docTLDR

GST 2.0 reforms, effective September 22, remove GST on individual health policies and cut rates for 33 medicines, medical devices, and vaccines including HIV, TB, and hepatitis. Doctors should anticipate improved affordability for patients and increased uptake of preventive therapies. Universal Health Insurance rollout in Andhra Pradesh will benefit from these changes.

At the IAPMR CME 2025, experts highlighted India's severe rehabilitation shortage and lack of national post-stroke rehab protocols. Doctors are urged to prioritize early rehabilitation referrals and advocate for reinstating PMR in medical curricula. Without structured guidelines, thousands of stroke survivors risk poor recovery and disability.

The Telangana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found Sri Vijaya Hospitals and two doctors guilty of medical negligence after a young mother developed permanent disability following a caesarean section. The patient suffered nerve injury and foot drop due to improper spinal anaesthesia administration. The court ordered Rs 3.2 lakh compensation, including treatment costs, damages, and litigation expenses, with 7% annual interest if unpaid within six weeks.

A comprehensive review in Biochemical Pharmacology confirms regular coffee consumption—especially 3+ cups daily—significantly lowers risk and progression of liver diseases, including MASLD, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Coffee’s bioactive compounds (caffeine, polyphenols, diterpenes) exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and metabolism-modulating effects, directly inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and reducing key liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT). The...

The FDA is reviewing whether changes in bone mineral density (BMD) can serve as a surrogate endpoint for fracture risk in osteoporosis drug trials. If approved, this would allow faster and less costly development of new osteoporosis therapies by using BMD changes, rather than fracture reduction, as the primary outcome. This shift could accelerate access to innovative treatments for millions at risk of osteoporotic fractures.

ICCCON-2025 highlighted new endovascular techniques for aortic blockages, LVADs for heart failure, and valve replacement without surgery. Indian stents now cost Rs 8,000–10,000, and 50% of interventional devices are locally made. Doctors can expect more affordable, advanced cardiac care options and rapid adoption of minimally invasive procedures.

Neuralink will launch India trials of its brain-computer interface in October 2025, enabling patients with paralysis, stroke, or ALS to communicate via thought-to-text technology. Indian clinicians may soon access this FDA-cleared device, offering new hope for restoring communication in severe neuro-disability.

India’s herbal sector is rapidly advancing, with government-backed research and startups commercializing scientifically validated formulations like BGR-34 for diabetes. Doctors can expect more evidence-based herbal options for chronic diseases, improved patient acceptance, and a growing role for natural therapies in mainstream practice.

Merck's Keytruda Qlex, now FDA-approved, is the first subcutaneous immune checkpoint inhibitor for most solid tumors. It can be administered by a healthcare provider in just one minute, offering a faster, more flexible alternative to IV infusions. This breakthrough could streamline oncology workflows and improve patient experience in Indian cancer centers.

A new study from Chiba University reveals that a high-fat diet impairs intermediate-term memory in Drosophila by reducing autophagic activity in neurons. The research shows that impaired autophagy and lysosomal dysfunction disrupt memory formation, but enhancing autophagy—genetically or pharmacologically—can reverse these deficits. These findings highlight autophagy as a potential target for interventions to prevent diet-induced cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, a centenarian physician in Japan, continues to see patients and contribute to medical education at age 100, embodying active aging and lifelong dedication to medicine. His ongoing clinical practice and public engagement challenge conventional retirement norms, offering a model for healthy longevity and professional fulfillment in healthcare.

An American woman living in India went viral after sharing her experience of receiving immediate emergency care for a thumb injury at a local hospital for just Rs 50. She contrasted this with the US, where ER visits can cost at least $2,000, and highlighted India’s easy access to doctors, minimal wait times, and affordable treatment. Her story reignited discussions on India’s healthcare affordability and accessibility compared to the US.

Lucknow hospitals report a 40% spike in flu-like illnesses, straining OPDs and admissions. Most cases are viral, with children and elderly most affected. Experts urge strict hygiene, boiled water, and annual flu vaccination. Doctors are cautioned against unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions to prevent complications and resistance.

A novel quintuple agonist combining GLP-1R, GIPR, and pan-PPAR (lanifibranor) mechanisms demonstrated potent effects in mouse models of obesity and diabetes, outperforming current mono- and dual-agonists in reducing body weight, food intake, and hyperglycaemia. This single-molecule therapy targets metabolic tissues precisely, enhancing insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, with lanifibranor showing a favorable safety profile in phase II trials. Human trials are pending.

Magnesium supplements are increasingly used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety, but not all products are created equal. The article highlights that different forms of magnesium (like glycinate, citrate, and oxide) have varying absorption rates and effects, and inaccurate labeling is common in the supplement market. Choosing reputable brands with third-party testing is essential for safety and efficacy, especially since magnesium can interact with other medications and excessive intake may ca...