docTLDR

A government paediatrician in Madhya Pradesh was arrested for prescribing an adulterated cough syrup, allegedly for a 10% commission, despite a national ban on FDCs for children under four. The syrup, containing toxic diethylene glycol, is linked to 15 child deaths. The case highlights the critical need for vigilance in drug prescribing and adherence to regulatory advisories.

Recent analysis highlights tramadol's questionable efficacy and safety profile in chronic pain management, citing increased risks of dependency, adverse effects, and inconsistent pain relief. Experts recommend Indian clinicians reassess tramadol's role, considering alternative therapies and updated guidelines to optimize patient outcomes and minimize harm.

Police have arrested two more suspects in the gangrape of a medical student in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal. The case intensifies scrutiny of hospital and hostel safety, prompting renewed demands for robust security and support for medical students and staff, especially women, across India’s healthcare institutions.

The National Medical Commission has increased MBBS seats to 126,600 for the 2025–26 academic year, adding 1,775 new seats across 809 medical colleges. This expansion aims to address doctor shortages and improve healthcare access. Practicing doctors should anticipate more interns and junior doctors in hospitals, potentially easing workload and enhancing patient care.

The latest Global Burden of Disease report reveals a dramatic shift: ischaemic heart disease is now India's leading cause of death, with COPD and stroke following. Infectious diseases have declined, while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now dominate, underscoring the urgent need for primary prevention, early intervention, and healthy ageing strategies in clinical practice.

India’s Health Ministry has launched a nationwide CPR awareness campaign, aiming to train at least one person in every household, school, and office. With 70% of cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals, immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates. Doctors are encouraged to lead training efforts and raise public awareness, as timely CPR is proven to dramatically improve outcomes.

Indian hospital chains like Fortis and Yatharth are attracting major investments, reflecting robust growth in revenue, profits, and tech-driven expansion. The sector is expected to create 3.5 million new tech jobs, with government healthcare spending up nearly 10%. Doctors should anticipate increased demand for advanced care and digital health services.

A review by ICMR’s NIRRCH finds women with metabolic syndrome have three times higher odds of ovarian cancer, and significantly increased risks for cervical and endometrial cancers. With metabolic syndrome prevalent in 30% of Indians, doctors should intensify screening and preventive strategies for female patients, especially those with obesity or insulin resistance.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Himachal Pradesh’s assistant drug controller for alleged corruption and forgery, spotlighting regulatory lapses in India’s pharma sector. The incident underscores the need for robust oversight to ensure drug quality and patient safety in clinical practice.

The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) is hosting an international conference to develop structured guidelines for geriatric care via Ayurveda. Over 500 experts will participate, and a new digital app for clinical practitioners will be launched. Doctors can expect actionable frameworks and tech tools for elderly care soon.

Marstacimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), demonstrated robust efficacy in reducing annualized bleeding rates by over 90% in patients with hemophilia A or B, including those with inhibitors, according to phase 3 BASIS trial results. Administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, marstacimab was well tolerated, with no deaths or thromboembolic events reported, and offers a convenient, non-factor-based prophylactic option for patients who face ch...

Alpha-gal syndrome is an IgE-mediated allergy triggered by galactose-α-1,3-galactose, often after tick bites. Symptoms—ranging from urticaria and GI issues to delayed anaphylaxis—typically appear 3–8 hours after consuming red meat. Diagnosis relies on clinical history, tick exposure, and alpha-gal IgE testing. Management focuses on strict avoidance of mammalian meat and carrying epinephrine for emergencies. Recent studies highlight frequent misdiagnosis as IBS and the need for increased clini...

In response to recent toxic cough syrup incidents, Indian drug regulators are seeking expanded arrest powers and a technical overhaul of regulatory systems. The move aims to strengthen enforcement, improve drug safety, and restore public trust in pharmaceutical quality, directly impacting clinical practice and patient safety.

Bristol Myers Squibb has launched Kopozgo (Mavacamten), India’s first oral cardiac myosin inhibitor for symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). This first-in-class therapy targets the disease mechanism, offering a novel option for the estimated 2.8 million Indians with oHCM, most of whom remain undiagnosed.

Spanish researchers found that about 70% of women who experience sexual assault develop PTSD, with many showing a near-complete loss of communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex—critical regions for emotion regulation. This fronto-limbic disconnect may serve as a biological marker for PTSD, independent of symptom severity, and could help predict treatment response. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and further research into brain connectivity disruptions ...