Punjab Govt to recruit 1,000 medical officers in largest hiring drive in decades

In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has decided to recruit 1,000 Medical Officers (MBBS). The decision was revealed during a meeting held between Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director PHSC Dr. Anil Goyal, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA).
Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of PCMSA, stated, “Notably, this is the largest round of recruitment of medical officers held over the last few decades. PCMSA firmly believes that this move will significantly strengthen the general emergency and specialist services alike at various public healthcare facilities of the state.” “It also showcases the persistent positive engagements between the government and PCMSA over the last couple of years on the issue of regular and time-bound recruitment of Medical Officers, effectively aimed at bolstering the public healthcare services of the state,” he added.

For more information, click on the link below:

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Health bulletin 26/ April/ 2025

Here are the top health news for the day:

NEET aspirant from Delhi found dead in Kota, wanted 1 more year to prepare

In a tragic incident, a Delhi-based aspirant preparing for NEET in Kota was recently found dead.

Medical Dialogues earlier reported on the unfortunate incident. Now, according to the PTI report, the deceased student has been identified as Roshan Sharma. The student was reportedly not ready to appear in NEET 2025, scheduled for May 4 next month, and wanted one more year to prepare for the MBBS entrance test.

For more information, click on the link below:
Punjab Govt to recruit 1,000 medical officers in largest hiring drive in decades

In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has decided to recruit 1,000 Medical Officers (MBBS). The decision was revealed during a meeting held between Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director PHSC Dr. Anil Goyal, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA).

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of PCMSA, stated, “Notably, this is the largest round of recruitment of medical officers held over the last few decades. PCMSA firmly believes that this move will significantly strengthen the general emergency and specialist services alike at various public healthcare facilities of the state.” “It also showcases the persistent positive engagements between the government and PCMSA over the last couple of years on the issue of regular and time-bound recruitment of Medical Officers, effectively aimed at bolstering the public healthcare services of the state,” he added.

For more information, click on the link below:

Orissa HC fines doctor Rs 10,000 for false Padma Shri claim

Observing that the writ petition unnecessarily wasted valuable time of the court, the Orissa High Court dismissed a petition filed by a doctor, also a writer who claimed that he was unfairly denied the country’s fourth highest civilian honour- Padma Shri Award in the field of literature and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for wasting the court’s time.

The petitioner claimed that another person with the same name from Dhenkanal district falsely claimed to be the Padmashri Awardee, which was meant to be his award, as his name was included in the Padma Shri awardee list declared on January 25, 2023.

For more information, click on the link below:

TN Health Minister warns Private medical colleges against charging Internship Fees

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian recently stated that private medical colleges should not charge any fee while providing internship to students. He warned that legal action will be taken through the Fee Fixation Committee (FFC) if any college is found violating this rule.

The Minister made this statement in response to a calling attention motion in the Assembly, where MLAs raised concerns about private colleges charging students—especially those admitted under the 7.5% government quota—for internships.

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ESIC Hospital Faridabad Jobs 2025: Super Specialist Post, Check Walk In Interview Details

Faridabad: The Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College and Hospital, (ESIC Hospital Faridabad) has released vacancies for Super Specialists posts on a Contractual Basis in different departments in this medical institute. The selection will be made on the basis of the performance of the candidate in an interview before the Selection Board.

ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad is a more than 500-bedded multi-specialty hospital attached to the College. It was started in 2013 and became operational in 2014. ESIC Act, 1948(ESI Act), by the Parliament, was the first major legislation on social Security for workers in independent India. It was a time when the industry was still in a nascent stage and the country was heavily dependent on an assortment of imported goods from developed or fast-developing countries. The deployment of manpower in manufacturing processes was limited to a few select industries such as jute, textile, chemicals, etc.

ESIC Hospital Faridabad Vacancy Details:-

Total no of vacancies: 15

The Vacancies are in the Department of – Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Neonatology, Nephrology, and Neurology.

