docTLDR

Following child deaths linked to toxic cough syrups, the Indian Pharmacists Association has banned dispensing these drugs to children under 2. Pharmacists must refuse such prescriptions, counsel caregivers, and alert prescribers, as these syrups can cause life-threatening adverse effects in infants. Doctors should review pediatric cough syrup use urgently.

The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association is protesting the suspension of doctors following the amputation of a 9-year-old’s forearm at Palakkad District Hospital. The incident has sparked debate on clinical accountability, due process, and the need for robust protocols in managing paediatric trauma and complications.

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has become India’s second-highest selling pharma brand within six months, with ₹233 crore in sales. Its superior weight-loss efficacy (20–22%) over rivals is driving demand, especially among young obese patients. Doctors should note its rapid adoption and monitor for long-term safety and access issues.

A Tamil Nadu pharmaceutical firm produced toxic cough syrup for 14 years without detection by state drug inspectors, resulting in the deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan. Inspections revealed over 350 regulatory violations, including unhygienic manufacturing conditions, use of non-pharma grade chemicals, and lack of quality assurance. The state government has now banned the product and suspended officials, highlighting major regulatory failures.

A massive privacy breach has rocked NEET PG 2025, with students alleging that their personal data—including names, contact details, scores, and ranks—has been leaked and is being sold online for as little as Rs 3,599. Many aspirants report unsolicited calls from private admission counsellors, raising concerns over data security. NBEMS denies responsibility, stating data is shared securely with counselling authorities, but the leak’s source remains unclear.

The American Psychiatric Association has released its first major update to delirium guidelines in 25 years, shifting focus from treatment to prevention. The guideline strongly recommends regular structured assessments, comprehensive medication reviews, and multicomponent nonpharmacological interventions. Routine use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines for delirium prevention or treatment is discouraged, except for specific indications. The update aims to reduce morbidity, mortality, and ps...

New research using continuous glucose monitoring shows that periodontitis exacerbates glycemic variability in type 2 diabetes patients. Indian doctors should prioritize oral health assessments in diabetic care, as managing periodontitis may help stabilize blood glucose and reduce complications.

Abbott has introduced the AVEIR DR, the world's first dual chamber leadless pacemaker, in India. This device enables wireless, beat-to-beat communication between two miniaturized pacemakers, allowing synchronized pacing of both heart chambers without traditional leads. The system reduces infection risk, offers minimally invasive implantation, and is especially relevant as nearly one in three Indian pacemaker candidates require dual chamber pacing.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine honors discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance, foundational for understanding and treating autoimmune diseases and advancing cancer immunotherapies. Indian clinicians should watch for new therapies emerging from this research, which may soon enter clinical practice and reshape immunology.

Mandatory calorie labeling in England, introduced in April 2022 for large food outlets, led to only a 2% average reduction in menu item energy content, mainly by swapping higher-calorie items for slightly lower-calorie ones. No significant reformulation of existing items or changes in continuously available menu items were observed. Researchers conclude the policy's impact on population health is likely moderate to limited, as meaningful improvements would require consumers to shift purchases...

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that courts cannot grant exceptions to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and university regulations limiting MBBS students to four attempts per subject in the first year. Dismissing a plea for a fifth attempt, the court emphasized that judicial sympathy cannot override statutory mandates, reinforcing the binding nature of academic regulations for medical education.

The 2025 ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines emphasize a universal BP target of <130/80 mm Hg, recommend home blood pressure monitoring with validated upper-arm devices, and highlight the cognitive benefits of BP control. The guidelines also endorse concentrated exercise regimens and potassium-based salt substitutes (with caution in CKD), and introduce urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing for new hypertension diagnoses.

Bihar has reduced the mandatory service bond for PG and diploma doctors from three to two years, effective immediately. Maternity leave now counts toward bond tenure, and doctors can apply for senior resident posts during the bond period. The move follows sustained protests and aims to improve retention and morale.

Doctors treating children affected by Coldrif syrup poisoning in Nagpur report that fomepizole, the antidote being used, has shown no improvement in patients. Parents remain anxious as clinical outcomes are uncertain. The case highlights the urgent need for robust pharmacovigilance, rapid toxicology protocols, and clear guidance for managing pediatric poisoning linked to contaminated medicines.

Following the CGHS rate hike, other central government health schemes such as ECHS are expected to adopt similar revisions, aligning reimbursements with hospital quality, city tier, and ward standards. Hospitals must submit undertakings by October 13 and sign new agreements within 90 days. Super-specialty hospitals in Tier-I cities stand to gain most, with a projected 4–8% revenue and 150–400 bp margin uplift. The move is set to become a new national benchmark for clinical reimbursement.