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Licences of 176 Retailers, 39 Wholesalers Cancelled in Maharashtra Over Substandard Medicines

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Maharashtra has taken strong action against the sale of poor-quality drugs, cancelling the licences of 176 retail pharmacies and 39 wholesalers over the past year, State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal informed the Assembly on December 10, 2025. Responding in writing to a question raised by BJP MLA Amit Satam and others, Zirwal stated that the FDA had launched a special crackdown, during which samples of cough syrups and other medicines were collected and sent for testing. Inspections were carried out at 136 retail outlets and 93 wholesalers, with show-cause notices issued before the licence cancellations. Zirwal revealed that fake cough syrups were detected during an FDA drive in October 2024. Doctors and pharmacists were instructed not to prescribe or dispense medicines containing propranolol. Of the 36 samples tested across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, 34 failed quality checks, including drugs used for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart ailments and blood purification. Six samples of a particular paediatric cough syrup brand were also flagged for poor quality. The Minister said some medicines had altered or mixed components and were sold under new names, with fake or substandard batches even reaching government hospitals through unauthorised suppliers. A shortage of personnel contributed to weaker oversight, as 176 drug inspector posts remain vacant. Maharashtra currently has testing labs in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. Zirwal added that 109 inspector positions will be filled through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, and efforts are underway to upgrade laboratories in Nashik and Pune. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Targeting TB Bacteria’s Fatty Outer Coat May Boost Drug Effectiveness: IIT Bombay–Monash Study

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Researchers from IIT Bombay and Monash University have discovered that the fatty outer coat of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacteria that causes TB—plays a crucial role in helping it evade antibiotics. By altering this lipid-rich membrane, TB bacteria can survive drug treatment, especially when they enter a dormant state. Despite over a century of research, tuberculosis remains a major global threat. In 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill and 1.25 million died from the disease, with India recording more than 2.6 million cases in 2024. One of the biggest hurdles in treatment is the bacteria’s ability to slip into dormancy shortly after infection. In this phase, the bacteria remain alive but inactive, causing no symptoms and unable to spread. However, if a person’s immunity drops—due to HIV, illness or immunosuppressive medication—the bacteria can reactivate. Since standard TB drugs mainly target bacteria that are actively growing, dormant cells are far less affected and often survive long treatment cycles. The new study led by Prof Shobhna Kapoor of IIT Bombay and Prof Marie-Isabel Aguilar of Monash University examined how TB bacteria survive this drug assault. The researchers found that the dormant bacteria’s outer membrane undergoes changes that make it harder for antibiotics to penetrate. Drug concentrations needed to inhibit these dormant cells were up to ten times higher than those needed for active ones. Advanced mass spectrometry allowed the team to map more than 270 lipid molecules in the bacterial membranes, revealing significant differences between active and dormant bacterial states. According to the researchers, weakening this lipid barrier could make existing drugs far more effective. Instead of relying solely on new antibiotics, combining current treatments with molecules that disrupt the outer membrane could help kill persistent bacteria without promoting genetic resistance. Prof Kapoor noted that such an approach could shorten therapy durations and restore drug sensitivity, giving TB bacteria little room to adapt permanently. Source: PTI

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Single HPV Shot Shown to Offer Strong Protection Against Cervical Cancer, Major Study Finds

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A landmark international study suggests that one dose of the HPV vaccine may be just as effective as the standard two-dose regimen, potentially transforming cervical cancer prevention efforts worldwide. Researchers announced on Wednesday that a single human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shot provided nearly the same level of protection against the virus strains most linked to cervical cancer. HPV is a widespread sexually transmitted infection, and while most cases resolve on their own, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer and several less common cancers in both women and men. The HPV vaccine has been advised for U.S. girls since 2006, contributing to a decline in precancerous cervical conditions among women in their 20s — the first cohort vaccinated in adolescence. Still, cervical cancer remains a major global threat, causing around 340,000 deaths annually, particularly in parts of the world where vaccination access is limited. The promising findings come from a large Costa Rica-based trial led by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, involving more than 20,000 girls aged 12 to 16. Participants received one of two widely used HPV vaccines. After six months, half received a second dose while the other half were given a different childhood vaccine. Over five years of follow-up, researchers conducted regular cervical screenings and compared results with an unvaccinated control group. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study concluded that a single dose offered about 97% protection, essentially matching the effectiveness of two doses. Dr. Ruanne Barnabas of Massachusetts General Hospital, in an accompanying editorial, highlighted that while earlier studies hinted at single-dose efficacy, this research solidifies long-term confidence in the approach. “We now have the evidence and tools to eliminate cervical cancer — what’s needed is the global commitment to deploy them effectively and fairly,” Barnabas wrote. In the U.S., two doses remain the official recommendation for children aged 11 or 12, with catch-up vaccinations advised up to age 26. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 78% of teens aged 13 to 17 have received at least one dose. Worldwide, however, fewer than one-third of adolescent girls are vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization, which has already begun supporting single-dose strategies to improve coverage. Researchers noted that the study did not assess protection against other HPV-related cancers, such as those of the head and neck, and stressed that longer-term monitoring is still necessary. Source: AP