The date of walk In Interview is the 28th April 2025.

Venue: Office of Dean, ESIC Medical College, and Hospital, NH3, NIT Faridabad.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=ESIC+Faridabad&location=&job_sector=all

Instructions for Eligible Candidates (How to Apply):-

The eligible and desirous medical professionals, along with their application form filled properly in prescribed Performa “Annexure-A” and acceptance of offer “Annexure B” should appear for a walk-in interview on the appointed date and time at Office of Dean, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, NH3, NIT Faridabad. The application form is available on the website www.esic.gov.in. They should bring two recent passport size photographs along with one set of attested photocopies and originals of testimonials in support of their date of birth, educational qualification, professional qualification, registration of medical council and experience.

Candidate should report for document verification positively by 09:00 A.M on respective date at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, NH3, N.I.T, Faridabad, Haryana, thereafter interview will be scheduled

Details are available on website www.esic.gov.in

The following testimonials should be attached with application form:

a) Two copy of recent self-attested passport size photograph.

b) Self-attested copies of certificates and testimonials in support of proof of age (Date of Birth), Educational a. Qualification, Experience and Research Papers, Publications etc.

Note:- Candidates may contact DEAN OFFICE, ESIC MEDICAL COLLEGE, NH-3, NIT, FARIDABAD on phone number 0129-4156471 between 11.00 AM to 4.00 PM on working days for any clarification.

a) Mere submission of application does not confer any right to the candidate to be interviewed.

b) Application should be submitted in the prescribed format only. The applications found to be incomplete will be summarily rejected.

c) Wrong declarations/submission of false information or any other action contrary to law shall lead to cancellation of the candidature at any stage.

d) Opportunity of interview given to candidates will be on provisional basis.

e) No Forms will be accepted after 10:00 AM under any circumstances.

f) The interviews shall be conducted at DEAN OFFICE, ESIC MEDICAL COLLEGE, NH -3, NIT, FARIDABAD. However, ESIC reserves the right to change the centre, if needed.

I. Application Process:

The candidates may ascertain their eligibility and “walk-in” for interview on the appointed day One Hour before schedule time of interview at the venue.

Also Read:Apply Now: Specialist, SR Post At ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Varanasi, Here’s Details

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12 King George Hospital doctors get show cause notices for absence from duty

Visakhapatnam: Altogether 12 doctors, a staff nurse, and a technician of King George Hospital (KGH) have been issued show cause notices for not being present on duty when Visakhapatnam in-charge minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Additional Director of Medical Education Dr. Venkatesh visited the hospital for a surprise inspection.    

The 14 healthcare professionals who have been issued notices are Dr. L.R.S. Girinath, Dr. Sridevi, Dr. Vamsi Yadav, Dr. Mohan Vamsi, Dr. G. Prasad, Dr. Ratnaprabha, Dr. Y.S. Anitha, Dr. Chakravarthy, Dr. V.S.N. Murthy, Dr. K. Narsinga Rao, Dr. Kiran Kumar and Dr. J.S.K.V. Chakravarthy, anaesthesia technician Ch. Amar Babu and head nurse K. Sujatha.     

Also read- Medical Officer among 5 get show cause notice for unauthorised absence

In the notice, King George Hospital (KGH) superintendent Dr. K. Sivanand asked them to explain why action should not be taken against them and told them to respond by Saturday.

As per a Deccan Chronicle news report, the surprise inspection took place on April 18 in the Outpatient (OP) and Casualty departments. During the inspection, the minister found that in the outpatient (OP) departments of gastroenterology and nephrology, senior doctors like professors, associate and assistant professors were missing. Only postgraduate doctors were attending to patients. This angered the minister, who then directed district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad to issue show-cause notices to those absent.

