docTLDR

Cachar Police have arrested another fake doctor, bringing the total to 13 exposed in the district, underscoring a growing threat from unqualified practitioners posing as medical professionals. This crackdown highlights serious risks to patient safety and public health, as fake doctors continue to exploit gaps in verification and enforcement, raising urgent concerns for regulatory vigilance.

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission exonerated Ruby Hall Clinic and its neurosurgeons from medical negligence charges in a 2003 brain tumour surgery case. The court found the District Commission's earlier order improper, noting that the surgery was abandoned mid-way to avoid life-threatening risk and no expert opinion substantiated negligence. Allegations of overcharging and unfair trade practices were also dismissed, affirming the hospital's adherence to medical stan...

Bengaluru hospitals are embracing healthcare clowning, where trained 'doctor parrots' use humor, playful antics, and interactive performances to reduce stress and anxiety among patients and their families. This initiative, inspired by global trends, aims to improve patient morale, foster emotional healing, and create a more positive hospital environment, especially for children.

A novel artificial intelligence-based tool is being evaluated for its ability to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing severe, difficult-to-treat asthma. The tool integrates patient data, symptom patterns, and biomarker profiles to suggest tailored treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes for patients who do not respond to standard therapies. Early feedback highlights its promise in complex cases, but experts note the need for further validation in diverse clinical settings...

A systematic review of 14 studies found that while yogurt intake was sometimes linked to improved bone mineral density (BMD) and bone biomarkers, meta-analyses showed no significant reduction in hip fracture risk and only a clinically negligible effect on BMD (SMD ≈ 0.009). The evidence, based mainly on observational data, is insufficient to support yogurt as a primary strategy for fracture prevention or bone health improvement in adults. High-quality randomized trials are needed.

Clinicians in Mangaluru report a sharp rise in respiratory infections, attributed to weather changes, firecracker smoke, and festive gatherings. Both children and adults are affected, with increased cases of viral and secondary bacterial infections. Doctors recommend avoiding firecrackers, using masks, and considering air purifiers and seasonal vaccines, especially for vulnerable groups like asthmatics and immunocompromised patients.

Government hospitals in Lucknow have reserved over 180 beds and cancelled doctors' leaves to handle anticipated burn injuries and trauma cases during Diwali. Departments including plastic surgery, trauma, ENT, and ophthalmology are on round-the-clock duty, with extra supplies and medicines stocked. OPD hours are adjusted but emergency services remain active, ensuring rapid response for firecracker-related injuries.

A large cohort study found that 85% of allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients developed at least one viral infection within a year, with 34% experiencing two and 24% three or more. Early detection of a first virus predicted subsequent infections, which were linked to longer hospital stays and lower survival beyond 270 days. Key risk factors included CMV seropositivity, haploidentical donors, T-cell depletion, and severe acute GVHD, highlighting the urgent need for improved preventive stra...

A 27-year-old passenger on the Kanyakumari–Dibrugarh Vivek Express suffered a sudden jaw dislocation after yawning and was unable to close his mouth. Dr P S Jithin, Medical Officer with Palakkad Railway Division, promptly performed a manual reduction for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation on the platform at 2:35 am, enabling the passenger to continue his journey without delay. The incident highlights the readiness of railway medical teams to manage emergencies on-site.

A recent study found that percutaneous A1 pulley release offers significantly better improvement in functional mobility for trigger finger patients compared to steroid injection. The procedure resulted in faster symptom resolution, earlier return to normal activities, and lower recurrence rates. These findings suggest percutaneous release should be considered a preferred option for patients seeking rapid and sustained functional recovery.

India’s healthcare system is burdened by excessive, fragmented regulations—over 200 registrations and 6,000 rules for hospitals—yet frequent failures persist, such as deaths from adulterated drugs and hospital fires. Over 100 regulators with overlapping mandates create confusion and weak enforcement. Experts urge a shift from input-based compliance to outcome-focused standards, stronger regulatory capacity, real-time transparency, and robust patient grievance mechanisms to restore public trus...

Recent updates in MASLD management emphasize the evolving role of the MELD score, now incorporating serum sodium for improved mortality prediction. Clinicians are urged to use dynamic MELD recalculations and consider exception points for complications not reflected in standard scores. This approach aims to better prioritize liver transplant candidates and optimize outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.

Researchers developed seven MRI-based biological age clocks (MRIBAGs) for organs including the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, adipose tissue, and pancreas. These AI/ML-driven clocks reveal that organs age at different rates, enabling prediction of disease risk, mortality, and cognitive decline. MRIBAGs link imaging, proteins, metabolites, and genes, offering new precision prevention and trial stratification opportunities. The approach may transform early intervention and personalized me...

A daily yoga practice featuring 12 specific poses can help improve bone density, balance, and posture in people with osteoporosis, reducing fracture risk. Studies highlight that yoga is a safe, low-cost alternative to medication, offering additional benefits such as enhanced flexibility, coordination, and reduced anxiety. Experts recommend integrating yoga into osteoporosis management for both prevention and treatment.

A new study highlights that dates, despite their sweetness, can help control blood sugar levels and may lower the risk of diabetes. Researchers found that moderate consumption of dates led to reductions in fasting and postprandial blood glucose in diabetic patients, with no adverse effect on HbA1c. The findings suggest dates can be safely included in diabetic diets, challenging the common perception that sweet fruits must be avoided for glycemic control.