Doctors are not slaves’, Himachal Pradesh HC overturns NOC Rejection

‘Doctors are not slaves’, State cannot force service if bond is paid: HC

Observing that ‘doctors are not slaves’, the Himachal Pradesh High Court recently directed the State Government to give a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to a doctor for pursuing a super-speciality course.

The doctor was posted as a Senior Resident at the Radiotherapy department of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College (PJLNGMC), Chamba. After clearing the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET) super speciality 2025 exam, the doctor applied for a NOC from the institute, and his request was rejected.

While the State argued that the denial of granting NOC to the doctor was in the interest of Public Interest, the HC bench comprising Justice Sandeep Sharma observed that if the petitioner doctor submitted an undertaking that after completing the Super Speciality Course, he would not only join State service as a Super Specialist but would also complete his remaining bond tenure, “no prejudice shall be caused to the respondents rather public at large would be benefited at later stage.”

For more information, click on the link below:

‘Doctors are not slaves’, State cannot force service if bond is paid: HC

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Odisha HC directs immediate action as Cholera Outbreak spreads

Cuttack: With cholera and diarrhoea cases increasing across the state, the Odisha High Court has asked the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and district administration to act urgently and together to control the outbreak. 

During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to civic problems in the city, the court was informed on Thursday that water contamination is allegedly behind the rising number of cholera cases in Odisha.

So far, 21 people have died from the waterborne disease, and over 1,700 people across the coastal region are infected. In response, the Odisha government on Tuesday put all 30 districts on alert against the spread of the waterborne disease. 

PTI reported that the disease, which broke out in the form of diarrhoea in Jajpur district on June 9, has so far spread to other districts including Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Cuttack. Some other districts have also reported sporadic cases of diarrhoea, while samples collected from Jajpur detected the cholera bacteria.

Also read- Odisha CM directs measures to curb rising diarrhoea, cholera cases

Considering the rising number of cases, the Division Bench comprising Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh directed that drains must be cleaned immediately, especially in areas like Budhithakurani Lane, Chandi Chhowk, Raja Bagicha Gada, and wards 13, 18, and 19 to prevent the spread of disease. 

The court said, “Since the cleaning of drains is intrinsically connected with supply of safe drinking water which is essential for containing the spread of cholera, necessary steps in this regard shall be taken within the next three days particularly in the areas relating to Budhithakurani Lane, Chandi Chhak and Raja Bagicha Gada and also Ward Nos 13, 18 & 19.”

In response, the CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Patra and Additional District Magistrate Shibo Toppo, who joined the hearing online, told the court that steps had already been taken to control the situation. Officials from the Water Corporation of Odisha (Watco) also said they were working on solutions.

However, members of the Bar Association expressed doubts about the claims made by the authorities. Taking note of their concerns, the division bench issued detailed instructions.

As per a TOI news report, the court ordered the CMC and the district administration to send teams of health workers and civic staff to all city wards within a week. These teams must work under the supervision of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and civic body personnel. During the visits, they must coordinate with lawyer representatives from respective areas as per the existing list. A full report must be submitted to the court.

The court also focused on hygiene around street vendors, and called for public awareness campaigns to discourage the consumption of stale food.

The bench further ordered the CMC, district administration and Watco to file a detailed affidavit on the actions taken by July 1. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 3.

Also read- Diarrhoea outbreak in Odisha claims 4 lives, over 500 affected

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Health Bulletin 21/June/2025

Here is the top health news for today: 

‘Doctors are not slaves’, Himachal Pradesh HC overturns NOC Rejection

Observing that ‘doctors are not slaves’, the Himachal Pradesh High Court recently directed the State Government to give a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to a doctor for pursuing a super-speciality course.

The doctor was posted as a Senior Resident at the Radiotherapy department of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College (PJLNGMC), Chamba. After clearing the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET) super speciality 2025 exam, the doctor applied for a NOC from the institute, and his request was rejected.

While the State argued that the denial of granting NOC to the doctor was in the interest of Public Interest, the HC bench comprising Justice Sandeep Sharma observed that if the petitioner doctor submitted an undertaking that after completing the Super Speciality Course, he would not only join State service as a Super Specialist but would also complete his remaining bond tenure, “no prejudice shall be caused to the respondents rather public at large would be benefited at later stage.”

For more information, click on the link below:

‘Doctors are not slaves’, State cannot force service if bond is paid: HC

Twin Tragedy rocks Rajasthan: Young Doctors’ Suicide, Electrocution triggers statewide outrage

The death of two resident doctors at two medical colleges in Rajasthan has sent a shockwave through the medical fraternity, who are now demanding an immediate investigation and action into these incidents.

