docTLDR

A major 5-year trial with over 13,000 adults, including Indian patients, shows Mounjaro (tirzepatide) offers superior cardiovascular protection and lower all-cause mortality versus Trulicity in type 2 diabetes with heart disease. Mounjaro also led to greater A1C, weight, and kidney function improvements. Both drugs are available in India, with Mounjaro recently launched.

A Swiss Re report finds Indian households now pay nearly 60% of total health expenses out-of-pocket, the highest in Asia, despite Ayushman Bharat and state schemes. Only 33% of medical costs are covered by insurance, leaving families vulnerable to financial distress, especially for chronic and critical illnesses. The health protection gap continues to widen.

RTI responses reveal that the proposal for an integrated MBBS-BAMS course at JIPMER originated from the Auroville Foundation, with little to no involvement from statutory regulators like the NMC or NCISM. Despite repeated reminders from the Union Health Ministry, JIPMER has not provided feedback or records, raising concerns about bypassing required regulatory oversight in developing this dual-degree curriculum.

The FDA has approved the SetPoint System, the first implantable vagus nerve stimulation device for adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) unresponsive or intolerant to biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs. The device delivers daily electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve, activating anti-inflammatory pathways without immune suppression. Approval was based on the 242-patient RESET-RA trial, which showed significant efficacy and a low rate of serious adverse events (1.7%). ...

Indian nephrologists report rising cases of elevated creatinine in young adults, attributed to excessive protein intake—often from supplements and high-protein diets. Experts warn that protein consumption above 1.8 g/kg/day can overburden kidneys, especially in those with pre-existing conditions, and recommend prioritizing natural food sources, delaying protein supplement use until after age 14–15, and regular kidney function monitoring for those on high-protein regimens.

India’s overall fertility rate has declined to 2.0, falling below the replacement level of 2.1 for the first time, marking a critical demographic shift. Infertility is now a widespread public health concern, affecting urban, semi-urban, and rural populations due to factors like advanced maternal age, stress, pollution, and exposure to agrochemicals. The trend highlights urgent needs for accessible, high-quality fertility care across diverse regions.

The Alzheimer’s Association has released its first evidence-based clinical practice guideline for blood-based biomarker (BBM) tests to aid Alzheimer’s diagnosis in specialty care. The guideline, developed using GRADE methodology, provides recommendations for specialists on the responsible use of BBM tests, emphasizing their role alongside comprehensive clinical evaluation. It highlights variability in test accuracy and cautions against overuse or inappropriate application.

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on a plea by the Central Government challenging a Kerala High Court order that struck down GST provisions on services by clubs and associations to members. The Court has ordered a stay on any GST recovery actions against the IMA, especially for past periods, until further notice. This high-stakes legal battle centers on whether services provided by associations like the IMA to their members are taxable under GST, with...

Lung cancer is increasingly found in non-smokers and women, often at advanced stages due to its silent nature. While a persistent cough over three weeks remains a key warning sign, other overlooked symptoms include frequent chest infections, shortness of breath at rest, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, persistent chest or back pain, and, rarely, neurological symptoms if the cancer spreads to the brain. Early detection is critical as many cases are diagnosed incidentally.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a probe after a video surfaced showing a doctor filming himself and colleagues inside the labour room and operation theatre of a government maternity hospital in Srinagar. The incident, widely condemned for violating patient privacy and medical ethics, has prompted the Principal of GMC Srinagar to demand a detailed report within 24 hours. The doctor's actions may attract disciplinary and legal action under the Information Technology Act, 2000, an...

A major systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine finds that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, lowers symptom severity, and improves mental well-being. The study analyzed RCTs up to March 2024, showing exercise programs reduced AF symptom scores by 1.61 points and episode frequency by 0.57, with benefits consistent across AF subtypes. The findings support wider adoption of exercise-bas...

A cohort study of 1,034 pregnant women identified three distinct but interrelated trajectories for perinatal insomnia and depression, with significant co-occurrence patterns. Early screening using ISI, EPDS, and PRAQ scores can predict higher-risk groups. The findings highlight the need for risk-stratified interventions addressing both insomnia and depression to optimize maternal and infant outcomes.

Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, has been booked for rape after a young doctor alleged repeated sexual assault between August 2021 and March 2023 under the false promise of marriage. The complaint, filed with Kochi police, states the abuse began after they met on social media. Vedan, who denies the allegations, has previously faced legal issues including drug and wildlife cases. Police are recording statements and have not yet arrested him.

A new systematic review has established the first consensus definition for a 'flexitarian' diet: consuming dairy, eggs, meat, or fish at least once per month but less than once per week. The review also found that while no country explicitly recommends a flexitarian diet, official dietary guidelines in 42 countries implicitly support plant-rich, flexible eating by advising reduced red meat intake and regular dairy and fish consumption.

US cardiologists have developed a free online calculator that estimates a person's 'heart age' using data like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, and diabetes. The tool, based on American Heart Association equations, aims to make cardiovascular risk more intuitive by expressing it as an age rather than a percentage. Studies show most adults have a heart age older than their actual age, especially among marginalized groups, highlighting the need for targeted prevention.