NMC clarifies on promotions, seniority

NMC clarifies on promotions, seniority 

Intishab.Ali@timesofindia.com 20.03.2025

Jaipur : In a bid to address promotion related concerns raised by Rajasthan Medical College Teachers Association, National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines this month to ensure eligible candidates receive promotions retrospectively. 

Medical colleges’ faculty had raised objections about delayed promotions linked to the BCMET course, particularly when course access was limited. They pointed out the lack of clear selection criteria for course participation, noting that the current system could permanently im

pact career advancement for many members. NMC's intervention is expected to settle the dispute in favour of the affected personnel. NMC’s March 2025 order said, “In view of the requirement of BCMET course for promotion, it is clarified if a faculty member completes BCMET course after due date of promotion and submits the completion certificate, then he should be promoted from due date of promotion.” Those completing BCMET before Apr 1, 2024, will receive promotions this year, whilst later completions will be considered for Apr 1, 2025.

HC orders TN to consider making woman prof RGGGH dean

HC orders TN to consider making woman prof RGGGH dean

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  18.03.2025

Chennai : Madras high court has criticised the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) for not considering the administrative experience of a petitioner to include her in the panel for appointment as dean to Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai. Justice N Anand Venkatesh observed that the petitioner’s name was dropped ‘like a hot potato’, and the authorities are taking a hypertechnical stand that the petitioner holding the incharge position cannot be considered. 

“The authorities have virtually used the services of the petitioner as the HoD whenever it is favourable to them and are denying her position as the HOD when it comes to recognising her administrative experience. Such a stand taken by the authorities is quite un- fortunate and cannot be entertained,” the court said. 

The issue pertains to a plea moved by Dr Priya Pasupathy challenging a GO issued by the department dated Oct 1, 2024, as it does not include the petitioner’s name in the panel for the post of dean in RGGGMC, Chennai. The department clarified that the petitioner completed five years as a professor; however, she was not qualified as she does not possess 1-year mandatory administrative experience for the post. Opposing the stand, the petitioner submitted that she served as a director, Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College (MMC) from May 1, 2020, to Aug 18, 2020. This apart, she also served as chief warden of the women’s hostel in the MMC, as a deputy warden of the ladies hostel at Kilpauk Medical College, and as the head of the department (HOD) of community medicine at the MMC. 

Recording the submissions, the court said if the stand of the authorities is taken to its logical conclusion, then the recognition and the renewal obtained from the NMC based on the signature subscribed by the petitioner as the HOD will become questionable. “It would mean that such recognition and renewal were obtained by portraying an unqualified person as the HOD before the NMC,” the court said. The court then allowed the plea and directed the department to include the name of the petitioner for the post of dean in the GMC by placing her in the appropriate position as per the seniority within four weeks.

‘Physiotherapists are docs, can seek Dr. title from ministry’

‘Physiotherapists are docs, can seek Dr. title from ministry’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025 .BHOPAL 

Bhopal :The Madhya Pradesh govt clarified its position on the recognition of physiotherapists as “doctors” in response to inquiries from Brajendra Pratap Singh, MLA of Panna. The Public Health and Medical Department, in a written response during the budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, stated that physiotherapists are recognized as doctors by law according to the gazettes of both the Indian and Madhya Pradesh govts, according to Vidhan Sabha reply from MP health minister Rajendra Shukla. These gazettes define physiotherapy and the scope of a physiotherapist’s practice. 

“Physiotherapy is defined as a person who practices, provides treatment and advises on physical therapy by means of a comprehensive examination and appropriate investigation of individuals using physical modalities including exercise, mobility, manual therapy, electrical and thermal agents and other electro-therapeutic techniques for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion and recovery of movement or functional dysfunction, dysfunction, disorder, disability, trauma and disease and for the purpose of recovery and pain.” The gazette further states that a physiotherapist can operate independently or within a multi-disciplinary team and must hold a minimum of a graduate degree. 

The Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Act 1973 mandates that any facility offering physiotherapy services must employ a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree. Madhya Pradesh clarifies the legal recognition and employment status of physiotherapists. 

The state govt confirmed physiotherapists are legally recognized as doctors under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act-2021. This recognition grants them authority to practice, diagnose, and treat independently. The Madhya Pradesh Allied and Health Care Professions Rules 2024, enacted under the 2021 Act, are in effect. 

