The US has nearly 900 measles cases, and 10 states have active outbreaks. Here’s what to know

With one-fifth of states seeing active measles outbreaks, the U.S. is nearing 900 cases, according to figures posted Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Powered by WPeMatico

Genetic medicine can leave people with rare mutations behind. But there’s new hope

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff can’t get enough oxygen with each breath. Advanced cystic fibrosis makes even simple things like walking or showering arduous and exhausting.

Powered by WPeMatico

New Medicare program could dramatically improve affordability for cancer drugs—if patients enroll

Even for patients covered by Medicare, annual out-of-pocket costs for lifesaving cancer treatments taken in pill form have often exceeded $10,000—until recently. Thanks to changes in Medicare Part D introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that took effect in 2025, annual out-of-pocket drug costs for all beneficiaries are now capped at $2,000. However, an overlooked voluntary program that’s part of the IRA could be the key to improving affordability for Medicare patients needing expensive oral cancer drugs, according to a new study from researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania published today in JCO Oncology Practice.

Powered by WPeMatico

Computational analysis links blood RNA patterns to ALS diagnosis and prognosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that destroys the nerves necessary for movement. About 30,000 people in the United States are affected, and doctors still don’t know what causes it. To lay the groundwork for better tests, Thomas Jefferson University researchers Phillipe Loher, Eric Londin, Ph.D., and Isidore Rigoutsos, Ph.D. are taking a computational biology approach to see how ALS affects molecules in the blood.

Powered by WPeMatico

AIIMS Bhubaneswar unveils Robotic Knee Replacement Facility

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has launched its state-of-the-art Robotic Knee Replacement facility, the first of its kind in Eastern India under the government sector. This major milestone sets a new standard for advanced healthcare in the region.

The first-ever robotic knee replacement surgery was successfully performed by the Department of Orthopaedics on a 66-year-old female patient with precision and cutting-edge technology. Under the expert team at the Department of Orthopaedics, the surgery was a success, and the patient is in stable condition, news agency ANI reported.

Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, highlights the facility’s significance, ensuring that advanced healthcare is now accessible to all social strata.

“Robo-assisted surgeries are a game-changer for many, and now they’re available to all, thanks to our dedicated team and government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat,” he said.

Also Read:New Central Research Laboratory comes up at AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Earlier, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the Central Research Laboratory at AIIMS Bhubaneswar here on April 12.

According to a release, the facility promises to elevate the research capabilities of AIIMS Bhubaneswar to new heights. This cutting-edge lab is expected to significantly empower doctors, researchers, and scholars in developing innovative healthcare solutions and conducting impactful medical research.

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas emphasised that the facility will provide a strong boost to scientific discovery and translational research in the region.

In another major development, the Union Health Minister laid the foundation stone of the Multi Utility (Gastronomy) Block, envisioned to cater to the growing needs of the institute’s students, faculty, employees, and the public.

This modern infrastructure will address space constraints and offer multiple services under one roof, enhancing the operational efficiency and community engagement of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, reports ANI.

As part of the visit, Nadda also launched the new AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, integrated with several public-friendly features and digital services. Furthermore, the EHS Clinic and AMRIT Pharmacy were also officially inaugurated, improving accessibility to essential health services and affordable medicines.

Also Read:Weekly OPD service provided at AIIMS Satellite Centre Balasore: MoS Health

Powered by WPeMatico

Bond obligations end with the prescribed service period: HC relief to Gastroenterologist

Chennai: Reiterating that the bond obligation was co-terminus with the prescribed service period and could not be extended beyond it, the Madras High Court bench recently granted relief to a Gastroenterologist by directing the Madras Medical College to return his original certificates, which were withheld by the institute on account of the incomplete bond service.

The HC bench comprising Justice N. Mala granted relief to the petitioner after noting that the doctor completed the course in January 2024, and as per the bond conditions, the one-year period had already lapsed.

Filing the plea, the doctor urged the Court to issue directions to the Tamil Nadu Government, Directorate of Medical Education, Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Madras Medical College to treat the petitioner’s two-year compulsory bond period as completed, and consequently direct medical college to return the petitioner’s original certificates and documents collected while admitting the petitioner to the Super Specialty degree course along with his super specialty degree certificates.

