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Dr Abhijat Sheth, a noted cardiothoracic surgeon and President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, has been appointed Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), succeeding Dr BN Gangadhar. Dr Sheth aims to enhance the quality of medical education, improve access, and strengthen governance. His appointment comes amid scrutiny over alleged irregularities in medical college assessment reports.

A 40-year-old German palliative care specialist, Johannes M., is on trial in Berlin for allegedly murdering 15 patients—12 women and 3 men—aged 25 to 94, between September 2021 and July 2024. He reportedly administered lethal sedatives and muscle relaxants, causing rapid respiratory arrest, and in some cases set fires to cover up the crimes. Authorities are investigating 96 additional suspicious deaths linked to him, including that of his mother-in-law. The case has raised serious concerns ab...

A Gandhinagar-based pediatrician drowned in the Adalaj Narmada canal while assisting his daughter in performing a Gauri Vrat ritual. The incident occurred when the doctor slipped and fell into the canal while placing ritual offerings. Despite immediate rescue efforts, he was declared dead on arrival due to drowning. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety during religious ceremonies near water bodies.

A Bengaluru couple reported an uncomfortable experience during a routine eye check-up when an ophthalmic technician advised against marriage and having children due to both partners having myopia. The technician's remarks, deemed unscientific and unprofessional by the couple and social media users, sparked outrage online. The hospital later apologised after the incident went viral.

At a Doctors' Day event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi praised the state's healthcare system as a 'model of excellence' and honored several eminent doctors for their service. He emphasized the need to instil respect for doctors from an early age and called for healthcare to be seen as a sacred service, not a commercial enterprise. The Governor also highlighted the importance of doctors in national development and urged the medical community to promote health literacy and societal wel...

A recent study highlights that vitamin D deficiency significantly contributes to the development of diabetic macular ischemia in patients with diabetes. The findings suggest that low vitamin D levels may exacerbate retinal microvascular complications, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing vitamin D status in diabetic individuals to potentially reduce the risk of vision-threatening outcomes.

Emerging evidence suggests that excessive protein intake, especially from animal sources, may impede weight loss by increasing insulin resistance and promoting fat storage. The article highlights that high-protein diets can disrupt metabolic flexibility, potentially worsening obesity and diabetes risk. Physicians are urged to individualize dietary advice and reconsider blanket recommendations for high-protein diets.

The Medical Counselling Committee has released the NEET UG 2025 counselling schedule for MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc Nursing admissions. Registrations for the first round open July 21. Doctors involved in medical education and admissions should prepare for increased queries and support for prospective students.

The GST Council will soon discuss lowering tax rates on health and life insurance premiums, a move previously deferred. Any reduction could make insurance more affordable for patients, potentially increasing coverage and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Doctors should anticipate changes in patient insurance status and reimbursement patterns.

ICMR-NIE has launched a three-year intervention in Punjab and Telangana to curb India's excessive salt intake, with urban averages at 9.2g/day—almost double the WHO's 5g/day limit. The initiative includes structured counselling at Health and Wellness Centres and highlights the need for low-sodium salt substitutes, which remain costly and scarce. Doctors are urged to counsel patients on salt reduction to lower hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito traps in Fulton County, with health officials urging the public to take precautions. The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause fever, headache, and body aches; most people remain asymptomatic, but those over 60 or with chronic conditions face higher risk of severe illness, including neurological complications. Preventive measures include using DEET-based repellents, wearing long sleeves, draining standing water, and ensuring window screens a...

The World Health Organization has released its first global clinical management guidelines covering dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. With over 5.6 billion people at risk as Aedes mosquitoes expand into new regions, the guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for both severe and non-severe cases. They emphasize an integrated approach due to overlapping symptoms and limited diagnostic access, aiming to help clinicians prevent severe disease and deaths.

Skipping meals triggers rapid drops in glucose and insulin, activating hormonal responses that shift the body from using carbohydrates to fats for energy. This can impair cognitive function, worsen mood, and increase hunger signals. Habitual meal skipping is linked to higher risks of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need for individualized dietary guidance.

India faces a significant hepatitis challenge, with millions chronically infected by hepatitis B and C. Despite the availability of effective vaccines for hepatitis B, low awareness, insufficient vaccination coverage, and late diagnosis contribute to ongoing transmission and high mortality. Experts stress the need for public education, routine screening, and robust vaccination drives to curb the spread and reduce the disease burden.

A leading US doctor warns of a significant rise in colon cancer cases among young adults, with incidence rates doubling since the 1990s. Experts urge clinicians to recognize key warning signs—rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue. The trend is attributed to lifestyle factors like poor diet, obesity, and sedentary habits, prompting calls for earlier screening and greater awareness among both doctors and the public.