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

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Also Read: DME Chhattisgarh Releases FMG Internship Allotment List, Scrutiny, Joining Process To Begin Tomorrow

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

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/25-04-2025-fmg-counselling-notice-284620.pdf


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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

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Cough Syrup Warning Will Not Affect Existing Stock: HC Relief to Glenmark, Zuventus

New Delhi: In a major relief to pharma companies Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Zuventus Healthcare Ltd., the Delhi High Court has ruled that the government’s recent notification requiring a new warning label on cough syrups containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride will apply prospectively and not impact stocks manufactured before April 15, 2025.

The order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela while hearing two writ petitions filed by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Zuventus Healthcare.

The Delhi High Court made it clear;

“Any statutory provision or a piece of subordinate legislation or even a statutory notification under some statute will operate prospectively unless the statute or the notification itself provides for its retrospective application.”

Accordingly, the court ruled that the notification dated April 15, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, would not apply to stocks manufactured before April 15, 2025.

The controversy arose after the Centre issued a notification requiring that formulations containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride must carry a specific warning on their labels, package inserts, and promotional materials stating:

“fixed dose combination shall not be used in children below four years of age.”

Also Read: Health Ministry Bans Chlorpheniramine Phenylephrine Combo for Children Below 4, Mandates Warning Labels

The banned fixed drug combination is commonly used in many over-the-counter medicines for treating colds and allergies. These medicines are sold under different brand names include Ascoril Flu Drops and certain variants of Alex, both marketed by Glenmark Pharma, reports ET.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Zuventus Healthcare challenged this notification in the Delhi High Court, arguing that it could not affect stock already manufactured and circulated in the market prior to the notification date.

The pharma companies argued that they had no objection to the notification being applied prospectively but raised concerns about its retrospective application. Their counsel submitted that , “so far as the prospective application of the Impugned Notification is concerned, the petitioners do not have any objection and, accordingly, they undertake that all the stock which may be manufactured after 15.04.2025 shall necessarily contain the label as per the requirement of the Impugned Notification.”

They further contended that imposing new labeling obligations on already manufactured and legally approved stocks would be unfair, particularly when no hearing was provided before the issuance of the notification, as mandated by the Supreme Court in Union of India v. Pfizer Limited (2018) 2 SCC 39.

On the other hand, the government defended the notification by stating that it was issued after due consultation with the Subject Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) considering the health risks to children.

However, during the hearing, government counsel clarified that “the Impugned Notification will have no retrospective application.”

This assurance from the Centre played a crucial role in shaping the court’s final decision.

The High Court was of the opinion that;

“The Impugned Notification cannot apply retrospectively for the simple reason that the Impugned Notification does not provide for its retrospective application. It is also to be noticed that the Impugned Notification requires that manufacturers “shall” mention the warning as given in the Impugned Notification and further that it shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.”

“It is trite in law that any statutory provision or a piece of subordinate legislation or even a statutory notification under some statute will operate prospectively unless the statute or the notification itself provides for its retrospective application. A perusal of the Impugned Notification does not indicate that it provides for its application retrospectively.”

subsequently, the Court noted that;

“The petitioners, as undertaken by them, shall compulsorily comply with the requirement of the terms of the Impugned Notification by mentioning the wording ‘fixed dose combination shall not be used in children below four years of age’ on the label and package insert and the promotional literature of the drug, on all stocks manufactured and circulated after 15.04.2025.”

“The petitioners shall put an unambiguously worded notice in two national newspapers, one in English and the other in Hindi, having nation-wide circulation in all their editions.”

“The petitioners shall also issue advisory to the doctors, retailers and also to the chemists clearly indicating therein that the fixed dose combination of the drugs as per the Impugned Notification shall not, in any circumstance, be prescribed for administration to the children below the age of four years.”

“The notice and the advisory as aforesaid shall be published/ issued within a week from today.”

The Court further added that,

“The petitioners shall file an affidavit before this Court giving details of their stocks which were manufactured upto 15.04.2025 along with copies of the advertisement and the advisory as aforesaid, within two weeks.”

Crucially, the court also held that no coercive action under Section 28B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act would be taken against the companies concerning already manufactured stock, provided these conditions are met.

The matter has been listed for compliance on May 19, 2025.

To view the original order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/judgement-dt-24042024-284598.pdf

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Orissa HC fines doctor Rs 10,000 for false Padma Shri claim

Observing that the writ petition unnecessarily wasted valuable time of the court, the Orissa High Court dismissed a petition filed by a doctor, also a writer who claimed that he was unfairly denied the country’s fourth highest civilian honour- Padma Shri Award in the field of literature and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for wasting the court’s time.

The petitioner claimed that another person with the same name from Dhenkanal district falsely claimed to be the Padmashri Awardee, which was meant to be his award, as his name was included in the Padma Shri awardee list declared on January 25, 2023.

For more information, click on the link below:

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6 Govt doctors under scrutiny for alleged corruption, absenteeism in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Six government doctors are under scrutiny after Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav accused them of corruption, absenteeism, dereliction of duty and issuing illegal disability certificates. The accusations are based on findings from multiple investigation reports highlighting their misconduct.

Taking action against the doctors, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has ordered an inquiry and stated that strict action would be taken if the allegations are proven true.

The involvement of these doctors came to light after multiple complaints were filed against them, prompting investigations. One of them, the medical superintendent of Gudivada Government Area Hospital, was found frequently absent from duty, but her register showed regular marked attendance.  

Also read- Doctor Faces Inquiry for Allegedly Issuing Fake Medical Certificates

Deccan Chronicle has reported that a preliminary investigation revealed that she had signed the attendance register without actually attending work and was absent for 22 days between January and March, but still managed to mark her attendance through a facial recognition system. Her presence was noted in Machilipatnam for one day, Tanuku for eight days, and Visakhapatnam for 13 days.  

Following this, she was issued a notice asking her to explain the matter, but her response was not convincing. Due to this, the minister has ordered action against her and the district coordinator for health services in Krishna district, as well as the district medical and health officer of Krishna, for failing to conduct a proper inquiry.

Another case involved a civil surgeon at Yemmiganuru Area Hospital, who has been absent from work since February 2022 without official permission or any valid reason. An inquiry has also been ordered into her long absence.

Meanwhile, three more doctors are now facing an inquiry for illegally issuing disability certificates by taking bribes. An Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) report revealed that five disability certificates were illegally issued at the Government Hospital in Eluru in exchange for bribes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. 

In another serious case, the municipal health officer of Nellore Municipality was also found guilty of dereliction of duty. According to the ACB report, he failed to collect Rs 12 crore in revenue, ignored 44 hospitals operating without proper licenses, and did not monitor 27 function halls. The minister has now allowed municipal authorities to take action against him.

The Health Minister made it clear that strict measures would be taken to ensure discipline in the healthcare system.  

Also read- Allahabad HC Directs Inquiry into Private Practice by Medical College Doctors

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TN Health Minister warns Private medical colleges against charging Internship Fees

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian recently stated that private medical colleges should not charge any fee while providing internship to students. He warned that legal action will be taken through the Fee Fixation Committee (FFC) if any college is found violating this rule.

The Minister made this statement in response to a calling attention motion in the Assembly, where MLAs raised concerns about private colleges charging students—especially those admitted under the 7.5% government quota—for internships.

For more information, click on the link below:

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