The petitioner secured admission to the Super Speciality course- DM Medical Gastroenterology in Madras Medical College. Being a non-service Doctor, the petitioner was obligated to execute a bond for a sum of Rs 50 lakh with an undertaking to serve the Government for two years on completion of the course. After the completion of the degree, the petitioner attended the counselling conducted by the authorities on 23.01.2024, but did not opt for posting.

Also Read: No Bond Service Posting in 4 Years- Madras HC orders medical college to Return MCh Doctor’s Documents

In his plea, he submitted that he was under the bonafide impression that the postings offered during the counselling were for a tenure of one year and eleven months and as numerous similarly place Doctors, who had completed their Super Specialty and Post Graduate courses, were granted relief by the High Court, exempting them from bond service, given the services rendered by them during the COVID-19 period, including during their academic study, the petitioner’s COVID-19 duty would also be duly adjusted towards the total period of bond service mandated.

The petitioner submitted that he rendered uninterrupted COVID duty from January 2021 to July 2022 and was issued a certificate in confirmation of the same. Subsequently, the petitioner was selected and offered the post of Assistant Professor in Medical Gastroenterology at the State Cancer Institute, Kurnool, in accordance with proceedings dated 07.02.2024.

For this, the petitioner was required to report and join duty at the State Cancer Institute, Kurnool, by submitting his original certificates and documents to the Head of the said Institute. Despite the petitioner’s previous COVID service, the authorities allegedly declined to return his original certificates and documents, citing that the compulsory bond period was not yet completed. Consequently, the petitioner approached the HC bench seeking relief.

After considering the submissions by both parties, the HC bench noted that admittedly, the petitioner completed the Super Speciality Course in DM, Medical Gastroenterology from the medical college as early as January 2024. After the completion of the said course, the petitioner was not offered any posting by the Government. 

“Though the original Bond service was for a period of 2 years the same was reduced to one year by the Government, in G.O.(Ms).No.49, Health and Family Welfare (MCA-1) Department, dated 28.02.2024. Even after the reduction of the period of bond service, the respondents did not issue any compulsory posting order. Hence the petitioner approached the respondents to return his original certificates and documents, but the same was refused by the respondents. It is seen that the petitioner served for more than 1 ½ years during the COVID period, while undergoing the Super Specialty Course and whereas similarly placed Doctors were relieved from the bond service, in view of the services rendered by them during the COVID period, the petitioner was not extended the same benefit,” noted the Court.

At the outset, the Court noted that the Division Bench of the Madras High Court had held in the case of State of Tamil Nadu Vs. P.S.Sriram and Ors., that bond obligation was co-terminus with the prescribed service period and could not be extended beyond it.

The Court noted that, admittedly, the petitioner completed the course in January 2024, and as per the bond conditions, the one-year period had already lapsed. Accordingly, granting relief to the petitioner, the bench observed, “Admittedly the petitioner completed the course in January 2024, and as per the bond conditions, the one year period already lapsed and therefore, I am inclined to issue the mandamus prayed for.”

Consequently, the Court directed MMC to return the petitioner’s original certificates and documents and ordered, “The fifth respondent is directed to return the petitioner’s original certificates and documents along with his Super Specialty Degree Certificate, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.”

“Accordingly, this writ petition is allowed. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed,” ordered the bench.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/gastroenterology-bond-service-madras-hc-284563.pdf

Also Read: Pay doctor, consider bond service complete: Madras HC directs GMC

Powered by WPeMatico

Akums Drugs, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University collaborate for pharmaceutical innovation

New Delhi: In a significant step towards advancing research and development in pharmaceutical formulations, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Under this partnership, Akums and TNAU will collaborate to strengthen research through shared expertise and innovative agricultural solutions, to foster innovation in formulation development. The Department of Processing and Food Engineering at AEC&RI, TNAU, will explore novel applications of agri-based inputs for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use, focusing on sustainable, plant-derived resources.

