docTLDR

Nearly a year after its launch, the National Medical Register has only 996 allopathic doctors registered out of 1.39 million, with 91% of applications pending. The slow approval process and lack of integration with state registries hinder the envisioned digital ecosystem. Practitioners should monitor for updates, as future compliance may be mandatory for licensure.

The NMC clarified that clinical training for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) must be completed physically, not online, and that internship and clerkship requirements remain strict. The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council has filed a review plea in the High Court, seeking clarity on permanent registration for FMGs. Doctors mentoring FMGs should ensure compliance with these norms.

Population norms for establishing SHCs, PHCs, and CHCs in tribal and hilly areas have been relaxed, improving healthcare access. Mobile Medical Units and targeted maternal-child health initiatives are being scaled up for OBC, SC, and ST communities. Doctors in these regions can expect expanded infrastructure and incentives for rural practice.

A new study in the Journal of Pediatric Urology reveals that children with low or borderline vitamin B12 levels are more likely to experience primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE), the most common pediatric voiding disorder. The research highlights that 12.5% of affected children had B12 deficiency, 41.3% had borderline levels, and only 46.2% had normal B12, suggesting a potential role of micronutrient deficits in urinary control and nervous system maturation.

Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan has accused the state health minister of orchestrating a conspiracy to defame Dr Haris Chirackal, a respected doctor who exposed systemic lapses in the state's health sector. Satheesan claims Dr Chirackal is being falsely implicated in a theft case after he warned that Kerala's healthcare system is 'on a ventilator.' The opposition has demanded the withdrawal of the investigation and compared the targeting of Dr Chirackal to previous high-profile cases o...

Elon Musk asserts that AI already exceeds most doctors in medical expertise, highlighting a cancer survivor who used ChatGPT to challenge clinical decisions. This signals a major shift in healthcare, with AI rapidly advancing in diagnostics and patient advocacy. Experts like Google DeepMind's Demis Hassabis argue that while AI may replace doctors in data-driven tasks, roles requiring empathy and ethical judgment remain uniquely human. The medical profession faces urgent pressure to adapt, int...

The article explores the concept of 'fibermaxxing'—maximizing dietary fiber intake—and its potential benefits for patients. It reviews current evidence linking high fiber diets to improved gut health, reduced cardiovascular risk, and better glycemic control. The piece also discusses practical strategies for clinicians to counsel patients on increasing fiber intake, while cautioning about possible gastrointestinal side effects and the need for individualized recommendations.

The Medical Counselling Committee will announce NEET UG 2025 Round 1 seat allotment results on August 9, following a revised schedule after recent disruptions. The update restores transparency and key deadlines for undergraduate medical admissions, addressing confusion among aspirants and institutions. Doctors involved in admissions should note the restored process and timelines.

Researchers have developed an AI-powered content-based image retrieval system tailored for X-ray analysis, enabling Indian clinicians to rapidly compare patient images with large databases. This tool can enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce reporting times, and support decision-making in resource-limited settings.

A national survey of 861 Australian women found that continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) with wired CTG was most common in private hospitals and linked to more negative labor experiences, higher use of pharmacological pain relief, and increased emergency cesarean rates. In contrast, handheld Doppler monitoring allowed greater mobility and non-pharmacological pain management, highlighting the impact of monitoring type and birth setting on women's autonomy and satisfaction.

A new study has uncovered that deadly weight loss in cancer patients, known as cachexia, is driven by a combination of tumor-induced inflammation, metabolic changes, and muscle wasting. Researchers found that specific molecules released by tumors disrupt normal metabolism, leading to rapid loss of fat and muscle. This discovery could pave the way for targeted therapies to prevent or treat cachexia, improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients.

A phase 3 trial found that combining fotagliptin, a novel DPP-4 inhibitor, with metformin significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately managed on metformin alone. The combination therapy led to greater reductions in HbA1c compared to placebo, with a safety profile comparable to other DPP-4 inhibitors, suggesting a promising new oral option for T2D management.

A new composite scaffold made from poly(lactic acid)/gelatin fibers and silica-strontium oxide nanofibers has demonstrated significant potential for bone defect repair. In vitro and rat model studies showed the scaffold supports cell proliferation, enhances mechanical strength, and promotes both bone regeneration and angiogenesis. The material mimics natural bone matrix and releases therapeutic ions, suggesting broad clinical applications in orthopedics and tissue engineering.

COVID-19 test positivity rates in the US have reached 18.1%, the highest since January 2022, with the West experiencing the greatest surge. Wastewater surveillance confirms widespread viral activity. The CDC urges everyone aged six months and older to get the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine and follow enhanced precautions, including improved hygiene, mask use, and distancing, especially for those at higher risk. These measures aim to curb transmission as respiratory virus season approaches.

The Ministry of Ayush and WHO co-hosted a three-day international workshop in Ghaziabad (Aug 6–8, 2025) to advance regulatory convergence, quality assurance, and clinical relevance of herbal medicines. The event featured global experts, hands-on training in herbal drug standardisation, and highlighted India's digital initiatives for pharmacovigilance, aiming to harmonise standards and promote safe integration of traditional medicine into public health.