docTLDR

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) for failing to enforce stipend payments to MBBS interns, noting widespread non-compliance by medical colleges despite a July 2025 directive. The Court granted NMC two weeks to file a compliance affidavit and warned that further delays could result in binding judicial orders. The bench also highlighted the urgent need for equal stipend policies for both Indian and foreign medical graduates, emphasizing 'One Nation, ...

A new AI-powered pilot program is set to accelerate prostate cancer diagnosis by rapidly analyzing pathology slides and MRI scans, potentially enabling same-day results. Early trials show AI can boost diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, reduce missed aggressive tumors, and cut radiologist workload by up to 50%. This innovation could transform cancer care delivery, especially in high-volume settings.

Major tech platforms like Google and Meta routinely violate India’s Drugs and Magic Remedies Act by hosting ads for unapproved drugs and dubious health cures. These companies exploit regulatory loopholes, claiming 'intermediary' status to evade liability, while algorithmically targeting vulnerable users. Weak enforcement and poor inter-agency coordination allow this digital impunity, undermining public health, medical ethics, and India’s regulatory sovereignty. The editorial urges urgent lega...

Researchers from the University of Warwick and Monash University have identified pre-methylenomycin C lactone, a previously overlooked biosynthetic intermediate, as a potent antibiotic over 100 times more active than methylenomycin A. It demonstrates strong efficacy against MRSA and VRE, with no detectable resistance in Enterococcus under vancomycin-resistant conditions. The discovery suggests a new paradigm for antibiotic development by targeting intermediates in natural biosynthetic pathway...

Ovarian cancer cases are sharply rising in India's metro cities, now affecting women in their 30s and late 20s, not just post-menopausal women. Bangalore reports one of the highest risks, with 1 in 89 women affected by age 74. Urban risk factors include high stress, late marriages, low parity, prolonged hormonal pill use, and infertility treatments. Diagnosis is often late, underscoring the urgent need for improved screening and early detection, as early-stage intervention—especially with rob...

India’s middle-income families are excluded from government transplant support schemes, leaving them to bear annual post-transplant costs of Rs 2–3 lakh for medicines and diagnostics. This financial strain leads to asset sales, debt, and even medical bankruptcy, risking organ rejection and discouraging donation. Experts urge policy reforms: GST exemption on immunosuppressants, universal transplant reserve funds, and insurance coverage for lifelong post-transplant care to protect recipients an...

Combining antibiotics can sometimes enhance effectiveness against resistant bacteria, but this strategy is not universally reliable. Many bacteria possess multiple resistance mechanisms, and combining drugs may not overcome all of them. Additionally, inappropriate combinations can increase toxicity or promote further resistance. The article highlights the urgent need for novel antibiotics and improved stewardship rather than relying solely on drug combinations.

A new study has revealed the presence of previously undetected bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, including those linked to superbugs, in tap water samples from Kolkata and other Indian cities. Researchers warn that these findings highlight a potential public health risk, as such genes can make infections harder to treat and may spread through water systems, underscoring the urgent need for improved water monitoring and treatment.

A Delhi-based doctor, accused under the stringent PCPNDT Act for alleged violations related to prenatal diagnostic techniques, has been acquitted after a protracted 9-year legal battle. The court found insufficient evidence to prove the charges, highlighting the prolonged legal and professional hardships doctors can face under the Act, even for minor or unintentional lapses.

A UK study reveals that despite voluntary age restrictions, energy and hydration drinks remain popular among children due to aggressive branding, influencer marketing, peer pressure, and easy access. Kids are drawn by taste, social status, and the 'healthier' image of hydration drinks, but lack awareness of risks like caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners. Researchers call for clearer warnings, duller packaging, and stricter placement to curb youth consumption.

India’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting integrated digital platforms, streamlining operations and enhancing patient care. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has enabled millions of ABHA IDs and linked records, but fragmented systems still challenge clinicians. Doctors should advocate for unified digital tools to reduce administrative burden and improve clinical decision-making.

India faces a surging stroke crisis, with a 51% rise in new cases over three decades and 47% higher prevalence. Seniors bear 75% of the global stroke burden, with up to 50% facing chronic disability. 80% of strokes are preventable, yet delayed recognition and lack of structured rehabilitation threaten outcomes. Doctors must prioritize rapid intervention and tailored recovery for elderly patients.

A recent study reveals that infants born to HIV-positive mothers in low-income settings, including India, face higher morbidity and mortality, partly due to altered milk tryptophan metabolites. Paediatricians should monitor growth and neurodevelopment closely and consider nutritional interventions for exposed infants.

A Hyderabad private hospital, its founder-chairman, and a consultant gastroenterologist were held liable for medical negligence after a 2022 polypectomy led to life-threatening complications, requiring two corrective surgeries. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Rs 6.6 lakh compensation, including medical expenses, mental agony, and legal costs. The commission cited failure to prevent colon perforation and inadequate post-procedure monitoring as key deficiencies.

The Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) has identified 16 new India-specific drug safety signals and issued 183 alerts, highlighting emerging adverse reactions and medication risks relevant to Indian patients. Practicing doctors should review these signals to update prescribing practices and enhance patient safety, as these findings reflect real-world pharmacovigilance data from Indian clinical settings.