Medical Dialogues recently reported on the tragic death of a 3rd-year postgraduate resident doctor in the Pharmacology Department of SN Medical College, Jodhpur, who allegedly committed suicide.

While giving his dying declaration, the PG medico named the head of the pharmacology department at SN Medical College and accused him of mental harassment and torture. It was alleged that the HoD’s constant pressure and toxic behaviour over his thesis caused the resident doctor severe stress and emotional distress. This resulted in protests from the medical fraternity and the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), Jodhpur had demanded an immediate removal of the HOD, along with a high-level independent inquiry.

Amid this, the news about the death of another resident doctor in Udaipur has been reported. A 35-year-old doctor got electrocuted while taking water from a cooler at the postgraduate hostel of Ravindranath Tagore (RNT) Medical College in Udaipur. The doctor was about to join the Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital.

For more information, click on the link below:

Twin Tragedy rocks Rajasthan: Suicide, Electrocution of young doctors sparks statewide outrage

MBBS, BDS Admissions in Punjab: Here’s the Fees and Mandatory Bond Service Rules

The Department of Medical Education and Research, Punjab has released a fee structure for admission into the MBBS and BDS courses in Government Medical Institutions, Government Societies, Government Dental Institutions, Private Institutes and Universities.

The fee structure has been released on the official website of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS); therefore, candidates willing to take admission into the MBBS courses can check the details as mentioned below in the notification. The fee structure includes important information such as the Institute, Quota, Year and Session 2025-26.

For more information, click on the link below:

Planning MBBS, BDS in Punjab! Check out fee structure, bond service conditions

Assam CM hands over appointment letters to 400 Medical, Health Officers

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed appointment letters to 400 health officers, asserting that his government is committed to creating employment opportunities for youths.

At an official function here, Sarma distributed the appointment letters among ‘Medical and Health Officers’, and said it marked a cumulative total of 1,20,359 recruitments provided to youths in the state.

“Taking a leap towards our goal of over 1.5 lakh government jobs, I am distributing appointment letters to 400 Medical and Health Officers. These officers will add muscle to our efforts of delivering quality healthcare to the last mile at the grassroots,” he said, news agency PTI reported.

In the last few years, delivering quality healthcare and providing jobs have been the key priorities of the Assam government, Sarma said.

“With these appointments, the aspirations of millions of people of getting better healthcare delivery and services will be fulfilled,” he said.

For more information, click on the link below:

400 Medical, Health Officers appointed in Assam

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Twin Tragedy rocks Rajasthan: Young Doctors’ Suicide, Electrocution triggers statewide outrage

Twin Tragedy rocks Rajasthan: Suicide, Electrocution of young doctors sparks statewide outrage

The death of two resident doctors at two medical colleges in Rajasthan has sent a shockwave through the medical fraternity, who are now demanding an immediate investigation and action into these incidents.

Medical Dialogues recently reported on the tragic death of a 3rd-year postgraduate resident doctor in the Pharmacology Department of SN Medical College, Jodhpur, who allegedly committed suicide.

While giving his dying declaration, the PG medico named the head of the pharmacology department at SN Medical College and accused him of mental harassment and torture. It was alleged that the HoD’s constant pressure and toxic behaviour over his thesis caused the resident doctor severe stress and emotional distress. This resulted in protests from the medical fraternity and the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), Jodhpur had demanded an immediate removal of the HOD, along with a high-level independent inquiry.

Amid this, the news about the death of another resident doctor in Udaipur has been reported. A 35-year-old doctor got electrocuted while taking water from a cooler at the postgraduate hostel of Ravindranath Tagore (RNT) Medical College in Udaipur. The doctor was about to join the Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital.

For more information, click on the link below:

Twin Tragedy rocks Rajasthan: Suicide, Electrocution of young doctors sparks statewide outrage

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MBBS, BDS Admissions in Punjab: Here’s the Fees and Mandatory Bond Service Rules

Planning MBBS, BDS in Punjab! Check out fee structure, bond service conditions

The Department of Medical Education and Research, Punjab has released a fee structure for admission into the MBBS and BDS courses in Government Medical Institutions, Government Societies, Government Dental Institutions, Private Institutes and Universities.

The fee structure has been released on the official website of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS); therefore, candidates willing to take admission into the MBBS courses can check the details as mentioned below in the notification. The fee structure includes important information such as the Institute, Quota, Year and Session 2025-26.

For more information, click on the link below:

Planning MBBS, BDS in Punjab! Check out fee structure, bond service conditions

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JIPMER VACANCIES 2025: Specialist, GDMO Posts Via Walk In Interview, Here’s Details

Puducherry: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER Puducherry) has announced vacancies for the post of Specialist and General Duty Medical Officer on an contract basis in different departments in this institute.

