Health Bulletin 02/April/2026

According to information shared by the National Medical Commission (NMC), a total of 443 applications were received over the last five years for establishing new medical colleges, out of which 265 were approved, Union Minister of State for Health Smt Anupriya Patel informed the Lok Sabha recently.

As per the data, the Minister informed that 82 applications were received and 48 were approved in the academic year 2021–22, 83 applications were received and 46 were approved in the academic year 2022–23, 86 applications were received and 54 were approved in the year 2023–24, 112 applications were received and 74 were approved in the academic year 2024–25 and 80 applications were received and 43 were approved in the academic year 2025–26.

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NMC approved 265 of 443 medical college applications in 5 years, 43 in 2025-26: Govt tells Parliament

A doctor from Assam has raised concerns over alleged overbilling in private hospitals, accusing some corporate healthcare chains of charging patients excessively for medicines and diagnostic tests.

In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, a doctor at a sub-district hospital reportedly removed a finger from the left hand instead of the right hand of a six-year-old boy. The incident has prompted the state health department to set up an inquiry committee to investigate the error.

The child, suffering from bilateral postaxial polydactyly—a condition in which both hands have extra little fingers—was admitted on Friday, March 27, due to stiffness, pain, and difficulty in gripping and moving one of the fingers on his right hand. Doctors had advised surgery on the affected finger of the right hand.

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Solapur: Probe ordered after doctor allegedly operates on wrong hand of 6-year-old

The Centre has intensified its crackdown on the misuse and unauthorised sale of GLP-1 drugs, widely used for weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes, amid rising concerns over their easy availability online, in pharmacies, and at wellness clinics.

The Drug Controller General of India, along with State Drug Controllers, inspected 49 entities, including online pharmacies and clinics, issuing notices for violations. Authorities warned that non-compliance could lead to licence cancellation, fines, and legal action, stressing that such drugs cannot be sold over the counter, reports NDTV.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide are effective but carry risks if misused. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, pancreatitis, kidney injury, bowel obstruction, and potential thyroid cancer. The government has also barred misleading advertisements promoting non-prescription use. Experts emphasise that while these drugs aid obesity and diabetes management, they must be used strictly under specialist supervision, alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to ensure safety and effectiveness.