However, the move has gained outrage from the hospital medical fraternity, who are reportedly upset over notices being issued to so many employees at once.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that nearly 1,194 doctors, 252 nurses and over 300 other staff members were going to be terminated shortly, with many having already issued notices by the state government for their alleged failure to report to their assigned duties. A total of 2,000 government employees from various state hospitals came under government scrutiny for taking leave without prior notice at a time when the shortage of medical staff in the state was on the rise.

Also read- Unauthorised Absence: Kerala Govt to terminate1,194 Doctors, 252 Nurses

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Pariyaram Medical College 12 Students Allege Sexual Assault, Cath Lab Technician suspended

Kerala- The Government Medical College at Pariyaram has suspended a Cath Lab technician after 12 girl students accused him of sexual assault.

The accused has been identified as Sreejith (35). For the past 15 years, he had been working as a temporary employee in the cath lab, a hospital room where doctors use X-rays and tubes to diagnose and treat heart problems without surgery. He was suspended on Thursday, April 25, based on the preliminary findings of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Medical Superintendent Dr K Sudeep said.

Also Read: KEM Hospital Professor Accused of Sexual Harassment by 6 Doctors, Suspended

According to the Onmanorama Media report, earlier this week, 12 out of the 15 diploma students of the Cardiovascular Technology (DCVT) course submitted a written complaint against Sreejith to the head of the cardiology department regarding sexual harassment.

After the complaint, the HoD immediately asked him to step aside from his responsibilities and forwarded the complaint to the principal. The principal then directed the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to investigate the matter. Hence, based on the initial findings, Sreejith was suspended. Meanwhile, the ICC is expected to submit its final report in two days.

At the same time, the medical college in Pariyaram will decide about sending the complaint to the police after reviewing the final report of the ICC. However, based on the initial findings of the committee, the case is likely to be sent to the police.

Medical Dialogues earlier reported a case from Delhi, where the Police arrested a lab technician of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital after a 19-year-old woman filed a complaint of sexual assault. The 19-year-old complainant and the accused had allegedly been in a relationship for months. During their relationship, the accused had claimed to be unmarried. CCTV footage from the hospital showed the couple together on multiple occasions within the premises, further corroborating their relationship.

Also Read: Lab Technician arrested for sexual assault at LNJP Hospital

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Delhi Medical Students Hit with Mandatory Bond Service, Doctors Demand Rollback

New Delhi: Delhi is no longer service bond-free as from this academic year onwards, the undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in Delhi will have to undergo government service for one year after completion of their MBBS/MD/MS courses. Upset with these developments, doctors in Delhi have expressed their disappointment over the bond policy and urged the authorities to either revoke the bond policy altogether or regularise it.

Issuing a Gazette notification in September last year, the Delhi Government had announced the imposition of a one-year bond. It mentioned that all the UG and PG students, after completing their respective courses, would have to serve the medical institutes under GNCT of Delhi for one year or forfeit the Rs 15 lacs bond (for undergraduate courses) and Rs 20 lakh bond (for postgraduate courses) submitted during their admission.

Meanwhile, releasing the Admission Brochure recently, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University informed that MBBS and postgraduate medical students will have to undergo a one-year service bond after the completion of their course, including the internship period.

Also Read: Delhi Imposes 1-Year Bond, Doctors See Red

Commenting on the issue, a medical education activist and the Chief Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), Dr. Rohan Krishnan, termed the bond policy in Delhi as “laughable” and “hilarious”. 

He explained that being the national capital, a lot of doctors want to work in Delhi and therefore, forcing doctors by service bond to serve in Delhi does not make any sense.

“It is not a good initiative. Usually, the bond policy must be abolished, and the National Medical Commission has also given its directive that, pan-India, there should be no bond policy. However, still for political mileage and lack of knowledge among the bureaucrats and politicians, this bond policy is flowing across the nation. However, this happening in the national capital is a very laughable and hilarious situation because it is not required in Delhi. People are dying for jobs in Delhi and not getting them. So, forcing someone to do the job in Delhi is something which has no meaning because now there will be much fewer seats available for the other states to work in Delhi,” Dr. Krishnan said.

