docTLDR

An RTI to CDSCO reveals 1,705 deaths and over 7,000 serious adverse events in Indian clinical trials since 2021, averaging one death and four life-threatening complications daily. This underscores the urgent need for robust safety monitoring, ethical oversight, and transparent reporting in ongoing and future trials across India.

Uttar Pradesh authorities have cancelled admissions on 64 MBBS seats after candidates used fake freedom fighter dependent certificates during NEET UG 2025 counselling. The Directorate of Medical Education has directed district magistrates to file FIRs against those involved. The cancelled seats will be reallocated in the next counselling round, and the probe may extend to previous years, raising urgent concerns about reservation verification and medical admission integrity.

A large population-based study found that amoxicillin has a lower risk of treatment failure than penicillin V in pediatric pneumonia, supporting global guidelines favoring amoxicillin. While both drugs showed similar rates of severe complications, amoxicillin outperformed penicillin V by over 3.2% in clinical efficacy, challenging Scandinavian practices that prefer penicillin V for its narrower spectrum.

Oncology now accounts for over a quarter of Max Healthcare’s revenue and 16% for Fortis, with private hospitals rapidly expanding cancer services due to rising demand and high treatment costs. Despite government schemes and funding, public sector execution lags, creating a gap that private chains are filling with advanced diagnostics, expensive equipment, and specialized oncologists. This shift is making cancer care a core business focus for India’s leading private hospitals.

Niva Bupa Health Insurance has suspended cashless treatment at all Max Hospitals in India from August 16, 2025, after failing to reach a new tariff agreement. Policyholders must now pay upfront for treatment at Max Hospitals and seek reimbursement, though cashless services remain available at over 10,000 other network hospitals. Niva Bupa has introduced priority reimbursement for ongoing treatments at Max.

A new study highlights that patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin for over 4 years face a significantly higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy compared to non-users and short-term users. The findings underscore the need for routine vitamin B12 monitoring in long-term metformin users, especially when evaluating neuropathy symptoms, to prevent irreversible neurological complications.

Dr. Jyotirmaya Nayak, a surgery specialist from SCB Medical College, saved an elderly passenger’s life on a Delhi-bound flight by promptly performing CPR after she collapsed and lost consciousness. His swift intervention stabilized the patient until landing, after which she was transferred to a hospital. The incident has drawn widespread praise for Dr. Nayak’s expertise and presence of mind.

The Kerala High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a gastroenterologist accused of medical negligence after a kidney transplant patient died under his care. The court ruled that doctors can only be prosecuted for medical negligence if their actions show gross incompetence or reckless disregard for patient safety, not for every adverse outcome. The judgment emphasized that following standard medical practice and remote management, especially during constraints like Covid-19, does not a...

Patients with proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) who undergo acute arthroplasty, such as reverse shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty, have significantly higher long-term mortality rates compared to the general population. Mortality risk is further increased by factors like younger age, male gender, extreme BMI, and higher ASA scores, highlighting the need for optimized care and policy adjustments for this vulnerable group.

A UK study finds that children breastfed for at least six months show measurable gains in IQ, reading, and math skills lasting into adolescence. Breastfed children scored 4–5 IQ points higher at ages 8 and 15, with notable improvements in verbal, performance, and total IQ, as well as reading and math abilities. The benefits persisted after adjusting for demographic and social factors, though behavioral and personality effects were limited.

India now manufactures advanced medical devices like MRI, CT, stents, and heart valves domestically, driven by policy initiatives and new MedTech parks. This shift enhances access to affordable, high-quality equipment, reduces import dependence, and opens new opportunities for clinicians and hospitals nationwide.

India’s Cosmetic Rules Amendment 2025 introduces digital records, export-friendly labeling, and stricter penalties, aiming to align with global norms. Central labs will now test cosmetics, but gaps in BIS standards and fragmented enforcement remain. Doctors should note improved quality oversight, but ambiguity persists for new product formats, impacting patient safety and regulatory compliance.

The government has launched High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms integrating AI, synthetic biology, and omics tools. These hubs offer shared facilities for startups and researchers, aiming to fast-track medtech innovation, including cell and gene therapies, and position India as a global biotech leader.

IIT Madras and LSU Health New Orleans will co-develop scalable AI-powered healthcare tools and low-cost diagnostics. The collaboration aims to translate research into practical solutions, expanding access to advanced diagnostics and digital health for Indian clinicians and patients.

Novo Nordisk and Apollo Clinics have partnered to roll out a structured Obesity Management Programme across India, integrating HCP training, patient tools, and awareness campaigns. The initiative targets over 250 million Indian adults affected by obesity, aiming to improve diagnosis, care pathways, and long-term outcomes for obesity-related diseases.