docTLDR

India's government has mandated 157 standard treatment workflows across 28 specialties, including cardiology and pulmonology. Developed by ICMR, NHA, and WHO, these protocols aim to ensure consistent, evidence-based care nationwide, reduce overtreatment, and provide doctors with a reliable framework for clinical decision-making.

The Punjab government’s new MBBS admission rule requires parents to pledge two properties worth Rs 40 lakh as surety for a Rs 20 lakh service bond, mandating two years of government service post-MBBS. The IMA has demanded immediate rollback, citing severe financial and mental distress for students and families, risk of brain drain, and concerns over accessibility to medical education for lower-income groups.

JIPMER Puducherry has confirmed receipt of a proposal for an integrated MBBS-BAMS dual degree course and formed internal committees to evaluate its feasibility and curriculum. While the institute clarified there are no immediate plans to launch the programme, the proposal remains under active review, with due diligence and stakeholder consultation underway. The initiative, announced by the Union Minister of State for Health, is unprecedented and could reshape medical education, but faces regu...

Children with multiple nut allergies face a significantly increased risk of severe anaphylactic reactions compared to those with single nut allergies. Recent research highlights that multi-nut allergic children are more likely to have atopic comorbidities, asthma, and elevated total IgE levels, all of which further heighten anaphylaxis risk. Clinicians are advised to monitor these children closely and consider comprehensive allergy management strategies.

A new AI-powered platform in China is transforming chronic disease management by integrating medical data, speech, and image recognition. Indian healthcare systems could adapt similar models to address the rising burden of diabetes, CVD, and respiratory diseases.

UpToDate Enterprise Edition, now spotlighted at a major Indian healthcare conference, offers AI-powered, natural language search for evidence-based answers. Designed for India’s diverse settings, it supports clinicians with real-time, expert-authored protocols, aiming to reduce errors and standardize care, especially in resource-limited and rural hospitals.

Medtronic is investing heavily in India, integrating AI into stroke management, surgical robotics, and PCI. A new AI-enabled 'Hub and Spoke' stroke care model with Punjab’s government aims to scale nationwide. The company’s focus on affordability, physician training, and PPPs is set to expand access to advanced therapies and diagnostics.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that payments to consultant doctors are not considered salary in the absence of fixed pay, confirming there is no employer-employee relationship. Therefore, hospitals must deduct TDS under Section 194J (professional services), not Section 192 (salary), of the Income Tax Act. This clarifies tax treatment for hospitals and consultant doctors across India.

Mayo Clinic underscores the ongoing risk of rubella in India, especially for pregnant women. Congenital rubella syndrome can cause severe birth defects. Doctors should verify MMR vaccination status in women of childbearing age and counsel on immunization before pregnancy.

A new study reveals that the glucose-fructose combination typical of sugary drinks directly accelerates colorectal cancer metastasis by activating the enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD). This metabolic shift increases cancer cell motility and invasion, particularly to the liver, and is not seen with glucose or fructose alone. Targeting SORD may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to limit cancer spread.

India’s pharma global capability centers are now innovation hubs, leveraging AI for molecule triaging, predictive safety, and trial optimization. Early pilots show up to 70% cost reduction and halved discovery timelines. This shift positions India as a critical player in global drug R&D, with direct impact on clinical trial access and innovation.

The Phase 3 SURPASS-PEDS trial found that once-weekly tirzepatide led to significant and sustained reductions in HbA1c (mean decrease of 2.23%) and BMI in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin or insulin. Over 52 weeks, 79% of tirzepatide-treated patients achieved HbA1c <6.5%, with a favorable safety profile and low discontinuation rates. These results suggest tirzepatide could address a major unmet need in pediatric diabetes management.

Meril has launched the Mizzo Endo 4000, a next-gen soft tissue surgical robot with AI-powered 3D mapping and 5G-enabled telesurgery. Indian surgeons can now perform complex procedures remotely, expanding access to expert care in underserved regions. The system supports a wide range of specialties and aims to improve outcomes and recovery times.

A Duke University study reveals that pancreatic alpha cells, previously thought to only produce glucagon, also generate significant amounts of GLP-1—a hormone that enhances insulin secretion and regulates glucose. This natural GLP-1 production, confirmed in both mice and humans, suggests a new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes by leveraging the body's own hormone pathways, potentially improving blood sugar control beyond current drug approaches.

Ascletis’ oral GLP-1R agonist ASC30 demonstrated positive safety and efficacy in a Phase Ib trial for obesity. The ultra-long-acting formulation, with a 75-day half-life, could transform obesity management. Indian clinicians should watch for upcoming trials and regulatory developments, as GLP-1 therapies gain traction in metabolic disease care.