“This will naturally lead to a lot of disappointment among the students, especially many students from other states come here for NEET PG examination and they do their Junior Residency to earn some money and simultaneously they also prepare for the examination. So, this is a very big blow to them and their thoughts and actions. I think that it was unfortunate that this bond policy was implemented in Delhi without even asking the stakeholders or holding meetings. I hope that the Delhi Government takes the bond policy back,” he added.

The United Doctors Front (UDF) has also strongly condemned the Delhi Government’s recent decision to impose a 1-year mandatory service bond on MBBS and postgraduate medical students.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the National President of UDF, Dr. Lakshya Mittal termed it as the “worst policy decision taken in recent times.” He said, “At a time when even the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) have clearly advocated for the abolition of bond policies, it is deeply shocking that Delhi has moved backwards by imposing a new bond rule. The NMC itself has reiterated to all states that there should be no mandatory bonds for medical students. Ignoring such national recommendations and burdening young doctors reflects a complete disregard for their rights and dignity.”

“Today, doctors in India are already working under immense pressure, and imposing bonds without addressing systemic issues only reduces them to the status of bonded laborers. This regressive move not only disrespects the sacrifices of medical professionals but also crushes the morale of future healthcare providers. Moreover, day by day, the quality of medical education in India is deteriorating. Medical colleges are being opened rapidly, seats are being increased exponentially without adequate infrastructure, without sufficient faculty, and without proper training environments. Instead of focusing on improving standards, the authorities are resorting to forcing young doctors into unfair service commitments. This is not the way to strengthen India’s healthcare system — this is the way to destroy it,” Dr. Mittal added.

UDF has demanded an immediate rollback of the bond policy in Delhi and urged the authorities to respect NMC’s recommendations advocating no bonds. Further, the association has demanded that the focus should be on improving medical education infrastructure and quality rather than punishing young doctors.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), Dr. Meet Ghonia, said that FORDA has always favoured the complete abolishment of the bond policy across the nation.

He told Medical Dialogues, “Delhi government has introduced 1 year mandatory bond or Rs 20-lakh penalty for PG resident doctors completing their PG in medical colleges of Delhi Government. This isn’t applicable to medical colleges of the Central Government. While all other states across India have a bond system, Delhi was left behind.”

“We are always in favour of complete bond abolishment or “One Nation, One Bond Policy” across India. FORDA also requested for One Nation, One Bond Policy in meeting organised by DGHS on 22nd April. NMC should do helpful to bring this policy for UG and PG medical courses,” Dr. Ghonia further added.

When asked about his opinion on the matter, the National Secretary of IMA JDN Standing Committee, Dr. Indranil Deshmukh said that the Indian Medical Association- Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA-JDN) has strongly opposed the newly implemented one-year bond policy for medical graduates and postgraduates in Delhi and reiterated its stand against such compulsory bond policies across India.

“Young doctors dedicate years of hard work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice to their education. Forcing them into mandatory service without fair compensation, adequate infrastructure, or career flexibility is unjust and amounts to exploitation. Policies like these, implemented without consultation, violate career freedom, impose harsh penalties, and create disparities among states,” Dr. Deshmukh said.

“If governments truly wish to strengthen public healthcare, they must inspire voluntary service by providing better incentives, dignified working conditions, and clear career pathways — not through coercive bonds. IMA JDN demands immediate withdrawal of the bond policy in Delhi and urges all states to abolish such unfair practices. We remain committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of young doctors nationwide,” he further added.

Also Read: Breaking News: NMC Asks States to do Away with Seat leaving Bond

Delhi Government announced the compulsory service bond at a time when the National Medical Commission (NMC) stated its opinion against the imposition of seat-leaving and compulsory rural service bonds.

