docTLDR

A government-supplied cough syrup containing dextromethorphan has caused two child deaths and multiple illnesses in Rajasthan. Authorities have banned 22 batches and halted distribution. Doctors should remain vigilant for adverse reactions in children and report any suspected cases immediately. Over 1.3 lakh bottles had been dispensed since July.

India's drug regulator has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for adults with type 2 diabetes, introducing a globally recognized GLP-1 agonist to Indian practice. With over 100 million Indians affected by diabetes, Ozempic offers glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular benefits. Clinicians must weigh eligibility, side effects, and cost before prescribing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights a lack of robust evidence supporting the use of dietary supplements in healthy children. Experts recommend healthcare providers guide families towards balanced diets rather than routine supplementation, as most children do not benefit from vitamins or minerals unless they have specific deficiencies. Overuse may even pose health risks.

Forty Indian paediatricians, doctors, and scientists have been named in Stanford University's 2025 list of the world's top 2% scientists, highlighting India's growing global impact in medical research. The recognition is based on citation metrics and composite scores, reflecting significant contributions from Indian medical professionals to global science and innovation.

Medtronic has launched the Valleylab FT10 Electrosurgical Generator and Vessel Sealing Generator in India, featuring TissueFect sensing technology that auto-adjusts energy delivery by tissue type. This innovation aims to enhance surgical precision, reduce intraoperative risks, and streamline workflow for Indian surgeons, supporting safer and more cost-effective care.

A major US study finds over 20% of women and 10% of men aged 50–64 meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction—rates higher than those for alcohol or tobacco use in this group. The addiction is linked to poorer physical and mental health, with compulsive eating behaviors driven by foods engineered for hyper-reward. The findings highlight urgent public health concerns as these foods dominate global diets.

The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission dismissed a Rs 2 crore medical negligence claim against AIIMS New Delhi doctors, finding the allegations vague and unsupported by expert evidence. The complainant alleged complications after ear surgery, but the Commission found no proof of negligence or causal link to the surgery, noting all due care was taken and unrelated health issues were diagnosed later.

CDSCO has officially classified cocrystals as a new drug category, paving the way for innovative formulations with improved efficacy and safety profiles. This regulatory update could accelerate the introduction of advanced therapies for chronic and complex conditions in India.

The FDA has granted De Novo classification to Biolinq Shine, the first needle-free, wearable glucose sensor. This breakthrough could soon offer Indian diabetologists and patients a non-invasive, multi-analyte option for continuous glucose monitoring, potentially improving adherence and glycemic control.

A major systematic review and meta-analysis finds that about 50% of fibromyalgia patients globally experience depression or anxiety. The prevalence is notably higher in women and younger individuals. These findings highlight the urgent need for routine mental health screening and integrated care in fibromyalgia management, as psychological comorbidities are often underrecognized and undertreated.

A woman in Scotland sustained chemical injuries when she was mistakenly dispensed erectile dysfunction cream instead of her prescribed treatment for a dry eye condition. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about medication dispensing errors and the need for improved safety protocols in pharmacies to prevent similar adverse events.

A doctor posted at Sub-District Hospital Banihal in Jammu & Kashmir's Ramban district was arrested and immediately suspended following allegations of sexual assault by a female patient. The incident, which reportedly occurred inside the doctor's chamber, led to swift administrative action, with the Health Secretary ordering the doctor's suspension pending inquiry. The investigation, including claims of intoxication during the alleged assault, is ongoing.

A Japanese cohort study found that both frequent yogurt intake and longer night sleep at age one are positively linked to better verbal working memory at age four. The effect of yogurt intake was stronger than that of sleep duration, though both associations were modest. The findings suggest early-life nutrition and sleep habits may influence cognitive development, but further research in larger, diverse populations is needed.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that the online application portal for the FMGE 2025 Eligibility Certificate will close on September 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM. This certificate is mandatory for foreign medical graduates seeking to appear for the FMGE Screening Test in India. Applicants are advised to fill out the form themselves, keep documents ready, and provide an active mobile number to receive deficiency alerts. Those who have already applied need not reapply.

A landmark ICMR-INDIAB study of 1.2 lakh adults across India finds that 62% of daily calories come from carbohydrates—mainly white rice, wheat, and sugar—fueling rising diabetes and obesity rates. Researchers show that replacing just 5% of daily calories from carbs with plant or dairy protein could significantly lower diabetes and prediabetes risk, urging policy reforms to promote protein-rich diets.