docTLDR

The Centre has reversed its earlier stance and directed that physiotherapists in India cannot use the 'Dr' prefix, following strong protests by the Indian Medical Association. The Directorate General of Health Services clarified that using 'Dr' violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and cited multiple court rulings upholding this prohibition. The directive suggests considering a distinct, respectful title for physiotherapists to avoid public confusion.

The Karnataka government is in talks with the Royal College of Physicians (UK) to host the MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) examination in the state. If successful, this move will allow Indian doctors to take the prestigious postgraduate medical exam locally, reducing the need for costly overseas travel and potentially increasing the number of specialists trained to international standards in Karnataka.

The Supreme Court set aside the NCDRC's order that held a gynaecologist liable for 'antenatal negligence'—a ground never raised in the original complaint, which was limited to post-delivery care. The Court ruled that consumer fora cannot travel beyond pleadings or create new cases, and ordered the refund of Rs 10 lakh compensation to the doctor. This judgment reinforces procedural discipline and limits on adjudicatory bodies in medical negligence cases.

Oral GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as orforglipron, are showing promising results in clinical trials for obesity, with up to 12% weight loss in nondiabetic adults and 8% in diabetics. These once-daily pills could offer a more convenient alternative to injectable therapies, potentially improving patient adherence and expanding access to effective obesity treatment. Experts highlight the adaptability and ease of oral dosing, but note that long-term safety, real-world effectiveness, and cost rem...

Experts highlight that microplastics and nanoplastics accumulating in atherosclerotic plaques are associated with a 4.5-fold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. This evidence, first reported in a NEJM cohort study, suggests these plastic particles may actively promote atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease, urging clinicians and policymakers to address this emerging risk factor.

A randomized controlled trial of 127 patients found that transtracheal administration of 2% lignocaine (1.5 mg/kg) during general anesthesia resulted in significantly less post-induction hypotension and more stable hemodynamic profiles compared to intravenous administration. Transtracheal lignocaine led to lower surges in heart rate and blood pressure after intubation, suggesting its superiority for attenuating hemodynamic stress, especially in high-risk patients. The study recommends further...

A 65-year-old man with controlled hypertension and no history of heart disease or stroke suffered sudden vision loss due to a brain haemorrhage, traced to daily aspirin prescribed for primary prevention. CMC Vellore neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar highlights that recent evidence and international guidelines advise against routine aspirin use in healthy older adults, as the bleeding risk may outweigh preventive benefits. Individualized risk assessment is crucial.

A surgeon in Santiago, Chile, successfully performed a gallbladder removal alone using an AI-guided camera system developed by Levita Magnetics. The technology autonomously tracks surgical instruments, eliminating the need for a human assistant and marking a major advance toward surgical automation. The global surgical robot market is projected to grow from $15.6 billion in 2024 to $64.4 billion by 2034, reflecting rapid adoption of such innovations.

A viral case of a ₹2 crore health insurance claim denial has triggered widespread debate on social media, with many reporting similar experiences. Doctors should proactively counsel patients on policy terms, documentation, and realistic expectations to avoid surprises during emergencies and ensure smoother claims.

This Medscape commentary explores the growing sense of disillusionment among physicians, likening their role to 'priests who have lost their faith.' The article discusses how increasing administrative burdens, loss of autonomy, and systemic pressures are eroding doctors’ sense of purpose and fulfillment. It calls for renewed focus on meaning, patient connection, and professional values to address rising burnout and moral injury.

A University of Maryland-led team is developing a personalized AI-driven chatbot, funded by a $2.8M NIH grant, to address parental hesitancy and misinformation about the HPV vaccine. The tool uses natural language processing to tailor responses to parents' specific concerns, aiming to increase vaccine uptake among adolescents by providing accurate, empathetic, and expert-vetted information beyond traditional communication methods.

A major 2025 guideline recommends early intervention for hypertension, including lifestyle changes and prompt medication, to reduce risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. It highlights the PREVENT™ risk calculator and newer therapies like GLP-1 agonists for patients with obesity. Indian clinicians should update protocols for earlier, more aggressive management.

A new review highlights the rising incidence and unique epidemiology of breast cancer in India, urging policy reforms for early detection, improved access to care, and tailored treatment strategies. Indian doctors should prioritize risk-based screening and patient education to bridge gaps in outcomes and reduce late-stage presentations.

ICMR has licensed its recombinant multi-stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, to five Indian companies for further development and commercialization. The vaccine uses a dual-antigen approach to prevent infection and block transmission, offering a promising tool for malaria control. Doctors should anticipate new options for malaria prevention as clinical trials and rollout progress.

AstraZeneca launches Eculizumab, India’s first approved anti-complement therapy for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) in adults and children. This breakthrough offers new treatment options for ultra-rare, life-threatening blood and kidney disorders, expanding the therapeutic arsenal for Indian clinicians.