docTLDR

Dr. Anjali Garg, after completing her MBBS at Safdarjung Hospital and enduring long duty hours and night shifts, secured AIR 79 in UPSC 2022 on her second attempt. Motivated by witnessing systemic gaps in healthcare, she switched from clinical practice to civil services, aiming to drive policy-level reforms. Her story highlights the potential for doctors to impact healthcare beyond the bedside.

For the first time since the rural service law was amended, over 6,063 out of 7,835 eligible medical graduates in Karnataka have been exempted from the one-year compulsory rural posting. Only 1,772 students were allotted postings, reflecting a major shift in state policy due to insufficient posts and funding. The new rules allow students to opt for exemption or preferred postings via online counselling, based on merit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its 2025 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, notably diverging from CDC’s ACIP guidance. Key updates include recommending COVID-19 vaccination for all children aged 6–23 months, specific RSV monoclonal antibody use, and annual influenza vaccination starting at 6 months. The AAP also urges insurers to cover all recommended vaccines and highlights differences in COVID-19 and RSV guidance compared to ACIP.

Delhi Health Minister has mandated immediate action reports from all government hospitals after a probe revealed only 1 of 15 ventilators was functional in a major neurosurgery department. Hospitals must now audit, repair, and replace faulty ventilators to prevent critical care lapses. Doctors should expect stricter equipment checks and expedited maintenance protocols.

Major private hospitals are resisting a proposed common empanelment framework by insurers, citing unresolved issues in claim settlement, tariffs, and lack of a dispute redressal mechanism. Doctors should anticipate possible disruptions in cashless claim processing and advise patients to check hospital-insurer tie-ups before admission.

Dr Sheth, newly appointed NMC chairperson, has blacklisted four assessors and halted seat renewals in six colleges after corruption allegations. He pledges a root cause analysis and regulatory strengthening, including CCTV and biometric attendance for inspections, aiming to restore credibility and compliance in medical education oversight.

India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals is finalizing changes to the PRIP scheme to boost domestic R&D for rare disease and orphan drug therapies. The move aims to reduce costs and improve access, with a strategic focus on advanced biologics and gene therapies, addressing gaps in current financial support and treatment availability.

A NIH-supported phase 2b trial found that two IV doses of dalbavancin, given seven days apart, are as effective as 4–6 weeks of daily IV antibiotics for complicated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. The study of 200 adults showed similar clinical success rates, fewer complications from long-term IV lines, and a potential to simplify care for serious infections.

A retrospective study of 1,877 patients with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) found that 23.7% had missed opportunities for preventive salpingectomy during prior abdominal or sterilization surgeries. Over half involved tubal ligation or hysterectomy, while the rest were other abdominal procedures in women aged 45+. Additionally, 43.2% of patients with a family history missed genetic testing and risk-reducing surgery. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved risk assessment and ...

US-based cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj highlights that maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule—going to bed and waking up at the same time daily—is the most effective sleep habit for managing blood pressure and supporting heart health. This regularity helps regulate the body's internal clock, reduces stress hormone fluctuations, and improves sleep quality, all of which are crucial for cardiovascular health. Even minor irregularities in sleep timing, such as a 30-minute difference, can i...

A senior AIIMS doctor narrowly escaped serious harm after a car driver allegedly attempted to run him over inside the hospital campus on August 18. The incident occurred near Gate Number 1 when the doctor signalled the driver to reverse to ease a traffic jam. Instead, the driver accelerated, struck the doctor multiple times, and dragged him before fleeing. An FIR under Section 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered, and police are reviewing CCTV footage and using technical surveill...

A large US cohort study published in JAMA Network Open found that prediabetes is significantly associated with increased mortality only among adults aged 20–54 years, even after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity factors. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and targeted diabetes prevention programs for younger adults, as lifestyle behaviors and limited healthcare access may contribute to this elevated risk.

A BMJ investigation reveals that UK companies offering tooth stem cell banking are making unproven and potentially misleading claims about the current therapeutic use of dental pulp stem cells for conditions like autism and diabetes. Experts warn that these claims exploit parents and lack scientific evidence, calling for greater regulatory oversight and independent information to protect consumers.

Women with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) continue to face significant diagnostic delays and under-treatment compared to men, often due to persistent misconceptions about 'atypical' symptoms. Recent evidence shows that most women present with chest pain, yet they are less likely to receive timely ECGs, troponin testing, or invasive procedures. These disparities contribute to worse outcomes and highlight the urgent need for guideline-driven, sex-specific care in ACS management.

A Delhi-based doctor’s emotional social media post about a drastic pay cut has gone viral, highlighting the growing financial distress among Indian doctors. The post details how the doctor’s salary fell below even the lowest expectations, sparking widespread discussion about inadequate compensation, delayed payments, and the mental toll on healthcare professionals. The incident has reignited debate on the need for fair remuneration and better working conditions for doctors in India.