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NMC–ICMR to Roll Out PhD Programmes to Strengthen India’s Clinical Research and Medical Innovation

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The National Medical Commission (NMC), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is set to introduce new PhD programmes and intensify clinical research efforts to boost indigenous innovation in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Announcing the initiative at the 3rd convocation of Bhaikaka University in Karamsad, Anand, NMC chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth said the move aims to fortify India’s medical research landscape and encourage innovation-led healthcare advancements. He also shared that 18,000 additional medical seats have been approved nationwide, with parallel initiatives to expand faculty capacity and ensure equitable, high-quality medical education. Highlighting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Dr. Sheth emphasised the urgent need for preventive healthcare, self-care practices and the ATCOM module on professionalism as part of the commission’s updated training framework. Citing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, he stressed the importance of preparing future medical professionals for public health emergencies. At the convocation, 496 students from undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes received their degrees, while 10 students were honoured with gold medals for academic excellence. The ceremony was attended by BU president Dr. Gauri Trivedi, provost Dr. Abhay Dharamsi, and other officials. It also featured the 20th H M Patel Memorial Lecture, delivered by paediatrician and public health specialist Dr. Pravitra Mohan, who spoke on “Equitable Healthcare in India: Leading the Change.” Source: TNN

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Uranium detected in Delhi’s groundwater: New report sparks major public-health alarm

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A new assessment of Delhi’s groundwater has revealed a worrying rise in uranium contamination, placing the national capital among the top three affected regions in India after Punjab and Haryana. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) shows that 13–15% of the city’s water samples now contain uranium levels exceeding the permissible limit of 30 ppb, raising red flags over drinking-water safety and long-term health implications, according to a Times of India report. Rising uranium levels: What the latest findings reveal The new report highlights a steady and concerning upward trend in uranium presence across Delhi: In 2020, uranium levels above the safe threshold were detected in 11.7% of samples, including a particularly alarming reading of 89.4 ppb from a tubewell in the North West district. By 2024, six districts — North, North West, South, South East, South West, and West — had consistently reported samples with unsafe uranium levels, contributing to a citywide contamination share of 10.7%. The 2025 assessment now indicates an even higher percentage of unsafe samples, signalling worsening groundwater conditions. Two localities — Auchandi in Narela (42 ppb) and Nizampur in Kanjhawala (46.5 ppb) — have been identified as emerging hotspots. Environmental groups demand data transparency and action The findings have prompted several environmental organisations to push for public disclosure of water-quality records and enforcement of treatment protocols. The group Earth Warrior, in a letter to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, warned that uranium contamination is occurring alongside high nitrate, fluoride, and salinity levels, creating a hazardous mix of pollutants. The group also highlighted systemic dependence on groundwater: The Delhi Jal Board operates around 5,500 tubewells that collectively supply nearly 450 million litres per day (mld) of semi-treated or untreated water to the public—making the situation even more urgent. National context: Uranium contamination rising post-monsoon Across India, CGWB analysed 3,754 groundwater samples during pre- and post-monsoon periods in 2024. Uranium above the safe limit was found in: 6.71% of pre-monsoon samples 7.91% of post-monsoon samples This slight increase after monsoon rains indicates that hydrogeochemical changes and leaching processes may be intensifying contamination. Punjab remains the most affected state, followed by Haryana and Delhi. Health hazards linked to uranium in drinking water The report underscores the severe health impacts of consuming water contaminated with uranium — a substance that is both a heavy metal and a radioactive element. Its major harm stems from chemical toxicity rather than radiation. Long-term exposure can lead to: 1. Kidney damage (most common) Uranium is known to accumulate in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and potentially causing chronic kidney disease. 2. Bone and skeletal disorders The metal can settle in bones, contributing to weakness, deformities, and long-term skeletal changes. 3. Neurological complications Research indicates possible effects on memory, behavioral functions, cognitive clarity, and the nervous system after prolonged exposure. 4. Increased cancer risk While natural uranium emits low radiation, extended consumption may slightly elevate the risk of certain cancers. 5. Higher vulnerability in children Infants and young children are at greater risk. Exposure can harm bone development, growth patterns, and cognitive functions. 6. Digestive and general health issues High concentrations may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation, and may interfere with liver function and blood chemistry. Additional groundwater concerns: Salinity and agricultural impact Beyond uranium, Delhi faces a significant problem with salinity. The report notes that the city recorded a sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 179.8, placing it among the highest in India. This means: 1.11% of areas now have groundwater unfit for irrigation 7.23% show excess salinity or high electrical conductivity Such conditions degrade soil quality, reduce farm productivity, and enable toxic elements to build up in crops—posing further risks to public health. CGWB response and the way forward The CGWB has stated that it issues bi-weekly alerts to state agencies about groundwater quality variations to support timely mitigation and raise public awareness. Experts now emphasize the need for: Comprehensive mapping of uranium-prone zones Transparent disclosure of real-time water-quality data Expansion of water-treatment infrastructure Reduction of groundwater dependency through surface-water alternatives Stronger policy interventions to prevent further aquifer degradation With Delhi’s reliance on groundwater continuing to grow, the rising uranium presence signals a looming water-safety crisis that demands urgent scientific, administrative, and public-health action. Source: TOI & Economic Times

