HC denies relief to PwD MBBS candidate, says courts can only assess expert disability reports

The Delhi High Court bench recently clarified that courts can interfere with the medical opinion of the Medical Disability Board/Disability Assessment Board only when such reports lack clarity regarding detailed reasons.

“It is apparent that in case there are sufficient reasons contained in the medical opinion of the Medical Disability Board/Disability Assessment Board, the Courts may not interfere. Only when the said Medical Report lacks clarity in terms of detailed reasons, would the Court examine such Medical Reports,” noted the HC bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

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Drug Safety Alert: IPC Flags Adverse Reactions to Amphotericin B and Carbimazole

New Delhi: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), through its recently issued drug safety alert for the month of November, has revealed adverse drug reactions linked with antifungal drug Amphotericin B and aitithyroid agent carbimazole.

In accordance with the drug safety alert, amphotericin B, primarily indicated for treating progressive and potentially life-threatening fungal infections, can cause hyperkalaemia, a condition where there is too much potassium in the blood.

Furthermore, the alert added that carbimazole, which is indicated for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, including the thyrotoxicosis crisis, is linked to agranulocytosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has a severely low number of white blood cells.

In connection with the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has cautioned healthcare professionals to diligently monitor the potential occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) when administering amphotericin B and carbimazole.

This came after a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database.

Amphotericin B is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration obtained in body fluids and the susceptibility of the fungus. The drug acts by binding to sterols (ergosterol) in the cell membrane of susceptible fungi. This creates a transmembrane channel, and the resultant change in membrane permeability allows leakage of intracellular components. Ergosterol, the principal sterol in the fungal cytoplasmic membrane, is the target site of action of amphotericin B and the azoles. Amphotericin B, a polyene, binds irreversibly to ergosterol, resulting in disruption of membrane integrity and ultimately cell death.

The alert stated that Amphotericin B is indicated to treat visceral leishmaniasis, invasive fungal infections in patients who are intolerant or refractory to traditional Amphotericin B therapy, and patients with cancer who have febrile neutropenia.

Carbimazole is an antithyroid agent that decreases the uptake and concentration of inorganic iodine by the thyroid; it also reduces the formation of di-iodotyrosine and thyroxine. Once converted to its active form of methimazole, it prevents the thyroid peroxidase enzyme from coupling and iodinating the tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin, hence reducing the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Now, as per the issued drug safety alert, the following suspected drug is associated with the ADRs, as given below:

S. No.

S. No. Suspected Drugs

Indication(s)

Adverse Drug Reactions

1

Amphotericin B

1. Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia in cancer patients.

2. Treatment for invasive fungal infection in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of Amphotericin B therapy.

3. Indicated for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.

Hyperkalaemia

2

Carbimazole

Indicated for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, including thyrotoxicosis crises.

Agranulocytosis

In light of the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has advised healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADRs associated with the use of the above suspected drugs.

Further, the safety alert added, “If such reaction is encountered, please report to the NCC-PvPI, IPC, by filling of Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form/Medicines Side Effect Reporting Form for Consumer (http://www.ipc.gov.in), through Android Mobile App “ADR PvPI App” and PvPIHelpline No. 1800-180-3024 (toll-free).”

To view the notice, click the link below:

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Kazakhstan authority levies Rs 28.7 lakh penalty on Dr Reddy’s Labs unit

Hyderabad: Kazakhstan revenue authority has levied a penalty of KZT 17,597,212 ( Rs 2.87 Mn) on Dr Reddy’s Labs‘s step-down wholly owned subsidiary “Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Kazakhstan LLP” towards disallowance of claim of certain expenses by the tax authorities for the Calendar Year 2021. 

“This is to inform that our step-down wholly owned subsidiary “Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Kazakhstan LLP”, has received an order dated December 4, 2024, from the Department of State Revenue, Bostandyk district of Almaty, Kazakhstan,” the Company stated in a BSE filing.

“Based on our evaluation, there is no material impact on the financials, operations, or other activities of the Company,” Dr Reddy’s Labs added.

Established in 1984, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. The Company offers a portfolio of products and services including APIs, generics, branded generics, biosimilars and OTC. Its major therapeutic areas of focus are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetology, oncology, pain management and dermatology. Dr Reddy’s Labs major markets include – USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, China, Brazil and Europe.

Read also: AstraZeneca Estimates Rs 35 Crore Tax Benefit After ITAT Remands Transfer Pricing Issues

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Study: US life expectancy gains expected to stall by 2050 as health progress fails to keep pace with other countries

The U.S. is failing to keep pace with dozens of countries around the world due to the steady decline of the nation’s health progress, according to a detailed analysis of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., published in The Lancet.

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Primate study sheds light on a neural mechanism that separates signal from noise in the brain

When the brain is observed through imaging, there is a lot of “noise,” which is spontaneous electrical activity that comes from a resting brain. This appears to be different from brain activity that comes from sensory inputs, but just how similar—or different—the noise is from the signal has been a matter of debate.

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Opioids interfere with cancer immunotherapy, but another type of drug could help

Opioids are often first-line treatments for cancer-related pain, but they can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy. New research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center found that a type of drug called peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) blocked opioid-induced immunosuppression and improved response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a mouse model of head and neck cancer.

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Algorithm analyzes multiple mammograms to improve breast cancer risk prediction

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis describes an innovative method of analyzing mammograms that significantly improves the accuracy of predicting the risk of breast cancer development over the following five years.

