screening in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, as USCD may be underdiagnosed and requires prompt dietary intervention.

The SMART Registry's integration of surgical complication classifications and linkage with national healthcare data sets a new standard for monitoring arthroplasty outcomes. Indian orthopedic surgeons can adapt similar registry models to improve long-term patient tracking, complication reporting, and cost-effectiveness analysis.

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) has commissioned the second edition of its counterfeiting report with CRISIL, focusing on pharmaceuticals among other sectors. The report, due by end-2025, will provide actionable data and recommendations for regulators and brand owners to strengthen anti-counterfeiting frameworks, crucial for patient safety and trust in India’s pharma supply chain.