docTLDR

The Supreme Court of India is reviewing a PIL filed by NEET PG 2025 aspirants challenging the National Board of Examinations' new answer key disclosure method, which uses only 'Question ID Numbers' from a master set. Petitioners argue this system is unclear, unverifiable, and denies candidates a fair, transparent process, violating constitutional rights. The Court has directed NBEMS to increase transparency by sharing answer keys, response sheets, and the normalisation formula.

A new AI-enabled stethoscope, trialed across 200+ UK GP clinics with over 1.5 million patients, can detect heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and heart valve disease in just 15 seconds. Patients assessed with the device were up to 3.5 times more likely to receive early diagnoses. Despite its promise, 70% of clinics stopped regular use after a year, highlighting integration challenges.

WHO reports suicide as the leading cause of death among India’s youth, with only a 12% reduction in suicide rates projected by 2030—far short of SDG targets. Experts highlight severe shortages of mental health professionals, lack of psychiatric beds in general hospitals, and poor access to medicines in rural areas. Calls intensify for integrated, community-based care.

The Kerala High Court has issued a 12-point draft guideline to ensure fair hearings for doctors accused of medical negligence. Key provisions include mandatory expert panels with relevant specialists, timely evidence collection, right of appeal for both doctors and complainants, and explicit application of the Bolam test for criminal liability. The Court stayed ongoing proceedings for three months, directing swift resolution of pending appeals.

A new study highlights that women with diabetes who have poor glycaemic control during the periconception period face a significantly increased risk of major birth defects in their offspring. The findings underscore the importance of achieving optimal glycaemic control before and during early pregnancy to reduce adverse fetal outcomes, especially in populations with rising diabetes prevalence.

Claims that donating blood burns 500 calories in 10 minutes are misleading; while the body expends energy to replenish lost blood, scientific evidence suggests the actual calorie burn is spread over weeks and is not a safe or effective weight loss method. Experts emphasize blood donation's health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced iron overload, but caution against viewing it as a weight loss strategy.

A new study published in Menopause finds that women undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy face an 18% higher risk of stroke, while hysterectomy alone raises stroke risk by 5%. Analysis of over 21,000 women from NHANES data highlights the impact of reduced estrogen levels after these surgeries. The findings underscore the need to consider stroke risk in surgical decision-making for women.

A large prospective UK Biobank study found that frequently adding salt to foods is strongly associated with higher risks of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk was particularly pronounced in non-smokers, current alcohol drinkers, and those with lower BMI. Adiposity partly mediated these associations, highlighting the importance of salt reduction for liver health.

The Supreme Court of India regularised the MBBS degree of a student whose admission was based on a fraudulent Scheduled Tribe certificate obtained by her father, citing her academic merit and completion of the course. However, the Court imposed a Rs 5 lakh penalty on the father for depriving a genuine candidate of the opportunity, emphasizing judicial discretion in balancing equity and legal consequences in medical admissions.

A new analysis of 43 cancer registries shows India’s lifetime cancer risk at 11%, with 15.6 lakh new cases and 8.74 lakh deaths in 2024. Breast and cervical cancers account for 40% of female cases, highlighting the urgent need for expanded screening and HPV vaccination. Regional disparities, especially in the Northeast, demand targeted infrastructure and awareness efforts.

Manipal Hospitals’ acquisition of Sahyadri Hospitals adds 11 facilities and boosts its bed count to 12,000, making it one of India’s largest networks. Doctors in Pune, Nashik, and surrounding regions should anticipate expanded referral options, new clinical protocols, and increased access to advanced care.

A new study from Delhi-NCR links adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to significantly higher risks of alcohol and tobacco addiction among Indian college students. The findings highlight the need for routine ACE screening in young adults and targeted interventions to reduce substance abuse in this vulnerable population.

A major new study reveals that while global life expectancy is projected to increase by nearly five years by 2050, the number of healthy years lived is not keeping pace. The shift in disease burden from infectious to non-communicable diseases means more people are living longer with chronic illnesses and disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for health systems to focus on improving quality—not just length—of life.

India's Department of Pharmaceuticals now allows medical device makers to provide free evaluation samples to doctors, provided the value matches the price charged to stockists. CEOs are responsible for compliance, and annual disclosures are mandatory. The move aims to foster ethical, transparent marketing and ensure clinicians get hands-on experience with new devices, while banning misleading incentives and gifts.

Zydus Lifesciences introduces VaxiFlu, India's first trivalent influenza vaccine, following WHO guidance to exclude B/Yamagata strain. Recommended for ages 6 months and above, it uses updated seasonal strains for optimal protection. This move brings India in line with global best practices, promising improved prevention for high-risk groups and reducing unnecessary vaccination against non-circulating viruses.