The state govt stated, “Clear instructions regarding permission to physiotherapists to use the title Dr. with their name can be obtained from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and action can be taken accordingly.” Regarding employment, the Madhya Pradesh Paramedical Council has 3,028 registered physiotherapists: 286 with master’s degrees and 2,742 with bachelor’s degrees. As of March 13, 2025, no regular physiotherapist positions are approved in Primary Health Centers or Community Health Centers under the 2024 state-approved standard. Data on registered physiotherapist clinics are currently being compiled. The National Health Mission has approved 107 contractual physiotherapist positions, 94 of which are filled, leaving 13 vacancies.

AI ethical monitoring system a must to curb academic dishonesty

AI ethical monitoring system a must to curb academic dishonesty

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.03.2025

With the Supreme Court highlighting technology integration, lower courts will use technically inclined lawyers as their number rises. AI is gradually transforming the legal education system but there is still a wide technical divide that needs to be bridged. The lack of formal integration of AI into legal education in Indian colleges is the biggest challenge that needs to be addressed. Vageshwari Deswal, professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, says, “Colleges can enhance students’ understanding of complex legal theories, case laws, and statutes using AI tools. These technologies provide swift access to vast data, making legal research simpler. Simulated classrooms, techenabled virtual client counselling sessions, and mock sessions with AI chatbots can better equip students for real courtroom experiences. Students must learn that AI cannot contextualise data nor replace human reasoning or judgment.” 

“The integration of AI is a work in progress that demands adapting to the technology while preserving the core principles of legal education,” says V Shyam Kishore, dean, Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, Bengaluru. Before incorporating AI into the curriculum, it is crucial to educate students, faculty, and administrators about AI’s benefits, and limitations. “Understanding and using AI tools will become a fundamental skill in future, just like how legal professionals today are expected to know how to use MS Office, legal research databases, and citation tools,” he adds. The legal sector is rapidly adopting AI-driven tools, with several software applications already available for legal research, litigation support, and compliance monitoring. Kishore says, “Many of these tools are already being used by legal firms and institutions to streamline processes, improve research, and enhance efficiency. 

However, most of these AI-powered solutions are designed for global markets and must be tailored to India’s unique legal framework.” Currently, there is no national regulatory framework governing the use of AI in law schools, as the BCI is yet to update its policies to reflect the growing role of AI. Kishore says, “The establishment of AI governance mechanisms in law schools is required to regulate AI’s ethical and pedagogical use. AI ethics committees should be formed to monitor AI-assisted legal research and prevent academic dishonesty. These committees should align with ethical AI guidelines, such as those from NITI Aayog, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and international standards like OECD and UNESCO.”

Traditional medical education to soon incorporate AI electives

Traditional medical education to soon incorporate AI electives

AI tools can make ayurveda knowledge and services more widely accessible, reaching global audiences 

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.03.2025

The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) is set to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) curricula to revolutionise the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). To equip students with both foundational knowledge of ISM and the skills to incorporate modern technological advancements, the ministry is working on formulating a benchmark framework to offer AI as one of the elective subjects. 

To implement the plan, the ministry has been evaluating the sector’s readiness for AI, creating a standardised framework for AI system integration, and developing AI educational tools. Creating a benchmark A framework is needed to integrate AI into traditional medicines to make it scientifically validated, efficient, and globally recognised. The ministry has collaborated with global focus groups to develop benchmarks for AI usage in traditional medicines. Talking to Education Times, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, says, “The Centre of Excellence (CoE) component of the Ayurswasthya Yojana, a project sanctioned to IIT Jodhpur, aims to combine functional genomics, electronics, digital health, and AI to realise evidence based ayurvedic solutions. 

The CoE will provide technological solutions for understanding and applying ayurveda’s principles and practices—P5 medicine: Personalised, Preventive, Predictive, Participatory, and Promotive—as well as integrative medicine, including environmental response and disease development.” Integrating AI in ayurveda can enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalised treatment planning, research efforts, and healthcare delivery, says Pooja Sabharwal, assistant professor, Govt of NCT of Delhi. “Training students in traditional medicine to provide AIenabled public health services alongside their core curriculum can empower them to deliver more comprehensive and effective care, contribute to improved health outcomes, and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. 

With AI algorithms, students can identify patterns and correlations in complex datasets, such as ayurvedic diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Analysing these patterns through AI allows it to assist ayurvedic practitioners in diagnosing diseases more accurately and predicting the efficacy of various treatment modalities,” she adds. Moreover, AI can enhance various aspects of education and healthcare, particularly in the context of ayurveda and traditional medicine. 

“AI can automate administrative tasks, assist in curriculum development, and provide real-time feedback to educators, allowing them to focus more on mentorship and teaching. AI-driven platforms can also make ayurveda knowledge and services more widely accessible, reaching global audiences,” adds Kotecha. In 2017, the ministry launched AYUSH Grid, an initiative to integrate technology with traditional medicine systems like ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, and homeopathy. Through the Grid, students are trained in modern technologies to improve healthcare services such as accessibility, quality, and efficiency. Kotecha says, “Students are already using the AYUSH Learning Management System (e-LMS) under AYUSH Grid, where AI-driven analytics are being developed.” 

