Health Bulletin 21/August/2025 - Video
Overview
Here are the top health stories of the day:
NMC Launches Root Cause Analysis into Inspection Bribery Allegations
The National Medical Commission, NMC chairperson Dr Abhijat Sheth, recently stated that the regulator would conduct a root cause analysis of its assessment system after corruption allegations surfaced in medical college inspections.
Dr Sheth termed the issue a “serious concern” and mentioned that it involved only a handful of officials, not the entire organisation. He highlighted that the NMC has already adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, blacklisted four assessors, and blocked seat renewals in six colleges following the CBI probe.
For more details, check out the full story on the link below:
Inspection bribery allegations: NMC to conduct root cause analysis of assessment system
No Pause on Medical College Approvals or Seat Increases: Health Minister informs Parliament
Ending all the speculations regarding the National Medical Commission (NMC) freezing approval for new medical colleges and increase of MBBS seats for the academic year 2025-2026, the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt. Anupriya Patel recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the Apex Medical Commission has not taken any decision in this regard.
In a written reply, Minister Patel said that NMC has implemented a structured and transparent process to evaluate and approve applications related to the approval of seats in medical colleges/ institutions.
For more details, check out the full story on the link below:
Delhi Police has issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Vicky Ramancha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a pharmaceutical company, for allegedly duping a US-based firm of over Rs 180 crore in a fraudulent Ozempic supply deal.
According to a recent media report in The Indian Express, officials said Ramancha misled Assure Global LLC, an American company, by projecting his political connections and government links in India to gain their confidence. The LOC was issued last week.
For more details, check out the full story on the link below:
Rs 180 Crore Ozempic Fraud: LOC Issued Against Pharma Firm CEO
ICU Catheters linked to rise in bloodstream infections, AIIMS Study Reveals
A recent study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has highlighted a significant rise in bloodstream infections linked to catheter use in Indian hospitals, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). These infections, often caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, make treatment difficult, increasing hospital stays and healthcare costs. Central line catheters, tubes inserted into large veins to deliver fluids or medicines, are commonly linked to these infections.
Estimates published in The Lancet Global Health journal show that on average, around nine bloodstream infection events occur every 1,000 days that a central line -- a catheter inserted in a patient's large vein instead of an intravenous line -- was in place in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Indian hospitals, reports PTI.
Most of these infections are hospital-acquired but can be prevented with proper care. The study analysed data from 200 ICUs across 54 hospitals between May 2017 and April 2024, identifying 8,629 confirmed CLABSI cases. Infection rates peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, driven by high patient loads, staff shortages, and inadequate infection control. Researchers stress the urgent need for better surveillance systems and preventive measures despite resource challenges.
Speakers
