docTLDR

At least 22 children from Madhya Pradesh have died after consuming contaminated Coldrif cough syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. The Madhya Pradesh CM has accused Tamil Nadu authorities of non-cooperation in the investigation, while state officials emphasize that quality control responsibility lies with the manufacturing state. The pharmaceutical company owner has been arrested, and the case highlights critical gaps in drug regulation and interstate coordination, urging doctors to remain vigil...

A new EY-Parthenon report projects India’s healthcare expenditure will surge from Rs 10–11 lakh crore to Rs 190 lakh crore by 2047, driven by aging, rising non-communicable diseases, and earlier disease onset. Hospitalizations could increase 2.4 times, with beds needed to more than double. Despite massive investment, returns in healthcare delivery remain modest compared to other sectors. The report urges proactive disease management to curb demand and highlights the need for systemic prepared...

Diethylene glycol, a toxic solvent sometimes found in adulterated cough syrups, has been implicated in child deaths in India. The article explains its chemical properties, health risks, and the importance of vigilance in pharmaceutical quality control. Clinicians are urged to report adverse events and consider toxicity in unexplained pediatric illnesses, especially with over-the-counter medications.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) chairman endorses public-private partnerships (PPP) to expand and upgrade medical education, citing success in states like Gujarat. However, he highlights significant quality gaps in many new colleges, urging a focus on faculty, infrastructure, and digital learning. The NMC is also advancing the National Exit Test (NExT) to assess clinical readiness, though full implementation requires stakeholder coordination.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has cancelled the NEET-PG results of 22 candidates after uncovering malpractice in exams conducted between 2021 and 2025. The disqualified aspirants were found guilty of using unfair means, leading to annulment of their results and barring them from future attempts. This action underscores NBEMS's commitment to exam integrity.

The Madras High Court quashed a Tamil Nadu government demand for Rs 1.61 crore from a doctor for not serving till superannuation as per her PG bond, ruling that interest cannot be calculated till retirement. The Court directed her to pay only Rs 40 lakh, the bond amount, within four weeks, and clarified that further interest applies only if delayed. The judgment highlights the limits of state recovery in medical bond disputes.

A study highlights the effectiveness of a 1726-nm laser in reducing acne lesions across various skin types. This technology offers a promising treatment option for individuals with acne, providing a non-invasive method to improve skin appearance.

Researchers from Radboudumc and Toronto have resolved the 3D structures of two key malaria parasite proteins, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, using cryo-electron microscopy. This breakthrough enables the design of vaccines that block parasite transmission via mosquitoes, addressing a major gap left by current vaccines that do not prevent spread. The findings, published in Immunity, could accelerate development of next-generation transmission-blocking malaria vaccines.

A 2025 review led by Indian researchers highlights microplastics as emerging carcinogens, with lung cancer tissues showing an 80% detection rate of microplastics. The study details inhalation pathways, tissue accumulation, and oncogenic signaling, urging Indian clinicians to consider environmental exposure in cancer risk assessments and patient counseling.

Nature review highlights WNT–β-catenin activation occurs in approximately 50% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients through CTNNB1 gain-of-function mutations, offering new therapeutic targets for liver cancer management relevant to India's growing HCC burden.

Apple Watch now offers FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, passively analyzing heart sensor data to detect chronic high blood pressure patterns over 30 days. This breakthrough, validated in studies with over 100,000 participants and 2,000 clinical subjects, is expected to notify over 1 million undiagnosed users in its first year. The feature guides users to log blood pressure with a cuff and share results with providers, integrating seamlessly into clinical workflows and potentially trans...

A major systematic review published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine finds tramadol offers only minimal pain relief for chronic pain, failing to reach clinically meaningful thresholds. The analysis of 19 trials (6,506 adults) shows tramadol users face more than double the risk of serious adverse events—including cardiac issues and possibly cancer—plus frequent non-serious side effects like nausea and dizziness. The findings challenge tramadol’s reputation as a safer opioid and urge clinicians t...

Maharashtra FDA has started inspecting pharmacies to ensure cough syrups and other medicines are not sold without prescriptions, following the recent child deaths linked to toxic formulations. Doctors should expect increased scrutiny of prescription practices and medicine sourcing in the coming weeks.

In a decisive move to prevent drug contamination and ensure patient safety, CDSCO has directed all Indian states to mandate comprehensive testing of raw materials before pharmaceutical manufacturing. This policy shift follows recent high-profile safety lapses and aims to strengthen quality assurance at the earliest stage of the drug supply chain.

Nearly two months after NEET PG results, admissions to postgraduate medical courses across India remain stalled. The Medical Counselling Committee has put All India Quota counselling on hold following instructions from the National Medical Commission, which is still finalizing new colleges and seat increases. Supreme Court cases demanding transparency from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, including release of the full question paper and answer key, have further delayed ...