Health Bulletin 21/March/2026
Here are the top health stories for the day:
RML Hospital Announces MBBS, PG Stipend in Compliance With NMC Guidelines
Through a recent circular, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, in compliance with a public notice by the National Medical Commission regarding stipend disbursement, have confirmed that stipend and salaries for interns and resident doctors have been paid up to February 2026 for the financial year 2025–26.
The hospital administration stated that all eligible undergraduate (UG) interns, postgraduate (PG) residents, and senior residents, including those pursuing super-specialty courses, have received their dues as per entitlement. The payments cover the period up to February 2026 and were processed for release in March 2026.
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Rs 30K for MBBS, Rs 1.3 lakh for PG: RML Hospital releases stipend compliance with NMC guidelines
NMC Revises Bed Strength and Faculty Norms for PG Seat Increase in Medical Colleges
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has laid down the bed strength and faculty requirements for postgraduate seats in different medical specialities through a recent amendment to the Minimum Standard Requirements for Post Graduate Courses 2023 (PGMSR 2023).
Through the amendment issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), the Commission has revised the number of beds required for an increase in postgraduate seats in both government and non-government medical colleges.
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NMC Considers Introducing Percentage-Based Cutoff System for NEET UG Admissions
A major overhaul in NEET-UG admissions is under consideration, with a proposal to replace the current percentile-based eligibility with a percentage-based system. Submitted to the National Medical Commission, the plan recommends that admissions to medical and dental colleges be determined by actual marks instead of relative rankings. Dr Aruna Vanikar noted that the change aims to ensure minimum academic competency, as the existing percentile system can allow candidates with low scores to qualify if overall performance trends lower in a given year, reports Economic Times.
Currently, over 20 lakh candidates appear for NEET-UG annually, with nearly half qualifying, raising concerns about the size and quality of the eligible pool. A percentage-based cutoff would introduce a fixed benchmark, potentially reducing the number of qualified candidates while improving standards. With the National Testing Agency set to conduct NEET-UG 2026 on May 3 and registrations expected to exceed 26 lakh, the reform could intensify competition and shift preparation strategies toward maximizing absolute scores rather than improving relative rank.
Python Blood Study Sparks Buzz as Potential Alternative to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
What if weight loss could come from something as unusual as python blood? Scientists from University of Colorado Boulder, along with researchers at Baylor University and Stanford University, have found a natural compound that may help control hunger. In a study published in Nature Metabolism, they explained that pythons can go for months without eating and still stay healthy. This is because of a molecule called pTOS, which increases after they eat and helps them feel full for a long time. Tests in mice showed weight loss without muscle loss or major side effects.
Unlike many current weight loss drugs that can cause stomach problems and discomfort, this new approach may work more naturally. Scientists also found small amounts of this compound in humans, which means it could be useful in future treatments. A company called Arkana Therapeutics is now working to turn this research into safer weight loss medicines that may also help prevent muscle loss with age.
REFERENCE: Xiao, S., Wang, M., Martin, T.G. et al. Python metabolomics uncovers a conserved postprandial metabolite and gut–brain feeding pathway. Nat Metab (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-026-01485-0
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