JIPMER became an institution of national importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in the year 2008. JIPMER offers various undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses. Located in Pondicherry, JIPMER is also a fully functional hospital that provides medical treatments to patients from all over the world. It has about 200 faculty members, 3,000 staff and 360 resident physicians.

JIPMER Puducherry Vacancy Details:

Total no of vacancies: 17

Specialist:- 07

The vacancies are in the Departments of Anaesthesiology, Cardiology, Medicine, Nephrology, Gynaecology, and Radiology.

GDMO:- 10

The date of walk-in-interview is 4th JULY 2025.

Reporting Time & Venue for walk-in-in interview:- Conference Hall, JIPMER Multispecialty Consulting Unit, Yanam – 533464 on 8:00 AM.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=JIPMER&location=&job_sector=all

Interested and eligible candidates may attend the Walk-in-interview along with:-

Applicants fulfilling the below mentioned eligibility criteria shall report for Walk-In interview as per the schedule given above with his/her duly filled in application in the prescribed proforma (as listed in annexure) available in JIPMER website appending therewith self-attested certificates and all other relevant documents for verification on the day of interview. In addition, applicants should submit the documents in below link:

Google form: https://forms.gle/EUEqPoz3nvytjLcQ7

The date of Walk-In interview will be considered as the cut-off date for computing the upper age limit and experience. Experience will be considered only after obtaining the essential qualification.

List of documents (in original) should bring on the day of the interview for document verification

a. Duly filled in the application form in the prescribed format

b. Proof for age (Birth Certificate or SSLC)

c. All Educational Qualification Degree Certificates

d. Registration Certificates (renewal certificate, if applicable)

e. Experience Certificates (should be issued by competent/administrative authority with clear mention of duration of experience)

f. Recent Caste Certificate (if applicable)

g. E-receipt for application fee paid through SBI collect

h. Brief resume of the candidate in the prescribed format

i. Five best publications

j. Any other relevant documents In addition, one set of photocopies of above mentioned certificates/documents have to be submitted on the day of interview.

Note for candidates:-

1. The candidates are strictly advised to read the detailed advertisement and confirm themselves whether they fulfill the required educational qualification, experience, age, etc. for the said post.

2. Latecomers / Applicants with incomplete certificates/documents will not be permitted for the interview.

3. It should be noted that determination of eligibility appearing for the interview is purely provisional. At any subsequent stage during verification of certificates/documents or the selection process, if found that a candidate has provided wrong information or otherwise does not possess the required essential qualifications or experience as per the Recruitment Rules of the post, he/she will be treated/declared as ineligible, and his/her candidature will be treated as cancelled. The decision of the competent authority in this regard will be final.

4. Applicants merely attend the verification of document on the day of interview does not possess any rights for selection.

5. The decision of the competent authority is final in all regards.

Also Read:ESIC VACANCIES 2025: SR, Specialist, Super Specialist Post At ESIC Hospital Delhi Via Walk In Interview, Here’s Details

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Eli Lilly reports strong response for Mounjaro in India amid rising diabetes, obesity rates

Bengaluru: U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has reported a “positive” response to its blockbuster drug Mounjaro in India, as the company focuses on meeting rising demand in the world’s most populous country.

Lilly introduced Mounjaro, a drug for diabetes and weight loss, in India earlier this year, ahead of rival Novo Nordisk.

Mounjaro has sold more than 81,570 units in the country, generating approximately Rs 239.4 million ($2.76 million) as of May, with the drug logging a 60% rise in overall sales between April and May, according to market research firm PharmaTrac’s data.

With its mass-market pricing, Mounjaro could become a mainstay in obesity and diabetes management in India, PharmaTrac said.
The global demand for Lilly’s Mounjaro and Novo’s version Wegovy has skyrocketed in the last few years, even leading to shortages in a few countries, including the U.S.
“Since 2020, Lilly has invested over $50 billion to increase production capacity (for global supply). We remain fully committed to meeting the demand for our medicines across the country,” the company said on Thursday.
Obesity and diabetes rates have been steadily climbing in India. A government survey conducted between 2019 and 2021 showed 24% of women and nearly 23% of men aged 15 to 49 were overweight or obese, up from 20.6% and 19%, respectively, in 2015-2016.
In addition, the number of adults with diabetes is projected to increase to more than 124 million by 2045 from 74.2 million in 2021, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
Indian drugmakers are now racing to develop cheaper versions of the weight-loss drugs to grab a share of the market estimated to be around $150 billion by the early 2030s.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is likely to go off-patent in 2026 in India.

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Assam CM hands over appointment letters to 400 Medical, Health Officers

400 Medical, Health Officers appointed in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed appointment letters to 400 health officers, asserting that his government is committed to creating employment opportunities for youths.

