NEET UG 2024: SC Junks Plea Seeking Review of Verdict Refusing to Order Re-Exam

New Delhi: The plea seeking a review of the Supreme Court‘s August 2 verdict where it had refused to allow a fresh NEET-UG 2024 examination has been dismissed by the apex Court.

While considering the review plea by one Kajal Kumari, the Apex Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed it after observing that there was no error in its verdict, PTI has reported.

“There is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013 has been established. The review petition is, therefore, dismissed,” the top court bench observed in its October 22 order. Further, the top court bench also rejected the request for an open court hearing on the matter. 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Supreme Court bench on August 2 had dismissed the pleas seeking a re-test for the NEET-UG 2024 exam after holding that there was no sufficient material on its record to establish that there was a systemic leak or malpractice, compromising the integrity of the examination.

“…sufficient material is not on record at present which indicates a systemic leak or systemic malpractice of other forms. The material on record does not, at present, substantiate the allegation that there has been a widespread malpractice, which compromised the integrity of the exam. To the contrary, an assessment of the data shows there are no deviations which indicate that systemic cheating has taken place,” the top court bench had earlier held in its order.

Also Read: SC Junks Plea Challenging two Questions in NEET 2024

CJI Chandrachud, who had authored the verdict on behalf of the bench, observed at that stage the information did not show the question paper being disseminated widely through social media, or the internet, or the answers being communicated to students using sophisticated electronic means, which could prove difficult to trace.

The top court, however, was critical of the conduct of the NTA. It said while the various issues the court dealt with did not lead to the conclusion that the integrity of the NEET was vitiated at a systemic level, “the manner in which NTA organised the exam” in 2024 had given rise to “serious concerns”.

It said a body such as the NTA, which was entrusted with the immense responsibility of conducting highly important competitive exams, couldn’t afford a “misstep” or take an incorrect decision, amending it at a later stage.

The top court had, therefore, directed the NTA to ensure all concerns highlighted by the court in its judgment were addressed and requested the seven-member committee headed by the former ISRO chairman to be mindful of the same while making recommendations.

Back then, the Supreme Court had also expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed panel — headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Radhakrishnan — constituted to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which holds the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG), and recommend examination reforms.

As the remit of the panel had been expanded, the top court said the committee would submit its report on various measures to rectify deficiencies in the examination system.

Over 23 lakh students took the NEET-UG 2024 held on May 5 for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses.

Also Read: No Systemic Breach in NEET 2024! says Supreme Court, Slams NTA for ‘Flip-flops’ in Exam

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CDSCO panel Approves AstraZeneca’s Protocol Amendment proposal for Datopotamab Deruxtecan study

New Delhi: The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved AstraZeneca‘s protocol amendment proposal to study anticancer drug Datopotamab Deruxtecan (DATODXT, DS-106)

This came after the firm presented protocol amendment 3.0 version 4.0 dated 30 July 2024, protocol no. D926PC00001. This is a study of Dato-DXd Versus the Investigator’s choice chemotherapy in Patients with Locally Recurrent Inoperable or Metastatic Triple-negative Breast Cancer who are not candidates for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.

Dato-DXd is a combination of a humanized anti-TROP2 antibody and a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. The antibody binds to TROP2, a protein that’s overexpressed in tumors and associated with increased aggressiveness and metastasis. The payload is then released, which targets DNA topoisomerase I and inhibits DNA replication, resulting in tumor cell death.

Dato-DXd is being studied in clinical trials for multiple cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

At the recent SEC meeting for Oncology held on 23rd October 2024, the expert panel reviewed the protocol amendment 3.0 version 4.0 dated 30 July 2024 protocol no. D926PC00001.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the approval of the protocol amendment as presented by the firm.