Strengthening research Incorporating AI into research methodology courses will enable students to conduct data-driven research in ayurveda, says Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, director general, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). He says, “The regulatory body of AYUSH education, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), is taking steps to strengthen the research system. The implementation of AI-integrated education at universities and colleges can take several forms. For example, developing a curriculum with dedicated courses on data science, AI, and machine learning, tailored to ayurvedic studies, including their application in traditional medicine research and practice.”

PG NEET: NRI application rejection doubles at 324

PG NEET: NRI application rejection doubles at 324 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  17.03.2025 BANGALURU

Bengaluru : Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) rejected 324 applications for NRI (nonresident Indian) quota in PG NEET admissions this time, more than twice the number it did last year. As the PG NEET admissions for 2024-25 come to a close, a closer look at the data shows that KEA received 1,090 applications for NRI seats. This was 91 more than last year. While 766 of these were approved, 324 were rejected. At the same time last year, 850 were approved and 149 rejected. The bigger rejection rate is because of the stringent scrutiny KEA adhered to after a scam in allotting NRI seats was reported from Tamil Nadu. 

It may be recalled that in TN, a verification by the selection committee at the Directorate of Medical Education found that at least 44 doctors faked their certificates in their applications. Candidates applying under NRI sponsorship must have a real blood relation to the financial supporter. “As per the SC rulings, it should be up to first-degree relation. But many of the applications had only distant relations with the sponsor, resulting in their rejection. We also wrote to various embassies asking about the genuineness of the certificates, but we are yet to receive any reply from them,” said H Prasanna, KEA executive director.

“Many candidates approached us and asked us to consider their applications under general category,” he said. The number of seats allotted to NRI quota has also fallen drastically this year. Only 87 seats were allotted, while 344 vacant seats were converted to management. Last year, 394 seats were allotted for NRIs, and only 254 were converted to management. “We are unable to understand why only fewer students took up NRI seats this year. Students try through various states and the All India quota. They might have got better seats elsewhere,” he said.

Banned cough syrups seized, two held

Banned cough syrups seized, two held 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  17.03.2025

Vadodara : The Vadodara special operations group (SOG) arrested two individuals who illegally stocked banned cough syrups containing codeine, an opiate (used to treat pain), which is abused, particularly among young people. 

SOG officials arrested Vipul Rajput (23) a resident of Ratilal Park Society in Wag- hodiya, runs a medical store named Oakland Pharmacy near Gayatri temple in Waghodiya and Keyur Rajput (33), a resident of the Wadi area, runs a medical store named Ma Medical Store. 

Police officials said they received a tip-off that the banned syrup was stocked at Vipul’s house in Waghodiya. After the SOG team conducted a raid at the house along with a team of FSL and Vadodara food and drug inspector, the duo confessed to being involved in the illegal racket of selling the banned syrup. Later, the accused also revealed that they used to stock the cough syrup along with other medicines at a rented godown near Gayatri temple. When the SOG team raided the premises, they seized 4,785 bottles of 100 ml bottles of codeine phosphate and triprolidine HCL syrup, Anrex cough syrup worth Rs 10.97 lakh, along with 1,59,120 capsules of NRX dicyclomine hydrochloride, tramadol hydrochloride, and acetaminophen capsules, SEMDEX-plus capsules worth Rs 15.57 lakh.

 The total seizure is worth Rs 26.54 lakh, including cash, mobile phones, and vehicles. The duo was arrested and booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’ 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

New Delhi : Prolonged use of steroid-based inhalers for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, continuous application of nasal sprays for allergies, and steroid-containing skin creams for allergic reactions and cosmetic purposes may lead to glaucoma, doctors at AIIMS have observed. They have highlighted the issue and advised regular eye check-ups, indicating that early identification significantly improves the chances of vision preservation. Glaucoma is a persistent eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss or blindness. Dr Tanuj Dada, professorin-charge of the glaucoma unit, emphasised the significance of timely detection. “Glaucoma is known as the thief of vision because it has no symptoms until significant damage occurs. 

