docTLDR

Recent child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups in Rajasthan and MP have exposed regulatory gaps and accountability failures. Experts call for a coordinated, multi-state investigation and urgent reforms in drug quality oversight. Doctors are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected adverse drug reactions.

Andhra Pradesh has approved its first postgraduate degree in palliative care at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Visakhapatnam. With four seats, the program aims to train doctors in comprehensive symptom management and pain relief for chronic and life-limiting illnesses, addressing a critical shortage of palliative care specialists in the state.

AIIMS Delhi faces a standoff after the suspension of its CTVS head over a harassment complaint. Faculty demand reinstatement, while nurses' union insists on due process and confidentiality under the POSH Act. The case underscores the need for robust institutional protocols and gender-sensitive handling of workplace grievances in Indian hospitals.

A Delhi court has summoned a gynaecologist for allegedly performing a C-section a month before term, resulting in the child's prolonged illness and death. The case underscores the importance of accurate gestational age assessment and documentation, and highlights ongoing medico-legal scrutiny of obstetric practice.

The Chhattisgarh High Court ordered the state to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur publicly disclosed a mother's HIV status by displaying a poster near her newborn's bed. The court condemned the act as inhuman, unethical, and a violation of privacy under Article 21, highlighting the need for strict adherence to confidentiality protocols and legal protections for people living with HIV.

Following the deaths of at least 24 children from contaminated cough syrup, India has denied drugmakers more time to upgrade manufacturing facilities to WHO standards. The government is enforcing strict deadlines, despite pleas from smaller firms, to ensure drug safety and prevent future tragedies.

The central government has approved over 11,000 new postgraduate medical seats nationwide, with Gujarat adding 250+ seats across key specialties. This expansion aims to address the shortage of specialists, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and will benefit NEET-PG aspirants who previously missed out due to limited seats.

Emerging evidence shows that ultra-processed 'diet' foods—often marketed as healthy—can undermine weight loss by disrupting gut health, increasing cravings, and promoting overeating. Even when calorie content is matched, minimally processed foods lead to greater weight loss and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms. Experts urge clinicians to counsel patients on the risks of relying on packaged diet products and to prioritize whole, fiber-rich foods for sustainable results.

A new study highlights that front-of-package (FOP) health claims on food products can mislead consumers by creating a 'positivity bias,' making unhealthy foods appear healthier than they are. While FOP nutritional labeling improves understanding and reduces perceived healthfulness and purchase intent, it does not fully counteract the misleading effects of positive nutrition claims. The findings support stricter regulations to ensure FOP claims accurately reflect a product's nutritional profile.

Indian lifesciences companies are intensifying research into new antibiotics to address the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). For clinicians, this signals potential future access to novel therapies and the need to stay updated on emerging agents and stewardship protocols as global and local AMR challenges escalate.

The Jharkhand government has ordered an immediate increase in stipends for MBBS interns and resident doctors in state medical colleges. The stipend for medical interns will rise from ₹17,500 to ₹25,000 per month, addressing long-standing demands from the medical community and aiming to improve working conditions for junior doctors.

NICE has recommended cabotegravir (Apretude), the UK's first long-acting injectable PrEP, for adults and young people at high risk of HIV who cannot take daily oral PrEP. Administered every two months, it addresses barriers like medical contraindications, difficulty swallowing, and adherence challenges. Around 1,000 people per year in England are expected to benefit, supporting the national goal to end HIV transmissions by 2030. The rollout will occur via specialist sexual health clinics, int...

Dr Muhammed Abdul Muneer, a Kerala-born neuroscientist now in the US, is developing innovative treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Backed by a $2.2 million NIH grant, his research targets molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal repair, aiming to reduce damage and improve recovery after brain trauma. His work could transform TBI care.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed biodegradable nanoparticles that specifically target Kupffer cells in the liver to treat alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). These nanoparticles, coated with carboxymethyl chitosan and conjugated with INT-777, deliver dexamethasone directly to inflamed liver tissue, reducing inflammation and fibrosis in preclinical models. This targeted approach represents a significant advance over conventional therapies, offering hope for more effective A...

A large retrospective study in US veterans with type 2 diabetes found semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide had comparable risks for kidney failure and major cardiovascular events. Mortality risks and some adverse events varied, with liraglutide showing lower all-cause mortality than dulaglutide. These findings may guide clinicians in selecting GLP-1 therapies when head-to-head trials are lacking.