Also Read: CDSCO panel approves Sanofi Healthcare’s protocol amendment proposal to study SAR441566

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Abbott Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Manufacture, Market Clarithromycin ER Tablets 1000 mg

New Delhi: Pharmaceutical major Abbott has got a go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market clarithromycin extended-release (ER) tablets 1000 mg.

However, this approval is subject to the condition that the firm should conduct the Phase IV clinical trial.

This came after the drug maker Abbott presented the justification for the Phase III clinical trial waiver along with the bioequivalence (BE) data before the committee.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as acute otitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, respiratory tract infections, uncomplicated skin infections, and helicobacter pylori infections.

Clarithromycin is first metabolized to 14-OH clarithromycin, which is active and works synergistically with its parent compound. Like other macrolides, it then penetrates bacteria cell walls and reversibly binds to domain V of the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, blocking translocation of aminoacyl transfer RNA and polypeptide synthesis. Clarithromycin also inhibits the hepatic microsomal CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein, an energy-dependent drug efflux pump.

At the recent SEC meeting for antimicrobials and antivirals held on October 24, 2024, the expert panel reviewed the justification for the Phase III clinical trial waiver along with BE data presented by drug maker Abbott.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the grant of permission for the manufacturing and marketing of Clarithromycin extended-release tablets, 1000 mg, subject to the condition that the firm shall conduct a Phase IV clinical trial.

Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the firm should submit a Phase IV clinical trial protocol within 3 months from the date of approval to CDSCO for further review by the committee.

Also Read: CDSCO Panel Approves Pfizer Protocol Amendment proposal to study anti-cancer drug Elranatamab

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Health Bulletin 07/ November/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:


Cardiologist contemplates quitting after mob attack amid rising violence against doctors

A recent X (formerly Twitter) post by a senior cardiologist went viral as he narrated how he was attacked by a mob of 20 to 30 people after providing all-day long treatment to a patient, who ultimately passed away.

It has been alleged that when the doctor reached out to the police, the response was “pathetic” and the Inspector of Police at Avalahalli Police Station allegedly pressurised the doctor to delete the post and not to register an FIR!

For more information, click on the link below:

Medical council summons doctor over YouTuber cutting newborn’s umbilical cord at Rainbow Hospital
In the latest update regarding the Rainbow Hospital controversy, where a YouTuber entered the operation theatre of a private hospital and cut his newborn’s umbilical cord, the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has decided to summon the doctor involved in the case, TNIE has reported.

The officials at the State Medical Council informed the Daily that they sought an explanation from the gynecologist and obstetrician who conducted the caesarean. Action from TNMC comes after they received a complaint from the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) about the incident.

For more information, click on the link below:


Patient dies after 24-hour search for bed as 3 Kolkata government hospitals deny treatment

In a tragic incident, a 48-year-old man passed away after allegedly being denied treatment at three government medical college hospitals in Kolkata. The patient’s family reportedly spent 24 hours trying to secure a hospital bed.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when Haldar, a driver by profession was bleeding from his nose and mouth, and was brought to the hospital by his family in search of medical assistance.

For more information, click on the link below:

SC directs NMC to issue new guidelines for admitting PwD candidates to MBBS courses
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court recently stressed the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere for persons with disabilities seeking to pursue medical education, noting it to be a “vital component of quality healthcare”.

Highlighting that Disability Assessment Boards must comply with the rule of law principles by injecting transparency, fairness and consistency in their approach, the Apex Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to issue fresh guidelines for admitting persons with disabilities into medical courses.

For more information, click on the link below:

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How higher brain care score can improve brain health regardless of genetic risk

A study, published in the journal Neurology has explored whether healthy lifestyle choices, measured by a Brain Care Score (BCS), can lower the risk of stroke, late-life depression (LLD) and dementia, in individuals who are genetically predisposed to these conditions.

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Using a fan and wetting the skin reduces risk of deadly cardiac strain in hot and humid weather, research shows

New collaborative research from the University of Sydney and the Montreal Heart Institute has shown that using a fan in hot and humid weather reduces cardiac strain in older people, contradicting recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in the US.