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CSIR, ICMR Chart Joint Roadmap to Boost Collaborative Health Research

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The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) held a high-level strategy meeting to advance a unified roadmap for collaborative health research, the Ministry of Science & Technology said on Tuesday. The session took place at the CSIR Science Centre in New Delhi and was co-chaired by N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR and Secretary, Department of Health Research. The two organisations reviewed progress on major joint initiatives, including CSIR-developed molecules progressing toward clinical trials, updates on ICMR-supported Centres of Advanced Research within CSIR labs, and implementation of large-scale national projects. The meeting also emphasised expanding wastewater surveillance for a wider range of pathogens across cities, hospitals and communities, aligning with the One Health Mission. Discussions included defining the roles of CSIR and ICMR in drug development, clinical trials, and leveraging ICMR’s large-animal toxicity testing infrastructure. The joint AcSIR–ICMR Ph.D. programme was also reviewed, with a focus on widening opportunities for young researchers by integrating ICMR and CSIR fellowship pathways. Both Dr. Kalaiselvi and Dr. Bahl stressed the importance of combining CSIR’s scientific and technological expertise with ICMR’s public health capabilities to deliver national-scale outcomes. They highlighted the need for structured, time-bound collaboration, particularly for co-developing technologies such as a digitally operated medical emergency drone service. Experts concluded by reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation in biomedical sciences, diagnostics, digital health, environmental surveillance, and other emerging healthcare domains. Source: IANS

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New Study: 45% of Heart Attack Risks Go Undetected by Current Screening Methods

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A new study has revealed that widely used cardiac screening methods may be overlooking 45% of individuals who are genuinely at risk of a heart attack. The research, conducted by experts at the Mount Sinai, highlights a significant gap in current patient assessment practices, showing that depending solely on standard risk scores and symptoms may leave many vulnerable. The findings, published in JACC: Advances, point to the dangers of silent plaque buildup in arteries—often undetected until it becomes life-threatening. Lead author Amir Ahmadi said population-based risk tools fail to capture true individual risk. He noted that if patients were assessed just two days before their heart attack, nearly half would not have qualified for further testing or preventive treatment under current guidelines. Researchers evaluated two major tools—the traditional ASCVD risk score and a newer, more detailed model called PREVENT calculator—using data from 474 patients under age 66 with no known coronary artery disease. They found that: ASCVD would have classified almost 50% of patients as low or borderline risk. PREVENT would have misclassified more than 60% of them. Additionally, 60% of patients reported no symptoms—such as chest discomfort or breathlessness—until less than two days before their heart attack, making symptom-based screening unreliable. The study suggests shifting from symptom- and score-based evaluation to atherosclerosis imaging, which can detect silent plaque early and potentially prevent heart attacks before they occur. Source: IANS

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Thyrocare rolls out GLP-1 Health Check packages to support safe use of weight-loss and diabetes drugs

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Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. has introduced a new set of diagnostic packages called the GLP-1 Health Check, designed to help individuals using GLP-1–based medications for weight management and type 2 diabetes track their overall health. The nationwide offering includes up to 81 tests, starting at ₹2,799, aimed at monitoring key metabolic, nutritional, liver, kidney and thyroid markers both before beginning GLP-1 therapy and during ongoing treatment. GLP-1 agonists—drugs that replicate the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1—have rapidly grown in demand for obesity and diabetes management. With their rising use, doctors have stressed the need for continuous health monitoring to ensure treatment efficacy and early detection of adverse reactions. According to Thyrocare, the panels were developed with guidance from leading clinicians to help users establish baseline health data, identify possible nutrient deficiencies and track metabolic changes. The test menu includes lipid profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, liver and kidney function tests, and cardiac risk markers. Kidney assessments have been emphasized as GLP-1 medicines may cause dehydration or electrolyte disturbances. Since these therapies can suppress appetite and contribute to vitamin deficiencies, the packages also check vitamin D, vitamin B12 and hemoglobin levels. Tests for amylase and lipase help screen for pancreatitis, while thyroid markers (T3, T4, TSH) monitor potential therapy-related hormonal shifts. Thyrocare said that offering all these tests in one bundle simplifies comprehensive monitoring for people on GLP-1 medications. Rahul Guha, managing director and CEO of Thyrocare, said the growing adoption of GLP-1 drugs in India calls for reliable diagnostic support. “These therapies are powerful and effective when used responsibly, and consistent monitoring ensures better outcomes,” he noted. Endocrinologist Dr. Shehla Shaikh added that structured medical oversight is crucial for safe weight-management treatment. Comprehensive testing, she said, helps safeguard nutritional balance, organ function and long-term safety. The GLP-1 Health Check packages can be booked through Thyrocare, PharmEasy, and partner platforms, aligning with Thyrocare’s broader push toward preventive and precision healthcare for metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions. Source: Economic Times

