docTLDR

A Hyderabad IVF clinic faces criminal charges after DNA tests revealed a baby born via surrogacy was not biologically related to the intended father. The case highlights urgent concerns over ART practice standards, consent, and the need for stricter regulatory oversight in fertility clinics.

Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor, 69, has lost 26 kg without gym workouts, relying on a strict diet of skipping dinner, having only soup at night, and eating fruit juice with jowar roti for breakfast. His transformation, inspired by late wife Sridevi, has gone viral and sparked public debate about sustainable weight loss. Doctors highlight that such disciplined dietary changes can be effective, especially for older adults, but caution against extreme or unsupervised regimens.

India faces a major diabetes crisis, with nearly 80% of adults having uncontrolled T2DM. The fixed-dose combination of dapagliflozin and sitagliptin offers significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and blood pressure, with added cardio-renal benefits and low hypoglycemia risk. Emerging Indian evidence also suggests potential nerve regeneration benefits, making this combination a promising option for Indian patients struggling with poor glycemic and cardio-metabolic control.

The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has made its QR code-based 'Know Your Doctor' (KYD) system mandatory for all registered medical practitioners to combat bogus doctors, especially in rural areas. Patients can now scan QR codes displayed at clinics to instantly verify a doctor's registration, credentials, and specialisation. The move follows poor conviction rates for fake doctors and aims to boost public trust in qualified practitioners.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has initiated a formal review of tecovirimat’s effectiveness in treating mpox, following mixed results from recent clinical trials. While tecovirimat was previously authorized under exceptional circumstances based on animal studies, new data from ongoing and recently completed human trials will inform the EMA’s updated assessment. No new safety concerns have emerged, but the agency will evaluate updated benefit-risk data to guide future use.

The Telangana Human Rights Commission has directed a Rs 20 lakh compensation payout after expired Hepatitis B vaccines were administered at Gandhi Hospital. The Commission found systemic lapses, criticized the hospital for inadequate accountability, and called for action against responsible officials. The case highlights serious medico-legal and patient safety concerns in vaccine administration.

India's Drugs Controller General has directed all state regulators to ensure ranitidine manufacturers monitor NDMA, a probable carcinogen, in their products. This follows expert panel findings and DTAB recommendations amid ongoing safety concerns. Manufacturers must take risk-based actions, such as reducing shelf life, and implement immediate monitoring to safeguard public health.

The Delhi government has ordered all pharmacies to install CCTV cameras by July-end 2025 to prevent illegal sale of dual-use and prescription-only drugs, following a crackdown on undocumented cancer medicines. The advisory targets Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—often misused or sold without prescription—and assigns SDMs to enforce compliance. Pharmacists have expressed concerns over the mandate.

India, in collaboration with WHO and the Central Council for Research in Siddha, has finalized global training and practice standards for Siddha medicine. The two-day expert meeting included 16 international experts from 11 countries, marking a milestone in aligning Siddha with international frameworks. This move strengthens India's position as a global Ayush knowledge hub and supports the adoption of high-quality Siddha education and clinical standards worldwide.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease marked by scarring, leading to worsening breathlessness and cough. Most patients are diagnosed late, often after symptoms are mistaken for aging or other conditions. With no cure and a 5-year survival rate below 50%, early recognition and referral are vital. Newer antifibrotic drugs can slow progression but cannot reverse damage.

HPV vaccination is crucial for boys as well as girls, yet awareness and uptake among Indian teenage boys remain low. The vaccine, recommended for boys aged 9–14, protects against HPV-linked cancers such as penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, not just cervical cancer in women. Experts urge pediatricians and parents to prioritize HPV vaccination for boys to curb rising HPV-related cancer rates in India.

Kerala, India, is facing a fresh Nipah virus outbreak with multiple confirmed cases and fatalities reported in July 2025. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and contact tracing, with over 400 contacts identified and several under intensive care. The virus, which spreads via fruit bats and person-to-person contact, has a high fatality rate and no approved treatment or vaccine, making rapid containment and public awareness critical.

AI-powered digital twin technology is enabling Indian doctors to simulate and compare multiple treatment options for cardiac patients, using real-time patient data. This approach helps identify the safest and most effective interventions, reduces human error, and supports precision medicine. Experts urge more interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize its impact in high-burden states.

Robotic-assisted joint replacement using the Mako Robotic-Arm Technology is transforming orthopaedic surgery in India. Surgeons report enhanced precision, faster recovery, and fewer complications for total and partial knee and hip replacements. The technology enables 3D preoperative planning and real-time, patient-specific guidance, resulting in more predictable outcomes and reduced pain.

The Gujarat High Court has upheld the state government's right to levy VAT on medicines, implants, prosthetics, stents, and other consumables supplied by private hospitals to indoor patients. The court ruled that, post-46th Constitutional Amendment, such supplies are part of a 'works contract' and thus taxable. This decision enables the VAT department to recover dues, potentially exceeding ₹1,000 crore, from private hospitals.