At an official function here, Sarma distributed the appointment letters among ‘Medical and Health Officers’, and said it marked a cumulative total of 1,20,359 recruitments provided to youths in the state.

“Taking a leap towards our goal of over 1.5 lakh government jobs, I am distributing appointment letters to 400 Medical and Health Officers. These officers will add muscle to our efforts of delivering quality healthcare to the last mile at the grassroots,” he said, news agency PTI reported.

In the last few years, delivering quality healthcare and providing jobs have been the key priorities of the Assam government, Sarma said.

“With these appointments, the aspirations of millions of people of getting better healthcare delivery and services will be fulfilled,” he said.

For more information, click on the link below:

400 Medical, Health Officers appointed in Assam

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Sun Pharma Gets Relief on Packaging Norms for Pantoprazole-Levosulpiride FDC

New Delhi: In a regulatory relief to the company, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) under the Gastroenterology and Hepatology division of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended the removal of a packaging and promotional condition earlier imposed on the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Pantoprazole Sodium IP (Enteric coated pellets) 40 mg and Levosulpiride (SR tablets) 75 mg, marketed by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

The proposal was considered during the 07th SEC meeting held on 12th June 2025 at CDSCO headquarters in New Delhi. Sun Pharma referred to the condition imposed under Form 46 permission dated 27th January 2014, which stated that the FDC “shall be supplied in a Monocarton of 10 tablets per strip” and that “each pack, package insert and other promotional literature shall bear the statement: ‘Indicated for short term treatment of GERD in adult patients who do not respond to PPI alone.’”

After detailed deliberation, the SEC recommended relaxation of the packaging requirement. As per the committee’s conclusion, “The committee agreed for the removal of above said condition.”

However, the SEC maintained that the indication disclaimer must continue to be prominently displayed. It stated, “The firm should print ‘indicated for short term treatment of GERD in adult patients who do not respond to PPI alone’ on all packing materials including strip and outer carton.”

The FDC of Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Levosulpiride, a prokinetic agent, is indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly in patients who do not respond adequately to PPIs alone. The updated recommendation provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in packaging formats while ensuring that therapeutic indications are clearly communicated to prescribers and patients.

Also Read: Intas Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Conduct Phase III Trial of Pertuzumab Biosimilar for Breast Cancer

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Darzalex receives positive EMA Committee opinion for high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma: Janssen-Cilag International

Beerse: Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, has announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the approval of a new indication for DARZALEX (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) at high-risk of developing multiple myeloma. If approved, daratumumab could shift the treatment paradigm by becoming the approved therapy for this disease.

SMM is an asymptomatic intermediate disease state of multiple myeloma where abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow. The current standard of care (SOC) for SMM, even in high-risk cases, is active monitoring (or “Watch and Wait”) to track for signs of biochemical progression and/or end-organ damage. This means therapeutic intervention is only offered when the disease progresses.

“The positive recommendation from the CHMP marks an important step towards addressing the needs of people living with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma,” said Ester in’t Groen, EMEA Therapeutic Area Head Haematology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “Early disease intervention with daratumumab has the potential to reduce the risk of progression to active multiple myeloma or death by 51 percent for patients with high-risk disease. Pending European Commission approval, patients and physicians will have an option to treat high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma, with the aim to intercept this complex blood cancer before it develops into active disease and importantly, before end-organ damage occurs.”

The CHMP recommendation is supported by data from the Phase 3 AQUILA study ( NCT03301220 ), evaluating the efficacy and safety of fixed-duration monotherapy daratumumab SC compared with active monitoring in those with high-risk SMM. Johnson & Johnson also submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval of a new indication for daratumumab SC for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk SMM, based on the Phase 3 AQUILA data, on 8th November 2024. The first data from the study were previously presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Daratumumab is currently approved in nine indications for multiple myeloma, five of which are in the frontline setting.

“Daratumumab has become a foundational treatment across all stages of multiple myeloma, and we are on a mission to continue to evolve the treatment paradigm to reach those with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma who may benefit from proactive earlier intervention,” said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “Today’s positive CHMP opinion marks positive scientific progress towards this goal and reinforces our vision of eliminating multiple myeloma.”

In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Johnson & Johnson an exclusive licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise daratumumab. Since launch, daratumumab has become a foundational therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 618,000 patients worldwide. Daratumumab is a CD38-directed antibody approved to be given subcutaneously to treat patients with multiple myeloma. Daratumumab SC is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug delivery technology.

CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease. Daratumumab binds to CD38 and inhibits tumour cell growth causing myeloma cell death. Daratumumab may also have an effect on normal cells. Data across ten Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that daratumumab-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival.

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