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AI Tool Boosts India’s Disease Surveillance, Generates Over 5,000 Alerts: Study

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An artificial intelligence–powered surveillance system deployed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has significantly strengthened India’s ability to track infectious disease outbreaks, generating more than 5,000 real-time alerts for health authorities since 2022, according to a new pre-print study. Developed by WadhwaniAI, the Health Sentinel platform has automated the labor-intensive task of scanning news reports for unusual health events. The system reportedly reduced manual workload by 98%, enabling faster outbreak detection and quicker public health action. The findings are currently under review and not yet peer-reviewed. Under India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), media scanning and verification has long relied on manual review of print, television and online news. Health Sentinel upgrades this process by screening articles daily across 13 languages, applying AI models to highlight potential threats that are later reviewed by epidemiologists. According to the study, the platform has processed over 300 million news articles since April 2022, identifying 95,000+ unique health-related events, of which around 3,500 were shortlisted by NCDC experts as possible outbreaks. Researchers also estimate that the AI-enabled system triggered more than 5,000 actionable alerts between April 2022 and April 2025. Parag Govil, National Program Lead for Global Health Security at WadhwaniAI, said the tool preserves human oversight while eliminating the time-consuming manual scanning traditionally required. Epidemiologists validate flagged events before disseminating them to state and district authorities. The research team noted a 150% surge in published health events captured since adopting AI-assisted surveillance, compared to earlier years of fully manual analysis. In 2024 alone, 96% of reported events were identified through the AI system, with only 4% coming from manual review. Globally, event-based surveillance techniques that incorporate online media or social media sources are increasingly used to complement traditional “passive reporting” from healthcare providers. The volume of daily online content, however, has made manual screening impractical, making automated systems essential. The article also references other Indian studies highlighting the value of enhanced surveillance. A pilot conducted in six private hospitals in Kasaragod, Kerala, used an algorithm to analyse cases of acute febrile illness (AFI). The system detected 88 clusters, with several verified as outbreaks—including dengue and COVID-19—demonstrating the benefits of early, data-driven detection. International research supports similar conclusions. A 2020 review in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics found that machine learning–based analysis of social media posts, especially on Twitter, improved disease trend prediction. Another study, published in 2017 in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, showed that mining news articles can help fill gaps when official national case data is delayed. Overall, the findings underscore the growing importance of AI-driven surveillance systems in strengthening public health response capabilities and improving global health security. Source: PTI

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Study Links Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to Abnormal Breathing Patterns

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A new study has revealed that individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may often experience abnormal breathing patterns, offering fresh insight into potential treatment strategies for managing the condition. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the United States monitored 57 patients diagnosed with CFS during physical activity to better understand the link between fatigue and respiratory function. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, showed that many patients exhibited dysfunctional breathing—ranging from deep sighs during normal breathing to overly rapid or shallow breaths that prevent the lungs from fully expanding. Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is characterized by extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest, along with cognitive issues such as brain fog and concentration difficulties. The researchers observed that a lack of coordination between the chest and abdominal muscles can further disrupt normal breathing mechanics. Lead author Dr. Donna Mancini explained, “Patients can have dysfunctional breathing without realizing it, and it can occur even when they are at rest. While the symptoms of hyperventilation are well understood, we still need to explore how dysfunctional breathing specifically affects ME/CFS patients.” The study compared the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation of the 57 ME/CFS patients with those of 25 healthy participants during cardiopulmonary exercises over two days. Despite taking in similar amounts of oxygen, around 71% of the patients displayed breathing irregularities, including hyperventilation, dysfunctional breathing, or both. The researchers noted that such breathing issues can mimic or worsen symptoms commonly seen in chronic fatigue, including dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, anxiety, and difficulty focusing. In fact, nine participants were found to experience both hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing simultaneously. The study also suggests that these respiratory abnormalities might aggravate post-exertional malaise—a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS in which patients’ fatigue and discomfort intensify after physical or mental exertion. Identifying and addressing dysfunctional breathing, the authors said, could open new avenues for therapy and symptom management in chronic fatigue patients. Source: PTI

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