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The Supreme Court has acquitted Dr PB Desai and Bombay Hospital from criminal medical negligence charges after a 25-year legal battle. The case, involving the death of cancer patient Leela Singhi following an exploratory surgery, saw lower courts convict the doctor, but the apex court ruled the negligence was not criminal in nature. The judgment underscores the high threshold for criminal liability in medical negligence, requiring proof that no competent doctor would have acted similarly.

A 26-year-old woman died in Dehradun after a surgical bandage was allegedly left inside her abdomen during a cesarean section at a private hospital. Months later, she succumbed to a severe infection. Authorities have launched a formal investigation, forming a four-member committee led by the Chief Medical Officer. The case highlights ongoing concerns about medical negligence and accountability in Indian healthcare.

GLP-1 medications, widely used for diabetes and weight loss, are increasingly associated with oral health issues such as dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. These effects are thought to stem from reduced saliva, dehydration, vomiting, and altered nutrition. Dentists urge regular hydration, meticulous oral hygiene, and proactive dental checkups for patients on GLP-1s.

The NEET SS 2025 exam, originally scheduled for November 7 and 8, has been postponed to December 26 and 27, 2025, with approval from NMC and MoHFW. The exam will be computer-based, featuring 150 questions to be answered in 150 minutes, with 25% negative marking for incorrect responses. The updated information bulletin, detailing eligibility, pattern, and syllabus, will be released soon on the NBEMS website.

A female junior doctor at Uluberia Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal was physically assaulted and threatened with rape by relatives of a patient after a dispute over a medical examination. The incident, which occurred during her duty in the antenatal ward, led to the arrest of two individuals following a police complaint and review of CCTV footage. The case has sparked concern over the safety of healthcare professionals in the state.

A private hospital in Greater Noida faces investigation after a newborn developed gangrene, requiring hand amputation. Doctors at Child PGI attribute the cause to possible neonatal sepsis or injection error. The case underscores the need for vigilance in neonatal care, prompt infection management, and strict adherence to aseptic protocols.

A Kolkata-based study of 20 Indian patients with thoracolumbar TB spondylodiscitis found that minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) led to significant improvements in pain, disability, and neurological outcomes at 6 and 12 months. MIS resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and high rates of spinal fusion, supporting its adoption for selected Indian TB spine cases.

A fresh analysis highlights that older adults in India who migrate later in life face significantly higher rates of depression, especially when compounded by physical functional limitations. The findings urge clinicians to screen for depressive symptoms and mobility issues in elderly migrants, emphasizing the need for integrated geriatric mental health and rehabilitation services in Indian practice.

Sanofi’s high-dose influenza vaccine has demonstrated significantly better protection against hospitalization in older adults compared to standard-dose vaccines. With India’s ageing population and rising flu burden, this could influence immunization strategies for high-risk groups in clinical practice.

The Maharashtra government will establish a 'war room' to integrate central and state health schemes, aiming to prevent individuals from availing double benefits. Led by MITRA's CEO, the committee will streamline welfare delivery and activate a common toll-free number for health-related aid. Doctors should anticipate improved coordination and clarity in scheme eligibility for patients.

A new analysis highlights that different classes of antidepressants have variable effects on cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these differential impacts when prescribing antidepressants, especially for patients with existing cardiovascular concerns. This nuanced approach may help optimize both mental health and cardiovascular outcomes.

A large U.S. primary care network study found that early peanut introduction, as recommended in 2015 and 2017 guidelines, led to a significant reduction in both peanut-specific and overall food allergies among children under three. The cumulative incidence of peanut allergy dropped by about 45% and overall food allergies by 37% post-guidelines. However, the benefit was not seen in children with prior atopic dermatitis, and egg allergy rates did not decline.

The Ministry of Health has proposed new regulations requiring all oral drug formulations with more than 12% alcohol (v/v) and sold in bottles over 30ml to be classified as Schedule H1 prescription-only medicines. This move aims to curb misuse and illegal OTC sales, impacting prescribing practices for tinctures and other alcoholic preparations. Doctors should prepare for stricter regulatory oversight and patient queries regarding access.

Recent data show 20% of cancer cases in India now occur in people under 40, with men comprising 60%. Experts link this rise to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary habits, and obesity. Doctors should intensify early screening, lifestyle counseling, and risk assessment for younger patients to address this concerning trend.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has received over 3,500 proposals for new and renewed postgraduate medical seats and anticipates an increase of about 5,000 NEET PG seats, raising the total to nearly 67,000 nationwide for 2025-26. This expansion aligns with the government's plan to address India's growing demand for medical professionals and is expected to be finalised soon, with the NEET PG counselling schedule to follow.