In its report, the ‘National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students’, which was set up by NMC, opined that both the seat-leaving bonds and compulsory rural service bonds should be abolished.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that as an alternative to compulsory rural service bond, the Task Force had recommended transitioning it from compulsory service to a system of positive incentives such as paying higher fees for service in rural areas, granting grace marks, providing reservations in PG or super-specialization seats for completing rural service etc.

Even though NMC has suggested abolishing the bond policy, a senior health ministry official informed Education Times, on the condition of anonymity, that service-bond is a policy decision implemented by the State/UT Governments. The official said, “Health services such as bond policy, working hours, and salary come under the purview of the state administration. The NMC advisory has already clearly recommended against the introduction of bond policies for doctors. But, the final decision is made by the state governments.”

Echoing similar opinion, the Chairman of NMC, Dr. BN Gangadhar said, “The NMC can only recommend and not enforce the bond policy on states. The state governments impose bonds for various reasons. NMC intends to increase the number of doctors in the country so that enough qualified doctors are available in the healthcare sector, including the peripheral areas of the states, and states could remove the mandatory bond policy.”

The service-bond policy is operational in several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, and more. However, the amount of penalty and tenure of bond service vary across these States.

While the bond-service tenure is five years in States such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam, it is three years in West Bengal, Goa, Jharkhand, Gujarat, two years in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan etc.

Highlighting that the bond service plays a negative role in respect to the mental health of students, the senior health ministry official further told ET, “States need to realise that such policies are driving doctors out of their state. For instance, Karnataka reduced its bond policy from two years to one year. Chhattisgarh faces difficulty in running its health services without the bond policy. Similarly, medical colleges under Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) have a mandatory bond policy for doctors, as they offer the course at a subsidised rate, and it becomes a loss for the Forces.”

“Any form of service bond policy imposed on doctors at any stage is an infringement on their freedom to choose where to work after completing their medical education. It becomes frustrating for doctors as the bond increases the total tenure of the course and holds them back from pursuing their potential careers,” said Dr Divyansh Singh Rajput, currently serving a two-year bond at King George’s Medical University & Hospital (KGMU), Lucknow.

“The NMC can not interfere with the state policies, but it should at least recommend certain uniform regulations. The service bond policy differs from state to state and imposes financial penalties ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh,” he added.

Also Read: 1-year bond service for MBBS, PG medical students in Delhi medical colleges

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Medical Bulletin 26/ April/ 2025

