docTLDR

A national study reveals that 25% of Indian doctors experience burnout, with higher rates among women, those under 30, and clinicians in direct patient care. Factors include long hours, poor work-life balance, and financial stress. The findings urge hospitals and policymakers to prioritize mental health support for medical professionals.

A major Nature study reveals that lithium deficiency in the brain is an early and potentially reversible driver of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that lithium is naturally present in the brain, and its depletion—caused by binding to amyloid plaques—accelerates neurodegeneration and memory loss. In mouse models, a novel lithium compound that avoids plaque binding restored memory and reversed Alzheimer’s pathology, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy targeting lithium homeostasis.

In a sweeping anti-fraud drive, 1,114 hospitals have been de-empanelled and Rs 122 crore in penalties levied on 1,504 hospitals under Ayushman Bharat. The National Anti-Fraud Unit is actively monitoring misuse, and a robust grievance redressal system is in place. Doctors should expect stricter audits and compliance checks in empanelled facilities.

A major Lancet Global Health study finds 20% of Indians aged 45+ have diabetes, with 40% undiagnosed. Urban prevalence is double rural, and southern states are most affected. The study urges universal screening and awareness, as 94% of those diagnosed receive treatment. Doctors should prioritize early detection and patient education.

A Chhattisgarh hospital was exonerated by the consumer court after allegations of medical negligence during laparoscopic surgery for ovary torsion and incorrect painkiller administration. The court found no evidence of negligence, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and adherence to medical protocols in medico-legal disputes.

Two nurses at Una Regional Hospital, Himachal Pradesh, were suspended after being caught drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes during night duty. The incident surfaced when one nurse began vomiting, prompting an urgent investigation. Both nurses had reportedly been drinking and neglecting their duties for two consecutive nights. The hospital administration has submitted a detailed report to health authorities, and disciplinary action is underway.

Nagpur clinicians are now offering NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) and RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) for GI conditions. These minimally invasive procedures allow tumour removal and cancer treatment without external incisions, reducing pain, complications, and hospital stay. Early-stage oesophageal and liver cancers, cysts, and gallbladder issues can be managed with faster recovery, making these techniques highly relevant for Indian surgical practice.

The Centre has not sanctioned Kerala's proposal for a new AIIMS in the current phase, but has approved super speciality block upgrades for Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Kozhikode Medical Colleges. Doctors in Kerala should anticipate expanded tertiary care facilities and new diagnostic capabilities at these institutions.

A University of Pennsylvania study reveals that children as young as 3 can accurately match emotions in music to facial expressions, with recognition improving by age. Notably, children with higher callous-unemotional traits struggled more with emotion recognition in music—except for fear. The findings highlight music's potential as a tool for supporting emotional development, especially in children with social-emotional challenges.

A severe nurse shortage at Bagedia Primary Healthcare Centre in Angul, Odisha, forced a sanitary worker to administer saline to a patient, highlighting critical staffing gaps. The incident, which shocked the patient and sparked public concern, underscores the urgent need for adequate medical personnel in rural Indian hospitals. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, raising alarms about patient safety and healthcare quality.

A University of Tokyo study found that three scent compounds in women's body odor rise during ovulation and, when added to armpit odor samples, made men rate the scent as more pleasant and faces as more attractive. These compounds also reduced stress in men, as shown by lower salivary amylase. While not definitive proof of human pheromones, the findings suggest female scent during ovulation subtly shapes male emotions and perceptions.

Following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to safeguard the hospital. This unprecedented move came after widespread protests and highlighted persistent failures in workplace safety for healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses continue to demand robust security measures and legal protections, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to pr...

A new study finds that SGLT2 inhibitors do not significantly affect the severity of myocardial infarction (MI) or improve clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite their established benefits in heart failure and chronic kidney disease, the research suggests no notable reduction in recurrent MI, heart failure hospitalizations, or mortality among T2DM patients post-MI when treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. These findings challenge current perceptions of SGLT2 inhi...

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences will require yoga for all students in affiliated colleges, including medical colleges, starting this year. The initiative aims to reduce stress and curb rising drug abuse among healthcare students. Wellness clinics and free counselling will also be offered, with faculty trained in yoga and meditation.

A large UK Biobank study of over 36,000 adults with high blood pressure found that every additional 1,000 steps per day (beyond 2,300, up to 10,000) reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 17%. Walking faster further lowered risk, with the fastest walkers seeing up to a 30% reduction. The findings suggest clinicians should encourage increased step count and pace, even below the traditional 10,000-step target, to lower heart attack, stroke, and heart failure risk in hypertensive pat...