docTLDR

Dr Rajesh Rao at Sri Jayadeva Institute, Bengaluru, has performed over 600 minimally invasive cardiac surgeries—95% free for BPL patients. His work highlights the impact of government hospitals in providing advanced cardiac care to underserved populations and the importance of outreach and referral networks for rural patients.

Nagpur's Government Medical College and Hospital has introduced needle-free injection devices for routine paediatric immunisations. The technology, using high-pressure air to deliver vaccines, eliminates pain, reduces trauma, and protects healthcare workers from accidental needle-stick injuries. About 90% of childhood vaccines can now be administered this way, potentially improving coverage and compliance.

A Mumbai woman, eight months pregnant with twins and diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, survived an 18-hour open-heart surgery for aortic dissection. Emergency C-section and complex cardiac intervention saved all three lives. This rare case highlights the need for rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary care in high-risk pregnancies.

A digital 'Health ATM' at Gurgaon's Civil Hospital now provides over 20 free diagnostic tests, instant video consults, and e-prescriptions. Reports are delivered via WhatsApp, email, or SMS. The initiative, supported by ASHA workers, is improving access for underserved patients and may expand to more locations soon.

A male nurse in a private hospital ICU in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly sedating and sexually assaulting a female patient. The incident, captured on CCTV, underscores the urgent need for stricter protocols, staff background checks, and enhanced patient safety measures in Indian hospitals, especially in critical care units.

As of July 20, 2025, more than 10.18 crore women aged 30+ have been screened for cervical cancer under the National Health Mission. This achievement, driven by a focused NCD campaign and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, signals a major step in preventive oncology and early detection, with dedicated funds for awareness and screening across states.

Hyderabad Police arrested Dr Athaluri Namratha and nine others for running a large-scale illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket through Universal Srushti Fertility Centres. The scam came to light after a couple discovered via DNA testing that their 'surrogate' baby was not biologically related to them. Despite prior cancellation of the clinic's registration, the accused continued operations, targeting vulnerable women and forging documents to pass off babies as legitimate surrogates. Over ...

The BOHEMIA trial, the largest study to date on ivermectin for malaria, showed that mass drug administration of ivermectin led to a 26% reduction in new malaria infections among children in Kenya, even when used alongside existing bed nets. The intervention, involving over 20,000 participants, demonstrated a favorable safety profile and offers a promising complementary tool for malaria control, especially as resistance to conventional insecticides rises.

ImmunoACT’s NexCAR19, India’s first indigenously developed CAR-T therapy, is now available at ~90% lower cost than Western alternatives, with over 350 patients treated across 70 hospitals. The therapy, approved in October 2023, marks a major leap in accessible advanced cancer care, offering new hope for refractory cases and setting a precedent for affordable cell therapies in India.

Using the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System, Indian surgeons attending a conference in France successfully performed two complex robotic surgeries on patients in Indore. This real-time, cross-continental operation demonstrates the potential of tele-robotic surgery to expand specialist access and expertise to remote Indian hospitals, reshaping surgical care delivery.

India’s healthcare system urgently needs more doctor-led innovation to address local challenges, improve patient outcomes, and ensure solutions are clinically relevant. The article argues that doctors, with their frontline experience, are best positioned to identify gaps and drive meaningful change, but face barriers like lack of institutional support and regulatory hurdles. Fostering a culture of innovation among medical professionals is essential for sustainable healthcare advancement.

A large retrospective study found that vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients led to a 53% reduction in IBD-related hospitalizations and a 25% reduction in corticosteroid prescriptions. The findings support vitamin D as a low-cost adjunct in IBD management, though prospective studies are needed to optimize dosing and target serum levels.

Novo Nordisk has launched Wegovy, India's first approved injectable for long-term weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in obesity. Wegovy, a once-weekly semaglutide pen, is priced from Rs 17,345 to Rs 26,015 per month depending on dose. Unlike Ozempic, which is not approved for weight loss in India, Wegovy is now available by prescription, marking a major shift in obesity care.

India's CDSCO has directed all states to ensure ranitidine manufacturers monitor NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, in both API and formulations. The agency also suggested reducing shelf life and enhancing NDMA testing. An expert committee review led to a call for a larger probe into storage and impurity risks, while ICMR was asked to study long-term safety. Safer alternatives like famotidine and pantoprazole are recommended.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued comprehensive guidelines to regulate live surgery broadcasts, prioritizing patient safety and ethical standards. Key mandates include explicit patient consent, prohibition of financial incentives, prior regulatory approvals, and a ban on commercial promotion. The NMC encourages alternatives like recorded videos and simulation-based training to minimize patient risk, with live broadcasts reserved strictly for educational purposes.