docTLDR

A 6-year-old girl lost vision in both eyes after an ophthalmologist misdiagnosed her brain tumour as a squint, delaying critical treatment. The Consumer Court found the doctor negligent and increased the compensation awarded to the family, highlighting the severe consequences of diagnostic errors and reinforcing the importance of thorough neuro-ophthalmic evaluation in pediatric cases presenting with ocular symptoms.

Dr Ambrish Mithal highlights how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are transforming obesity and type 2 diabetes management in India. These medications mimic gut hormones to increase insulin, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and crucially, act on the brain to reduce appetite and enhance satiety. While previously bariatric surgery was the main option for severe obesity, GLP-1 drugs now offer a non-surgical alternative, though Dr Mithal stresses they must be prescribed under medical supervision....

A high-profile roundtable in Delhi spotlighted the urgent need for mandatory nucleic acid testing (NAT) at all Indian blood banks after a thalassemia patient contracted HIV, likely from a transfusion. Experts urge immediate reforms to blood safety protocols, including NAT adoption, to protect patients from transfusion-transmitted infections.

Hundreds of nurses at Nagpur’s GMCH and Mayo Hospital began a strike over pay anomalies, forcing postponement of most planned surgeries. With the Maharashtra State Nurses Association calling for an indefinite strike, doctors should anticipate further disruptions in elective procedures and inpatient care, and prepare for staff shortages.

Dr Sowmya Dinesh has developed an affordable, autologous intra-amniotic injection protocol using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat spontaneous previable premature rupture of membranes (sPV-PROM). This novel therapy, first reported at 14 weeks gestation, sealed leaks in 71% of high-risk pregnancies, resulting in 12 healthy births out of 14 cases, with no complications. The approach is simple, cost-effective, and feasible in resource-poor settings, offering a br...

The Delhi High Court has ruled that hospitals cannot refuse emergency medical treatment to patients due to inability to pay or lack of advance payment. The court emphasized that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes access to emergency healthcare, and hospitals must prioritize saving lives over financial considerations. This directive aims to ensure that no patient is denied urgent care.

A new UDF report warns Kerala’s public health system is facing severe drug shortages, stalled upgrades, and critical staff deficits. Only 170 of 846 PHCs have been upgraded, most lacking promised staff. NCD screening has fizzled, and marginalized groups remain underserved. The report urges urgent action to restore core public health functions and operationalize unused facilities.

A new Safe in India report reveals a sharp increase in severe injuries among auto factory workers, with 1,247 cases in 2024 alone. Most injuries stem from unsafe machines lacking basic safety features. Doctors are urged to be vigilant for crush injuries and advocate for improved workplace safety, as many victims are migrant laborers with limited access to care.

Delhi High Court has asked the Centre and NMC to explain why same-sex and unmarried couples are excluded from making medical decisions for each other under current regulations. The outcome could impact consent protocols and patient rights in hospitals, especially during emergencies.

The Medical Counselling Committee has released the NEET UG 2025 counselling schedule, with registrations opening July 21. All medical colleges and state authorities must strictly follow the timeline for MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing admissions. Non-compliance may impact seat allocation and student intake.

A new editorial urges Indian policymakers to move beyond demographic targets and embrace reproductive autonomy as the central goal. The authors argue that focusing solely on population control undermines women's rights and health outcomes. They call for a rights-based approach that prioritizes informed choice, access to contraception, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

In June 2025, central drug labs found 55 drug samples failing quality standards, with state labs identifying 130 more. Two spurious drugs were also detected. Regular identification and removal of substandard medicines is ongoing, but clinicians should remain alert to possible quality issues affecting patient outcomes.

The US FDA has approved GSK’s Shingrix in a prefilled syringe, simplifying administration for shingles prevention. While not yet launched in India, this development may influence local vaccination strategies and improve patient compliance once available.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI) has published a special supplement focused on adult pneumococcal vaccination, highlighting the urgent need to address low immunization rates among Indian adults, especially those over 50 and with comorbidities. The issue compiles expert perspectives, original research, and systematic reviews, underscoring barriers like poor awareness, lack of dedicated centers, and cost. The supplement calls for improved coverage, adherence to natio...

Miltenyi Biotec and THSTI, with BIRAC support, have launched India’s first hands-on clinical cell manufacturing training program. Focused on CAR-T and advanced therapies, this initiative aims to build a skilled workforce, improve therapy quality, and speed up patient access to cutting-edge cell and gene treatments.