docTLDR

The Union Health Ministry has advised against prescribing or dispensing cough syrups to children under 5, following deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Most acute coughs in children are self-limiting; non-pharmacological measures are first-line. Doctors must ensure GMP-compliant products and avoid multiple drug combinations. Sensitisation of prescribers and dispensers is mandated across all clinical establishments.

After four drug-related deaths in Ferozepur, authorities found most victims had pre-existing conditions and misused de-addiction medicines. Raids on medical stores led to the seizure of over 8 lakh prohibited pills and closure of four outlets. Doctors are urged to monitor prescription practices and counsel patients on safe medication use.

The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against a man accused of assaulting a doctor, citing an amicable settlement but mandated one month of community service at the same hospital. The court emphasized that violence against medical professionals not only endangers doctors' lives but also disrupts patient care, highlighting the broader risks such incidents pose to hospital safety and healthcare delivery.

Groundbreaking research challenges the traditional view of autism as a single disorder, revealing it comprises multiple distinct neurodevelopmental conditions. Genetic and clinical data suggest tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches are needed, potentially transforming autism care and research strategies worldwide.

Following the deaths of at least three children allegedly linked to Dextromethorphan-containing cough syrups, Rajasthan has banned these formulations and suspended all 19 drugs from the implicated manufacturer. The state has issued new guidelines: avoid Dextromethorphan in paediatric patients, especially under 4 years, and regulate medicines for COPD. Doctors are urged to prescribe alternatives and ensure clear labelling for paediatric and pregnancy risks.

Mental health remains marginalised in India’s healthcare system, with experts urging integration into mainstream policy and clinical practice. Neha Kirpal, Amaha, highlights the urgent need for systemic change, increased funding, and destigmatisation. Doctors are encouraged to proactively screen, refer, and support mental health needs, especially post-pandemic, as demand for services surges.

The Centre has revised package rates for nearly 2,000 procedures under CGHS, effective Oct 13, after a decade-long gap. Hospitals will now receive rates aligned with actual costs, benefiting both providers and CGHS beneficiaries. Rates vary by city tier and hospital accreditation, aiming to ensure financial sustainability for hospitals and realistic, affordable care for government employees and pensioners.

A new AIIMS Delhi study finds that 59% of surveyed neurosurgeons, neurologists, and intensivists were not trained in brain death certification during medical college. Only 10% regularly train residents, and many hospitals lack standard protocols. This knowledge gap is a key barrier to deceased organ donation, with India’s donation rate still under one per million. Streamlined training and national guidelines are urgently needed.

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission exonerated a doctor accused of negligence after a patient's post-delivery death from septicemia. The court found, based on a Medical Board report, that the death resulted from a ruptured urinary bladder likely caused by abdominal massage at home, not by the doctor's actions. The Commission set aside a previous compensation order, emphasizing that sepsis after delivery can arise from multiple factors and must be directly linked to me...

A new study, with formal ethical approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), demonstrates the practical application of machine learning models for clinical risk prediction. The findings highlight how AI-driven tools can enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient stratification in Indian healthcare settings, paving the way for more personalized and efficient care.

India has reported 30,876 suspected and 1,741 confirmed chikungunya cases in early 2025, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu most affected. WHO urges Indian clinicians to enhance early detection, clinical management, and vector control, especially for high-risk groups (elderly, infants, pregnant women). Preparedness is critical to prevent healthcare system overload.

A large NIH-funded randomized trial found acupuncture significantly reduced disability and pain intensity in adults aged 65+ with chronic low back pain compared to usual medical care. Benefits persisted for at least 12 months, with both standard and enhanced acupuncture outperforming standard care. Serious adverse events were rare, supporting acupuncture as a safe, effective option for older adults, especially those at higher risk from pain medications.

Recent research highlights that women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer experience significantly lower sexual quality of life and dyadic adjustment compared to those without mastectomy. Factors such as lower education and income further worsen these outcomes. The findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to address sexual health and psychosocial support as part of post-mastectomy care, especially in settings where breast cancer rates are rising.

A large real-world cohort study found GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are generally safe for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary outcomes in type 2 diabetes, with no increased risk for most serious GI events compared to other oral antidiabetics. However, GLP-1 RAs were linked to higher risks of gastroparesis and intussusception, highlighting the need for clinical vigilance in susceptible patients.

A large SEER-Medicare study shows cancer patients with depression face worse surgical recovery and higher costs, but those treated with antidepressants have better outcomes, shorter hospital stays, lower readmission and mortality rates, and reduced costs. Screening and treating depression before surgery can optimize recovery and reduce healthcare burden, highlighting the need for integrated mental health care in surgical oncology.