docTLDR

The Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department has directed the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to begin registering homeopaths who completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), despite an ongoing court case filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) challenging this move. The Maharashtra Homeopathy Council welcomed the decision, calling it a victory, while the IMA strongly objected and plans further legal action, citing concerns over patient safety and...

A recent review highlights that cereal and pseudocereal microgreens—such as wheat, quinoa, and amaranth—offer significantly higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than mature grains. These microgreens could help address global nutritional deficiencies due to their dense nutrient profile and sustainability. However, experts stress the need for further clinical validation, improved safety, affordability, and longer shelf life before widespread adoption.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has initiated a review of a widely used deworming medication following reports of rare but serious brain-related side effects, including encephalopathy. The review aims to assess the risk-benefit profile of the drug, which is commonly prescribed for parasitic infections globally. Indian clinicians are advised to monitor updates as regulatory decisions may impact prescribing practices.

The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has approved extending its universal health policy under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, offering coverage up to ₹25 lakh per family. The scheme promises treatment approval within six hours and real-time patient tracking via QR codes, aiming to benefit over five crore residents and improve hospital workflows.

AI is now integral to Indian healthcare, assisting with early disease detection, risk stratification, and real-time decision support. Hospitals like Apollo use AI for liver disease and continuous inpatient monitoring. Doctors should expect AI to become a diagnostic co-pilot, improving accuracy and reducing delays, especially in resource-limited settings.

Recent research highlights KRAS and NOXA gene expression as promising prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer. Indian oncologists may soon use these molecular profiles to better stratify risk, personalize therapy, and improve outcomes for women with ovarian malignancies.

The WHO's 2025 update to its Essential Medicines List adds 20 new medicines for adults and 15 for children, including GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular or kidney disease, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, cemiplimab) for metastatic cancers. These changes aim to improve global access and affordability for high-impact therapies.

Rajasthan has raised the postgraduation (PG) medical service bond penalty to Rs 25 lakh–Rs 1.5 crore, the highest in India, with top clinical branches like Dermatology, Radiodiagnosis, Gynaecology, and Medicine facing the steepest penalties. This move aims to ensure doctors serve in government hospitals after PG, but may significantly impact career choices and financial planning for new specialists.

Hyderabad’s government hospitals have piloted health ATMs offering over 130 rapid diagnostic tests, including blood, ECG, and organ function panels. Integrated with Ayushman Bharat and E-Sanjeevni, these kiosks enable patients to get instant reports and streamline outpatient management. Doctors can expect improved workflow and faster clinical decision-making.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has licensed nine advanced health technologies—including a multistage malaria vaccine and a novel Salmonella vaccine—to Indian industry partners. This public-private partnership aims to accelerate the availability of these innovations, enabling doctors to access new preventive and therapeutic tools for infectious diseases.

The High Court has ruled that posting orders for compulsory bond service must be issued within the stipulated bond period. In this case, the court quashed a delayed bond service order, granting relief to the doctor. The judgment reinforces that administrative delays cannot extend a doctor's bond obligation beyond the agreed period, ensuring fair treatment for medical graduates.

Dr Manju Subberwal, former head of biochemistry at GB Pant Hospital, allegedly remained absent from duty for three years while drawing a government salary and pursuing filmmaking in Canada. A complaint led to a Union Health Ministry notice, removal from her post, and a pending chargesheet. Authorities are probing possible financial fraud and collusion with another doctor who signed documents on her behalf.

The National Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges to deploy post-graduate students to flood-affected regions as part of the district residency programme. This move aims to strengthen on-ground healthcare during disasters and provide young doctors with critical experience in public health management and emergency response.

The GST Council has reduced GST on 33 critical life-saving drugs to zero and on other essential medicines, diagnostics, and devices to 5%. Industry leaders say this will significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, improve access to treatments for cancer, rare diseases, and diabetes, and encourage wider insurance coverage. Doctors should expect improved affordability for key therapies and diagnostics.

From September 22, 2025, individual health insurance policies will be exempt from GST, potentially lowering patient costs by 12–15%. However, insurers may raise premiums by 3–5% to offset loss of input tax credit. Doctors should advise patients on possible premium changes and increased demand for coverage.