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A new commission in Kerala will investigate critical shortages of surgical equipment and delays in procedures at government hospitals. The move follows public outcry from clinicians about postponed surgeries due to lack of essential devices. The commission’s findings may shape future procurement and device management policies, directly impacting surgical practice.

Doctors’ Day 2025 highlights the theme 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?', focusing on the emotional and mental health challenges faced by Indian doctors. Leaders urge greater empathy and support for the medical fraternity, emphasizing the need to address burnout and provide psychological care for clinicians.

On Doctor’s Day, Dr. Manoj Mulchandani urges patients to avoid self-diagnosis, especially for digestive symptoms like rectal bleeding, which may signal serious disease. He highlights the dangers of relying on Google or AI for medical advice and stresses the importance of honest communication and medication adherence for optimal outcomes.

The Madras High Court has ruled that maternity leave taken by doctors during compulsory government bond service must be counted as part of the bond period. The court held that maternity leave is a fundamental right under Article 21 and the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, overriding any contrary bond or contract terms. Authorities were directed to return the certificates of Dr. E. Krithikaa, who was denied them for availing maternity leave during her bond service. This sets a precedent for all wo...

A new IIT Bombay study reveals that fibrillar collagen I, the body's most abundant protein, accelerates toxic amylin aggregation in the pancreas, worsening type 2 diabetes. Using advanced imaging and tissue analysis, researchers found that collagen acts as a scaffold for amylin clumps, increasing beta-cell damage and reducing insulin production. This extracellular mechanism may explain why current diabetes treatments often fail, highlighting a novel drug target for future therapies.

A large UK Biobank study found that postmenopausal women working permanent night shifts face almost double the odds of developing moderate-to-severe asthma compared to day workers, especially those not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The risk was not observed in men or women on HRT, suggesting a hormonal influence. These findings highlight the need for targeted occupational health interventions for women exposed to night shift work.

Artificial intelligence tools like KATE are being deployed in US hospitals to analyze patient data and alert clinicians to early signs of sepsis, a leading cause of hospital deaths. These AI systems can detect sepsis hours before traditional methods, prompting faster intervention. In studies, such tools have reduced in-hospital sepsis mortality by up to 18%, with high rates of clinician adoption and integration into care workflows.

A novel endoscopic gastric plication procedure significantly reduced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in obese patients, according to a multicenter study. The minimally invasive technique led to marked improvements in both GERD symptom scores and weight loss at 12 months, offering a promising alternative for patients with obesity-related GERD who are not candidates for traditional surgery.

A recent clinical trial found that a 5-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) each month, supervised by physicians and dietitians, improved blood sugar control and reduced medication reliance in people with type 2 diabetes. Participants experienced weight loss and lower HbA1c levels after 3 and 6 months. The FMD, a plant-based, low-calorie regimen, was generally well-tolerated and feasible for most patients, but medical supervision is advised before starting.

A large matched cohort study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that statin therapy was associated with a 39% reduction in 28-day mortality among critically ill sepsis patients. The analysis, using data from over 265,000 ICU admissions, compared 6,070 statin users to matched controls and found mortality rates of 14.3% versus 23.4%. The benefit was consistent across most BMI groups, though statin users required slightly longer mechanical ventilation and kidney support. Authors call for...

Researchers have developed an AI-driven method that analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in earwax to detect Parkinson’s disease with 94% accuracy. The non-invasive test identifies four specific VOCs altered in PD patients, offering a rapid, affordable alternative to current subjective and costly diagnostics. This approach could enable earlier intervention and improved outcomes, but requires further validation across diverse populations.

Recent advances in neuroaesthetics show that engaging with the arts measurably alters brain structure, function, and biochemistry, supporting improved health and well-being. The emerging neuroarts field, combining neuroscience and the arts, is launching a Neuroarts Resource Center in January 2025 to centralize research and clinical findings. Early-career grants are also fostering interdisciplinary projects, highlighting the growing recognition of art's therapeutic potential.

A multicenter study highlights significant disruptions in pediatric cancer management during COVID-19 in LMICs, including India. Delays and cancellations in surgery and immunotherapy were common. The findings underscore the need for resilient care pathways and contingency planning for future health emergencies.

Goa’s Chief Minister has called on healthcare practitioners to establish preventive healthcare clinics offering Ayurveda services. He highlighted the potential of 'Dinacharya' and 'Ritucharya' for lifestyle management and announced collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospitals to assess Ayurveda’s effectiveness for the next 50 years.

Rajasthan has expanded its public health insurance with 73 new packages, including pediatric, oncology, and robotic surgeries. The state is leveraging AI for disease monitoring and insurance claim processing, and has launched digital tools for patient entitlement checks. Doctors can expect improved access to advanced interventions and streamlined administrative workflows.