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Can a Plant-Based Diet Lower Breast Cancer Risk?
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that following a healthy plant-based diet significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women and those with a healthy weight. Conducted in Iran, the research examined the dietary habits of 133 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 265 healthy women to understand how different plant-based diets impact cancer risk. Using a detailed food questionnaire, they assessed how closely each woman’s diet matched three plant-based diet indexes:
PDI (Plant-Based Diet Index): Overall intake of plant vs. animal foods
hPDI (Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index): Emphasis on healthy plant foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
uPDI (Unhealthful Plant-Based Diet Index): Focus on less healthy plant foods like refined grains, sweets, and sugary drinks
Foods were grouped into three categories: animal-based, unhealthy plant-based, and healthy plant-based. Higher scores on each index showed stronger adherence to that diet type.
The findings revealed that women who followed diets rich in whole, unprocessed plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and vegetable oils—had about half the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who consumed fewer of these foods. In contrast, women consuming plant-based diets high in refined grains, sweets, sugary beverages, and potatoes had a notably higher risk, especially if they were premenopausal.
The study also found that the protective effects of a healthy plant-based diet were strongest in women with a BMI below 25, suggesting that maintaining a healthy weight may enhance the benefits of such diets. These plant-based foods are naturally high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals—compounds known to support DNA protection, regulate cell growth, and reduce inflammation, all of which can contribute to lowering cancer risk.
However, the study had limitations, including unassessed tumor subtypes, potential recall bias from self-reported diets, and a small, hospital-based sample, underscoring the need for larger, broader studies.
Future research should further explore how different types of breast cancer interact with diet and how hormonal status and therapy affect these relationships.
Reference: Souni F, Mansouri F, Jafari F, Sharifi R, PourvatanDoust S, Shateri Z, Nouri M, Rashidkhani B. The association between plant-based diet indices and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study. J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Apr 19;44(1):127. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00879-2. PMID: 40253371; PMCID: PMC12008985.
Indian Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Cholesterol Detection Device
A highly sensitive, eco-friendly and cost-effective optical sensing platform developed for cholesterol detection can help identify early symptoms of diseases like atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. The work was published in the “Nanoscale” Journal, published by Royal Society of Chemistry.
Detecting fatal diseases at their earliest symptoms is essential, as abnormal biochemical markers may sometimes accompany such disorders. Therefore, reliable point-of-care (POC) detection of biomarkers associated with these diseases is necessary for personalized health monitoring.
Cholesterol is an essential lipid in humans, produced by the liver. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can accumulate in the walls of arteries and contribute to severe diseases, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
However, maintaining a balance in cholesterol levels is crucial. Both high and low cholesterol levels can lead to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. Atherosclerotic plaques form when excess cholesterol builds up on artery walls, hindering proper blood flow.
A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST, has developed an optical sensing platform for cholesterol detection based on silk fibre functionalized using phosphorene quantum dots.
A point-of-care (POC) device has been developed in the laboratory scale for detecting cholesterol using this. It can sense cholesterol in trace amounts, even below the preferred range. It can be an efficient tool for routine monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body.
The project, led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma, a retired Professor; Dr. Asis Bala, an Associate Professor; and Ms. Nasrin Sultana, a DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow incorporated the material – the silk fibre, into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing platform for cholesterol detection.
The synthesized sensors were highly sensitive as well as selective for cholesterol detection. Furthermore, the electrical sensing platform generates no e-waste, a key advantage of the fabricated device. Both sensing platforms respond similarly to real-world media such as human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk.
Reference:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspxPRID=2123766#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20interdisciplinary%20researchers,silk%20fibre%20functionalized%20using%20phosphorene
Fear of Vision Loss May Delay Cataract Surgery: Study Finds
Fear of vision loss may deter some patients from undergoing necessary cataract surgery, according to a newly published study published in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. The study highlights the trust patients place in their physicians and the critical role of doctor-patient communication in making medical decisions.
The research team surveyed 42 patients at Hoxworth Eye Clinic, the training site for UC’s ophthalmology residents located near UC Medical Center. The study explored a possible link between health literacy and fear surrounding cataract surgery.
Among those surveyed, 36% reported fear of cataract surgery, and more than half of those specifically feared it would lead to vision loss. However, researchers found no correlation between this fear and a patient’s health literacy level.
“We found patients who would benefit from surgery reasonably understood the procedure after we educated them,” said Lisa Kelly, MD, a Taylor Asbury-endowed professor-educator and director of medical student education in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “But even with clear explanations, sometimes their fear persisted.”
The study pointed to the importance of open communication.
“Yes, patient education matters, but it’s not always sufficient,” said Kelly. “What’s equally important is building relationships and trust to help patients overcome fear.”
Reference: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/04/uc-study–fear-may-deter-patients-from-cataract-surgery.html

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Merger of Suven Pharma, Cohance Lifesciences to take effect from May 1

Mumbai: Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced that
it has received final approval from the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP),
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, for foreign investment
under applicable regulations.

This marks the final regulatory clearance required to
implement the Scheme of Amalgamation between Cohance Lifesciences Limited
and Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, a transaction previously approved by
shareholders and sanctioned by the Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench.


In line with the terms of the approved Scheme of Amalgamation, the merger will
take effect from the business opening hours of 1st May 2025, following the
satisfaction of all prescribed conditions.

The merged company will operate under the name Cohance Lifesciences Limited,
subject to applicable regulatory approvals, reflecting a unified platform with
expanded CDMO capabilities.

