docTLDR

A new global report finds Indian clinicians are rapidly integrating AI into practice, yet limited AI training, weak governance, and rising administrative burdens risk stalling progress. Without urgent investment in digital literacy and support, the promise of AI to reduce burnout and improve patient outcomes may remain unfulfilled.

A landmark ICMR-INDIAB study published in Nature Medicine finds 62% of Indian calories come from carbs, with added sugar intake above recommended levels in 21 states/UTs. Protein intake remains suboptimal. Replacing 5% of carbs with plant or dairy protein could lower diabetes risk, urging clinicians to counsel on dietary shifts.

With treatment costs in India projected to rise by 13% in 2025, experts call for a shift from reactive to proactive, patient-centered care. Emphasizing innovation and digital health, the article highlights the need for new models to reduce recovery times, lower costs, and improve outcomes.

A large population-based study found that even short courses (less than 14 days) of systemic corticosteroids in children are associated with a significantly increased risk of serious adverse events, including gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and pneumonia, within the first month after exposure. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing systemic corticosteroids to pediatric patients, especially for non-severe conditions.

Indian students claim the Philippines MD program fails to meet NMC's FMGL 2021 regulations, citing a 48-month duration (vs. required 54 months), lack of internship access, and ineligibility for the Philippine Licensure Exam. They allege agents mislead students and call for urgent NMC and government intervention, warning that thousands risk invalid degrees and financial loss.

Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute and The Royal Children's Hospital have developed an AI tool that detects tiny brain lesions (focal cortical dysplasias) in children with severe epilepsy. The tool identified lesions missed by human MRI review in up to 94% of cases, enabling faster diagnosis, more precise surgical planning, and improved outcomes. In a test group, 12 children underwent surgery and 11 became seizure-free. Early lesion detection may reduce learning disabilities...

Global cancer cases and deaths are projected to nearly triple in low-income countries by 2050, with a 142.1% increase in cases and 146.1% rise in deaths, compared to moderate increases in high-income nations. This widening gap is driven by limited access to prevention, early detection, and treatment, and compounded by disruptions from pandemics and crises. Strengthening healthcare systems and universal insurance coverage are critical to slow these trends.

The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association in Telangana is pressing for a local reservation in MQ1 (B category) PG medical seats in private colleges, citing loss of local talent to other states. If adopted, the policy could improve retention of homegrown doctors and strengthen regional healthcare delivery. Doctors should monitor for changes in PG admission criteria.

Ten Indian pulmonologists have been recognized in Stanford University's prestigious 2025 list of the world's top 2% scientists, highlighting their significant global research impact. The list, compiled using standardized citation metrics, acknowledges scientists with outstanding career-long and recent-year contributions, underscoring India's growing influence in pulmonary medicine research.

A large brain imaging study from Karolinska Institutet found that poor sleep habits—such as short duration, insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness—are linked to brains that appear older than their actual age. For every 1-point decrease in healthy sleep score, the gap between brain age and chronological age widened by about six months. Inflammation explained over 10% of this association, suggesting that improving sleep could help slow brain aging and reduce cognitive decline risk.

A University of Helsinki study highlights that vegans and vegetarians, especially children, require careful dietary planning to maintain bone health. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D—primarily through fortified foods and supplements—is essential, as plant-based sources alone may not suffice. The study found that Finnish vegan children had adequate vitamin D and calcium due to widespread supplement use, but noted that these findings may not generalize to regions with less access to for...

A five-year-old boy in Sikar, Rajasthan, died after consuming a government-supplied cough syrup, prompting the state to suspend the syrup's distribution and launch an investigation into its manufacturer, Kayson Pharma. Another child in Bharatpur became critically ill after taking the same batch. The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation has halted all batches, and drug samples are under urgent testing. Authorities are probing possible contamination, recalling previous incidents of toxic coug...

Despite strong evidence for bariatric surgery in treating severe obesity, most eligible patients are never referred by their doctors. Key barriers include physicians’ limited knowledge of guidelines, concerns about surgical risks and long-term outcomes, perceived high costs, and the belief that surgery should be a last resort. Patient requests, high BMI, and obesity-related comorbidities are the main drivers for referral. Addressing these gaps through physician education and public awareness ...

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a new circular targeting persistent conflicts between hospitals and insurers, which often delay or deny cashless claims for health insurance policyholders. The directive seeks to standardize billing practices and improve transparency, aiming to reduce disputes and expedite claim settlements. This move is expected to benefit patients by minimizing out-of-pocket expenses and administrative hassles, though its effectiveness will depend on robust e...

A nationwide analysis using Indian Council of Medical Research data highlights rapid dietary transitions in India, directly linked to rising rates of cardiometabolic diseases. The study urges clinicians to prioritize dietary counseling and early metabolic risk screening, especially in urbanizing populations, to curb the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.