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Potential molecular therapy reverses placental development issues in mice

A signal that the body adds to an mRNA can disrupt placental development and lead to fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this condition, a fetus is smaller than expected for its age during pregnancy and complications such as feeding difficulties, jaundice, and stillbirth can result. A molecule called STM2457 reversed most of the effects in mice and could someday be used to treat patients, according to research published in The FASEB Journal.

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How Surgeons for Surgeons is Redefining Networking for Surgeons Globally

Surgical training is a rigorous and highly specialized journey,
demanding a blend of technical skill, critical decision-making, and relentless
dedication. For aspiring, surgeons, the journey spans a decade of extensive
education and hands-on training to develop the expertise required for
high-stakes patient care. While the process is generally challenging, the
surgeons who leave their home countries to pursue advanced training face an
added layer of complexity.

This was certainly the case for Dr Parul Shukla, a GI Surgical
Oncologist and Colorectal Cancer Surgeon when he began his career as a surgeon
about 20 years ago and is now based in New York.

“I started surgical training in India. For advanced training, I
relocated to the UK and Australia. I faced significant challenges,
including finding the right mentors and figuring out my own pathway. Through
strategic decisions and unwavering self-belief, I pioneered innovative surgical
techniques and progressed into leadership roles and international recognition,”
Dr Parul Shukla told Medical Dialogues.

Dr Parul Shukla also highlighted significant barriers in his experience,
from creating access to advanced training and resources to balancing clinical
duties with ongoing education, training, and research to navigating his career
growth while maintaining high standards of patient care.​

These challenges are not unique to Dr Parul Shukla; they are shared by
almost any surgeon charting their course in this field.

Building on his experiences and understanding of the challenges of the
space, Dr Parul Shukla was inspired to create Surgeons for Surgeons (SFS) —a
platform dedicated to supporting surgeons at every stage of their career.

Recognizing the immense value of mentorship, collaboration, and accessible
resources, he envisioned a community where surgeons could connect, share
knowledge, and support one another in navigating the complexities of surgical
training and practice.

Through SFS, Dr Parul Shukla aims to bridge the gaps he
encountered in his own journey, offering a network that fosters professional
growth, encourages innovation, and uplifts surgeons worldwide, especially those
stepping into advanced training and international roles.

​What is SFS?

SFS, a global platform, is dedicated to supporting the professional
development and well-being of surgeons through peer connections, advanced
training, and knowledge-sharing. The initiative seeks to foster a more
connected and empowered surgical community, helping surgeons enhance their
skills and navigate the challenges of a competitive medical field.

How will it help surgeons?

SFS is designed to provide surgeons with the tools, resources, and
support they need to succeed and thrive at every stage of their careers. By
offering access to mentorship, continuous learning opportunities, and a global
community of peers, SFS aims to help surgeons overcome common challenges,
whether they are early-career professionals or seasoned specialists.

Through SFS, surgeons can connect with mentors who understand the
demands and pressures of the field, access advanced training programs to stay
updated with cutting-edge techniques, and engage in collaborative projects that
encourage innovation.

Additionally, the platform facilitates networking
opportunities, allowing surgeons to form meaningful connections with peers and
experts worldwide, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared growth. Moreover,
SFS helps surgeons advance their skills, overcome barriers, and contribute to
the evolving landscape of global healthcare with confidence and support.

“To truly excel as a surgeon, it’s essential to embrace continuous
learning and specialization. Advanced training, attending conferences, and
connecting with peers through platforms like Surgeons for Surgeons keep you on
the leading edge of surgical innovations. Through SFS, we also focus on
non-medical aspects of medical practice, offering guidance on setting up your
own practice or surgical center, which gives you greater control over patient
care. We also provide insights into collaborating with medical device companies
or even starting your own venture to develop new surgical tools, techniques, or
health services. It’s all about equipping surgeons with the full spectrum of
skills needed to make a meaningful impact,” said Dr Parul Shukla.

Surgeons for Surgeons is now available on Apple Store and Google Play
Store for download

Doctors can access this app free of cost by clicking on the following
link: https://surgeonsforsurgeons.com

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47-year-old doctor dies of dengue in Kolkata

Kolkata: In an unfortunate incident, a Chandannagar-based doctor passed away on Tuesday morning due to dengue while undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital. 

The doctor was identified as 47-year-old Swati Dey. She was a doctor at a hospital in Chandannagar. Although the doctors at SSKM hospital tried to save her, her condition showed no improvement and unfortunately she succumbed to dengue. 

Also read- Tragic: 3 doctors from Ballari Medical College killed, 1 injured in car crash while returning from holiday

As per The Statesman news report, the doctor has been suffering from high fever for more than a week. She took a blood test which revealed positive for dengue and her platelet count came down alarmingly. Following this, she was rushed to a private hospital in Chandannagar on November 24.

Despite the treatment, her condition did not improve and she was shifted to the ICU department of SSKM Hospital on November 30. However, all attempts to save her failed due to her drastic health condition. 

SSKM Hospital doctors told TOI, “Her platelet level went down at a dangerous level and all attempts to save her went futile.”

The deceased husband is a skin specialist at Cooch Behar Hospital and their daughter is pursuing medical studies.

One of their neighbours told The Statesman, “Dr Swati got affected by dengue. From Chandannagar hospital, it is quite alarming that dengue is spreading around Chandannagar hospital area.”

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses. The Plan aims at reducing the burden of disease, suffering, and deaths from dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases such as Zika and chikungunya, by fostering a global coordinated response.  

Also read- Surat Doctor with Admission Offers from Prestigious US Universities Allegedly Commits Suicide

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