“This strategic partnership marks a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and industry to jointly develop advanced, sustainable healthcare solutions. Akums will play a pivotal role in this collaboration by integrating its vast expertise in pharmaceutical development with TNAU’s advanced agricultural research capabilities”, the release stated.

The partnership will facilitate industrial training and internships, providing them with hands-on experience in pharmaceutical processing and formulation techniques. Additionally, Akums will collaborate with the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute (AEC&RI), Kumulur, to explore the commercialization of novel formulations for both domestic and export markets under ICAR sponsored CRP on SA Project, funded by CIPHET, Ludhiana.

Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “At Akums, we have always believed in the power of innovation driven by research. Partnering with TNAU enables us to leverage agricultural science to develop pharmaceutical formulations that align with global health trends. This partnership holds immense potential, of agri-science and will develop pharmaceutical formulations that are not only effective but environmentally conscious.

According to therelease,  TNAU will support this initiative by coordinating research efforts, overseeing the technical aspects of new product development, and ensuring seamless collaboration between the university’s research teams and Akums. The institution will also facilitate capacity-building programs with dedicated research fellows.

Arushi Jain, Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, saying, “This partnership marks a crucial step towards integrating traditional agricultural resources with modern pharmaceutical advancements. By working closely with TNAU, we aim to develop formulations that are not only effective but also sustainable and accessible. The knowledge exchange between academia and industry will drive meaningful progress in healthcare innovation.”

Dr.P. Rajkumar, Dean, AEC&RI, TNAU, Kumulur, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “TNAU is committed to advancing research that has real-world applications. This collaboration with Akums aligns with our mission to drive research that serves society. Together, we aim to deliver real impact through innovation, capacity building, and the development of science-backed pharmaceutical products. We will aim to enhance the utility of agricultural resources in healthcare.”

Powered by WPeMatico

Indore’s 50-bed AYUSH Hospital set to open in May

Indore: Indore is all set to welcome the division’s largest AYUSH hospital next month, with construction nearing completion in Mangliya, under the Sanwer Assembly constituency. The 50-bed government facility is in its final phase and will soon be ready to serve patients.

Cabinet minister Tulsiram Silawat recently met with AYUSH and Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar to ensure smooth operations at the facility. During the meeting, Silawat requested an allocation of approximately ₹10.26 crore to support essential infrastructure and operational needs. These include the construction of ramps, retaining walls, a fire-fighting system, and a fire tank, along with the procurement of equipment, furniture, and the development of a herbal garden within the hospital premises.

Also Read: Manipur gets 50-bed integrated Ayush hospital

According to TOI, “This hospital will be the largest and most well-equipped AYUSH hospital in the Indore division under the AYUSH department,” Silawat said, adding that the 50-bed government AYUSH hospital was built at a cost of approximately Rs 6 crore. “While the civil work is complete, the installation of medical facilities and equipment is the only remaining task, which is expected to be finished soon,” he said, adding that a provision was made for 10 air conditioners and an ambulance for the hospital.

The hospital is expected to provide a wide range of modern diagnostic and treatment services alongside traditional therapies. These will include facilities for sonography, pathology, CT scan, and X-ray. Additionally, services such as childbirth assistance and Panchakarma therapy, along with yoga-based treatments, will also be available.

A herbal garden has already been developed on the hospital premises, and efforts are underway to beautify the adjacent drain area to improve the hygiene of the hospital premises.

Also Read: Chandigarh: 50-bedded AYUSH hospital to be ready in 2 months

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a recent review meeting held by UT health secretary Yashpal Garg, the announcement was made that a 50-bedded integrated AYUSH hospital in sector 34 would be ready in the next two months. The hospital will be the first of its kind in Chandigarh.

Powered by WPeMatico

DME Chhattisgarh Notifies on eligibility certificate submission for FMG Internship Counselling, details

Chhattisgarh- Through a recent notice, the Director of Medical Education (DME) of Chhattisgarh has notified regarding the submission of the eligibility certificate for FMG Internship Counselling.

According to the notice issued in this regard, DME Chhattisgarh has stated that Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) Internship Counselling for the academic year 2025 in the state of Chhattisgarh is informed to those candidates who have not yet been issued an FMG certificate by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Such candidates can apply for registration with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council (CGMSC) within 15 days from the date of issue of the FMG certificate by NMC and submit the acknowledgement of application to their allotted institute.

