docTLDR

A glaring mismatch between NMC and state medical council data reveals only 21 new doctors added nationally last year, despite 80,000 medical graduates. This undercount distorts doctor-population ratios and hampers workforce planning, raising concerns about registry transparency and healthcare policy accuracy.

The owner of Sresan Pharma has been arrested after 20 children died from consuming Coldrif cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh. The incident has triggered an indefinite strike by local chemists and heightened scrutiny of drug safety, underlining the need for stricter pharmacovigilance and regulatory oversight.

The Ministry of Health will conduct a nationwide CPR Awareness Week from 13–17 October 2025, promoting compression-only CPR among the public. Doctors are urged to support training and awareness, as timely CPR can significantly improve survival rates in sudden cardiac arrest, a major cause of preventable mortality.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed Roche’s plea to block Natco Pharma’s generic Risdiplam, paving the way for a 97% cheaper SMA treatment (Rs 15,900 vs Rs 6 lakh per bottle). This landmark ruling prioritizes patient access and affordability, offering new hope for Indian clinicians managing spinal muscular atrophy.

Dr Manish Agrawal, Head of Neurosurgery and Additional Principal at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, was arrested by Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau while accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe from a supplier to clear two years' worth of pending bills totaling Rs 12 lakh for brain coils. The supplier had complained to authorities, leading to a trap operation and Agrawal's arrest. Further investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ongoing.

Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for diabetes and obesity, can impact libido and sexual function in both men and women. Effects are mixed: some patients report increased desire and improved function due to weight loss and metabolic benefits, while others experience reduced libido or anorgasmia, likely via serotonergic or vascular mechanisms. These side effects are often underrecognized and may be reversible or dose-dependent. Experts recommend clinicians proacti...

Karnataka Private Retail Druggists Organisation urged all pharmacy outlets to strictly follow government guidelines on cough syrup sales. Move aims to strengthen regulatory compliance amid ongoing quality concerns in the sector.

Patient advocacy groups celebrated Delhi High Court's ruling allowing Natco to launch affordable generic Risdiplam for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Decision marks significant victory for patient access to life-saving treatments in India.

A multicenter Indian study of 40 high-risk symptomatic aortic stenosis patients reports a 95% device success rate with the Hydra valve, demonstrating significant improvement in hemodynamics. This indigenous TAVR device may expand access and outcomes for Indian patients with limited surgical options.

A German study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women who consume more soft drinks have a higher risk and severity of depression, mediated by changes in gut microbiome—especially increased Eggerthella bacteria. The association persisted after adjusting for BMI and antidepressant use, and was not seen in men. The findings highlight the need for public health strategies to reduce soft drink intake to mitigate depressive symptoms.

Recent findings highlight that adult-onset food allergies are increasingly recognized, often presenting with atypical symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in adults with new-onset gastrointestinal or dermatologic symptoms. Early recognition and referral to allergy specialists can improve patient outcomes and reduce risk of severe reactions.

A new white paper, with Indian co-authors, urges multidisciplinary strategies to distinguish indolent from aggressive prostate cancer. It highlights the need for coordinated clinical, radiological, and molecular assessment to reduce overtreatment and improve outcomes for Indian men with low-risk disease.

A new study presented at the ECNP congress reveals that individuals with more ADHD traits, such as inattention and impulsivity, demonstrate higher creative achievements, a link explained by increased mind wandering—especially deliberate mind wandering. The research, involving 750 participants from Europe and the UK, suggests that harnessing mind wandering could inform psychoeducation and ADHD-tailored mindfulness interventions to enhance creativity and treatment outcomes.

Recent studies confirm autism arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While heritability estimates range from 60–90%, environmental exposures—such as prenatal infections, toxins, and parental age—can trigger or amplify risk, often via gene-environment interactions. Advances in genomics and epidemiology are refining understanding, but no single cause or pathway has been identified. Ongoing research is crucial for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

A global review with Indian relevance argues that excluding women from health leadership perpetuates inequities in innovation and outcomes. The article calls for systemic changes in Indian institutions to ensure women's health needs are addressed in research and policy.