docTLDR

The CBI has filed an FIR implicating senior officials from the Health Ministry, National Medical Commission, and private medical colleges, including a former UGC chairman, in a sweeping corruption scandal. The accused allegedly leaked confidential inspection schedules and assessor names to colleges in exchange for bribes, enabling fraudulent setups such as ghost faculty and fake patients during inspections. The case involves charges of bribery, criminal conspiracy, and breach of official secr...

A National Doctors’ Day post by chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, celebrating his family of Ayurvedic, homeopathy, cosmetology, and physiotherapy practitioners, sparked a major online controversy after hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips (The Liver Doc) declared that none were 'real doctors.' The exchange ignited a fierce debate on social media about the legitimacy of alternative medicine and the definition of 'doctor' in India, with both sides defending their professional integrity and the ...

The new COVID-19 variant 'Stratus' (XFG) is rapidly spreading and now accounts for a significant share of cases in India. Experts highlight a unique symptom—hoarseness or a scratchy, raspy voice—distinct from previous variants. While Stratus carries mutations that may help it evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination, current evidence suggests it does not cause more severe illness than earlier Omicron strains. WHO has designated Stratus as a 'variant under monitoring' and states that...

The SCOT-HEART 2 trial demonstrates that coronary CT angiography, compared to traditional cardiovascular risk scoring, leads to modest but significant improvements in healthy lifestyle behaviors, greater acceptance of preventive therapies, and better risk factor modification among individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. This imaging-based approach may enhance patient engagement and adherence to recommended interventions, though its impact on reducing coronary events requires further s...

Recent insights challenge the assumption that glass bottles are always safer for medication storage. Manufacturing defects, transport damage, and microscopic cracks can compromise sterility and safety, posing risks to both patients and healthcare workers. Awareness and vigilance are crucial to prevent contamination and injury.

Following a surge in rabies deaths and vaccine shortages, Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Public Health has mandated all PHCs to provide round-the-clock rabies vaccination and immunoglobulin for animal bite victims. The move aims to address critical failures in post-exposure prophylaxis and reduce preventable fatalities.

Georgia is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Indian medical students, with enrolments rising to 12,000–16,000 by 2024. Universities now offer FMGE-focused modules and Indian faculty tie-ups, improving global test-readiness and post-graduation prospects for Indian doctors.

AI-assisted triage, pre-hospital alerts, and standardised codes for stroke and cardiac care are improving emergency outcomes, even in tier 2 and 3 cities. Experts urge the Ministry of Health to institutionalise emergency medicine and enforce national protocols for golden hour conditions, citing recent regulatory setbacks and the need for patient-centered reforms.

A major multicentre, double-blind RCT found that pramipexole augmentation (up to 2.5 mg) significantly reduced depressive symptoms at 12 weeks in adults with treatment-resistant depression compared to placebo. While pramipexole was clinically effective, it was associated with notable adverse effects. The findings suggest pramipexole could be a valuable option for patients unresponsive to standard antidepressants, but further head-to-head trials with existing treatments are needed.

India’s geriatric care is being transformed by predictive technologies that can alert families before emergencies, reducing hospital visits and costs. Experts call for public-private partnerships to make these solutions affordable and urge a national roadmap for accessible, tech-enabled elder care as India’s population ages.

Andhra Pradesh has launched its first Tata Digital Nerve Centre (DiNC) in Kuppam, linking 13 PHCs and 92 village health centres. The DiNC digitalizes health records, enables early diagnosis, personalized counselling, and virtual specialist access, aiming to lower costs and improve care. The model will expand district- and state-wide, integrating with Ayushman Bharat and NTR Vaidya Seva schemes.

Niti Aayog is convening experts to address quality concerns in India's pharmaceutical sector, aiming to align domestic drug production with international standards. Recommendations will focus on improving patient safety and public trust, with direct implications for prescribing and dispensing practices in clinical settings.

A new systematic review finds that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with increased dental implant failure. Indian clinicians should consider this risk when prescribing PPIs to patients undergoing implant procedures and discuss alternative therapies where appropriate.

A newly updated review confirms that both medication and procedural abortions are safe and effective when performed correctly. Indian doctors should be vigilant for rare complications such as infection or hemorrhage and counsel patients on when to seek urgent care.

The Indian government plans to amend drug rules, moving preparations with higher alcoholic content to Schedule H1. This regulatory change will increase prescription and dispensing controls, impacting prescribing practices for affected formulations. Doctors should anticipate stricter documentation and patient monitoring requirements for these products.