Hence, all such candidates will also have to compulsorily submit a copy of the FMG certificate to their institute after joining. This facility will be valid only for those candidates who have not yet been issued an FMG certificate by NMC.

Meanwhile, DME Chhattisgarh also released the allotment list of seats in institutes given to the eligible candidates based on their preference and institute selection under Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) Internship Counselling for the academic year 2025. Therefore, DME Chhattisgarh is conducting the scrutiny and joining process which will end on 30th April 2025. With this, the joining of the allotted institute will also take place on 30th April 2025.

Moreover, the Chhattisgarh FMG Internship Counselling Provisional Allotment List for Session 2025 has been released on the official website of DME Chhattisgarh. As per the Provisional Allotment List, a total of 223 candidates were allotted based on their preference and institute selection under FMG Internship Counselling 2025. The list also contains important information such as FMGE Roll No, CG Registration No, Candidate Name, Allotted Institute Name, Choice No, CG Domicile, Merit Group, DOB, FMGE Score and Merit Position. 

To view the notice, click the link below


Powered by WPeMatico

Faculty Shortage: NMC plans to rope in Retired Army, Railway Doctors to teach specialised curriculum

New Delhi: Aiming to tackle the shortage of faculties in medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is reportedly planning to fill up the vacant faculty positions with retired doctors from the army and the railways, Mint has reported.

NMC’s decision to utilise the former army and railway doctors to deal with faculty shortage comes in the backdrop of the Economic Survey highlighting faculty shortages, which are affecting the quality of medical training.

The Commission is considering filling at least 700 such vacant positions across government institutes. These teaching faculties- retired doctors from the armed forces, railways, and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, will teach specialised curriculum in the post-graduate courses.

As part of the plan, NMC has already released the draft Teachers Eligibility Qualifications (TEQ) in the Medical Institutions Regulations, 2024 and asked stakeholders to submit their suggestions on that. 

Also Read: More Than Half of Faculty Posts Vacant in Punjab Medical Colleges: CAG Report

Commenting on this, an official told Mint, “TEQ will bene­fit at least 600-700 seats across gov­ern­ment insti­tu­tions. This will improve patient care and recruit meritorious fac­ulty. However, the TEQ pro­posal is with the health min­istry for fur­ther delib­er­a­tions and is delayed.” Further, the official said that the delay is also affecting the potential increase of PG seats in the country.

“Spe­cial­ist med­ical officer of the Armed Forces hav­ing min­imum 8 years teach­ing exper­i­ence after obtain­ing the requis­ite recog­nized Post­gradu­ate qual­i­fic­a­tion in the sub­ject, of which at last three years as Asso­ciate Pro­fessor in a teach­ing hos­pital of the Armed Forces, with two Research pub­lic­a­tions under the rel­ev­ant pro­vi­sions can be con­sidered eli­gible for appoint­ment as Pro­fessor in the con­cerned sub­ject,” the official mentioned, further adding that the similar provisions are being made in the case of returned doctors from railways and ESIC.

As per the recent data released by the National Medical Commission (NMC) on April 1st, there are 74,306 post­gradu­ate seats and 118,190 MBBS seats in the coun­try. This indicates that there is a significant shortage of specialists in cardiology, neurology, oncology and surgery. Till July 2024, NMC documented that the country had 13.8 lakh medical practitioners having an MBBS degree. Therefore, there is one MBBS degree holder per 1,263 people.

Commenting on the development of the faculty recruitment, a second official told Mint, “Until the TEQ is not passed by the gov­ern­ment, fac­ulty recruit­ment can­not hap­pen and it is delay­ing the pro­cess.”

The official further added that the recruitment of faculty members is a huge process as the government has to provide designations like professor, assistant professor and association professor. “Without the des­ig­na­tions, these fac­ulty can­not work in the med­ical col­leges,” added the official.

Also Read: Lack of PG medical seats, faculty shortage, infrastructure issues! Here are 7 top takeaways from Parliamentary Panel Report

Powered by WPeMatico