“This approval is a significant milestone and reinforces the strategic vision behind
the merger,” said Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman, Suven Pharmaceuticals. “We
are combining niche, technology-led capabilities to create a differentiated,
innovation-driven global CDMO. This integration positions us to scale complex
modalities such as ADCs and Oligonucleotides, deepen customer partnerships,
and enhance execution across the value chain—enabling us to deliver on our US$1
billion(INR85bn) revenue ambition through a mix of organic growth and strategic
acquisitions.”

“The merged entity will operate with an expanded scope of capabilities across the
pharmaceutical value chain, combining Suven’s scale and commercial execution
strengths with Cohance’s domain expertise in Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
and complex chemistry platforms. This integration strengthens our positioning as an innovation driven integrated CDMO partner to global innovators, with a focus on
scaling high-growth modalities such as ADCs and oligonucleotides,” Suven Pharma stated.

The Board has also approved Thursday, May 8, 2025, as the Record Date for
determining the eligible shareholders of Cohance Lifesciences Limited who shall
receive equity shares of Suven Pharmaceuticals as per the approved share
exchange ratio under the Scheme of Amalgamation.
With the merger becoming effective, the Company has initiated the operational
and organizational integration, aligning systems, capabilities, and teams.

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GMC Jammu withdraws Staff Alert Directive amid Cross-border tensions

Srinagar: The Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) Jammu has officially withdrawn a circular it issued on April 25, 2025, which had instructed hospital staff to remain on high alert due to reported cross-border tensions in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. 

The earlier circular, issued by the Medical Superintendent of GMCH Jammu, had directed all staff to remain on high alert and ensure complete preparedness to meet any exigencies that may arise at any time. These measures included keeping essential medicines and critical equipment ready, limiting unnecessary leave, and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

Also read- Unauthorised Extensions: JnK Govt orders Repatriation of Overstaying Doctors

The circular issued by the medical superintendent of GMCH Jammu on April 25 mentioned, “The Store Officer and Store Keepers, GMCH are requested to keep all essential supplies, emergency medicines, and critical equipment in a state of readiness for immediate use to meet any exigency. All hospital staff are advised to restrict unnecessary holidays and are directed to ensure their presence within the hospital premises during duty hours to maintain uninterrupted and effective patient care. A 24×7 Control Room has been established to coordinate all emergency responses. The control room will function round the clock and may be contacted for any urgent requirement/issues.”

However, yesterday, the Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, issued another directive formally withdrawing the April 25 circular without explaining the decision. 

“The circular issued by Medical Superintendent GMCH Jammu vide endorsement number GMCH/2025/812 dated 25.4.2025 is withdrawn ab-initio with immediate effect,” reads the latest circular. 

Medical Dialogues had recently reported that a brutal act of terrorism in Pahalgam, which left the nation in mourning and rage, tore a family’s world apart. A Bengaluru-based paediatrician’s husband, a father, a simple man on a family vacation, was mercilessly shot even after he begged for his life. Not for himself, but for his three-year-old son.

But his cries were unheard, and he was lying on the ground, bleeding with bullet holes in his head and body after being shot for three minutes non-stop. In an instant, a child was orphaned, a wife was shattered, and a peaceful holiday turned into a lifelong nightmare.

The deceased man was Bharath Bhushan, a 41-year-old former software professional from Bengaluru, who was mercilessly shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday in front of his wife, Dr Sujatha, a paediatrician at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital and their three-year-old son.

Also read- Pahalgam Terror Attack: Paediatrician’s husband shot dead after revealing Name, Religion

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‘Zombie’ skin cells may be harmful or helpful, depending on their shapes

Senescent skin cells, often referred to as zombie cells because they have outlived their usefulness without ever quite dying, have existed in the human body as a seeming paradox, causing inflammation and promoting diseases while also helping the immune system to heal wounds.

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