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Very early medication abortion found to be effective and safe

Clinics and hospitals currently defer medication abortion until ultrasound confirms a pregnancy inside the uterus. However, a large international study led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet now indicates that treatment can be equally effective and safe even before the sixth week of pregnancy. The study is published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

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Clinical practice paper recommends alternatives to hysterectomy for uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects up to 80% of women in their lifetime. Nearly half of those women will experience symptoms that affect their quality of life and fertility, including severe pain and anemia. Uterine fibroids are the major reason for the removal of the uterus by hysterectomy.

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Cachexia decoded: Why diagnosis matters in cancer survival

Maintaining good health and well-being is crucial for how well patients respond to cancer treatments. Unfortunately, cachexia, or involuntary weight loss, is a major concern for many individuals with advanced cancer. A new study from Japan has revealed that lower cachexia rates, particularly with prevalence less than 40–50%, are linked to shorter overall survival (OS) rates. The study also showed that the diagnostic criteria used for cachexia detection can affect the reported cachexia prevalence.

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Why was NEET PG 2024 Counselling delayed? Explains NMC Secretary

New Delhi: The National Eligibility-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2024 counselling had to be kept on hold since the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) had to issue state-specific ranks and both the State and Central counselling had to be conducted together, the secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Dr. B Srinivas informed Education Times recently.

He further mentioned that the pending court case against NBEMS also resulted in the delay in setting the timelines for the entire counselling process for admission to postgraduate medical courses.

“By early November, the counselling for the All India Quota which was kept on hold, has been resumed. Since states have their own ranks, the NBEMS has to issue the state-specific ranks. Both the AIQ rounds at the central level and the state counselling have to be conducted in tandem. The MCC had to withhold the counselling since the NBEMS had to calculate the state-specific ranks over two sessions of NEET PG 2024 where scores at the All-India level were calculated using the normalisation process. This is unlike last year when the exam was conducted over a single session. Moreover, the NBEMS has had a pending court case. This led to the delay in setting the timelines for the whole counselling process,” Dr. Srinivas informed.

Clarifying that the issue of ranks has now been resolved, Dr. Srinivas further mentioned that the counselling will now start at both the Central and State levels. 

Also Read: MCC NEET PG 2024 Counselling registrations open, Know how to apply

Meanwhile, due to the pending case before the Supreme Court seeking transparency in the NEET PG 2024 exam and due to the issue concerning the creation of state-specific ranks for PG medical admissions, the counselling has already been postponed and the academic session will now commence late- in November-end.

When asked about this, Dr. Srinivas told Education Times, “There are enough buffers in the system to make up for the academic loss with classes being held over weekends and summer breaks to cope with time constraints in completing the syllabus.”

However, experts have not agreed with this view as many of the doctors pointed out that the delay may create a manpower shortage, considering the fact that the final-year PG students are set to appear for their exams in December and January.

Commenting on this, Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education told ET, “A delayed admission process can push back the start of academic programmes which could result in shortened academic terms or rushed instructional periods, affecting the overall quality of education.”

Some academicians have opined that the admission test for PG medical courses should have been conducted over a single session as only around 2.2 lakh students appeared for the exam that was held online. 

“The exam-conducting authority should also bring more transparency in the examination to ensure that the process is fair and accountable. Allowing access to question papers, raw scores, and answer keys can increase candidates’ confidence in the integrity of the examination process. This can help mitigate allegations of malpractice or bias,” added Dr. Unnikrishnan.

After much await, the Medical Counselling Committee recently announced the counselling schedule for NEET PG 2024. As per the official notice, the Counselling will begin on November 7, 2024 when the Round 1 counselling will start. All the rounds of counselling including the Online Stray Vacancy Round will be completed on January 30, 2025.

Also Read: NEET PG Counseling Schedule Announced for 2024: Key Dates and Details

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