After 40, regular check-ups every 1-2 years are essential, even if your vision seems fine.” Dr Dada also cautioned against steroid misuse for children who are often prescribed steroid eye drops by unqualified persons, resulting in glaucoma. He explained that they frequently encountered young children with eye allergies, particularly those from Rajasthan affected by sand-related allergic reactions. These children, when experiencing eye irritation and redness, often get medicines from chemists or seek assistance from unqualified practitioners. Although the immediate allergy symptoms and redness may subside, some children later develop glaucoma. Students sustaining eye injuries from sports equipment such as balls or shuttlecocks during playground activities should also undergo regular eye examinations as these injuries could progress to glaucoma after 10-20 years. The doctor also warned against the use of skin whitening creams that mostly contain steroids. According to doctors, the research also linked stress to glaucoma, with meditation and breathing exercises showing potential benefits.

208 docs to be posted in urban health centres

208 docs to be posted in urban health centres

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 14.03.2025

Chennai : The health department has invited applications for the recruitment of 208 doctors for the urban health and wellness centres, which will be inaugurated this month. In addition to doctors, the department will also appoint staff nurses, health inspectors, and support staff for these centres. Sixty of these centres will be under Greater Chennai Corporation. 

Earlier this week, the health minister said 500 of the planned 708 urban HWCs opened in June 2023 are functioning across 21 corporations and 63 municipalities. Construction of the remaining 208 centres has been completed. The health department has directed the state health societies to recruit doctors, nurses, and staff for each of these centres on a contract basis, Director of Public Health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said.

 While medical officers will be paid a salary of ₹60,000, staff nurses will receive ₹18,000, health inspectors ₹14,000, and support staff ₹8,500. Applications will be received directly and through post, he said. The last date for receiving applications is Mar 24. Candidates will be called for an interview on Apr 1, and results will be declared the next day.

How Many PG Medical Seats Available This Year? Check Out NMC's Updated Seat Matrix

Below are the MD, MS seats details:

Speciality Total Seats

MD General Medicine 5349

MS General surgery 4905

MD Anaesthesiology 4786

MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology 4049

MD Paediatrics 3402

MS Orthopaedics 2934

MD Pathology 2870

MD Radio Diagnosis/Radiology 2663

MD/MS - Ophthalmology 2008

MD Social & PreventiveMedicine /Community Medicine 1787

MS Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) 1614

MD Microbiology 1560

MD Dermatology, Veneronology & Leprosy 1418

MD Pharmacology 1314

MD Psychiatry 1269

MD/MS - Anatomy 1223

MD Physiology 1187

MD Bio-Chermistry 1098

MD Tubercurosis & Respiratory Diseases/ Pulmonary Medicine 885

MD Forensic Medicine /Forensic Medicine & Toxicology 732

MD Emergency Medicine 470

MD Radiotherapy/ Radiation Oncology 424

MD Respiratory Medicine 221

MD Immuno Haematology & Blood Transfusion 164

MD physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 87

MD Geriatric 56

MD Hospital Administration 42

MD Nuclear Medicine 26

MD Palliative Medicine 25

MD Sports Medicine 21

MD Family MEDICINE 20

MD- Aviation Medicine/Aerospace Medicine 17

MD TRANSFUSION MEDICINE 12

MD Tropical Medicine 11

MS-TRAUMATOLOGY & SURGERY 8

MD Lab Medicine 5

MD Radiation Oncology 5

MD Bio Physics 1

Total Seats 48668

NMC rejects patient’s appeal to ethics board, says only doctors can do so

NMC rejects patient’s appeal to ethics board, says only doctors can do so

Rema.Nagarajan@timesofindia.com 10.03.2025

Despite National Medical Commission (NMC) deciding last Sept that not only doctors, but patients too can appeal to Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) against decisions of state medical councils, on Feb 21, EMRB rejected the appeal of a patient from Punjab. Incidentally, EMRB is totally vacant since the tenure of all members came to an end last year, raising the question of who rejected the appeal. From Sept 2020, when NMC was constituted, hundreds of patient appeals were rejected saying that NMC Act allowed only doctors to appeal. This is despite the patients’ right to appeal being upheld by a Supreme Court order in 2002. However, the minutes of the 16th meeting of the NMC held on Sept 29 last year, obtained through RTI in Jan stated: “NMC had agreed that all appeals received by EMRB will be entertained. Further, as regards action not being taken by State Medical Councils on complaints filed by Non-medicos even after issuance of reminders by the boards. It was decided to send a communication by EMRB to State Medical Councils to complete the process in a time bound manner. In case of failure by the concerned SMC to act upon, EMRB may take over the complaint matter from the SMC and dispose the same. This is noted by EMRB, and board will proceed further accordingly.” The minutes were approved by Dec.

Gokul Chand Aneja from Amritsar in Punjab filed an appeal dated Jan 30 against the decision of the Punjab Medical Council, in a case of alleged medical negli gence which led to his wife’s death. Aneja received a letter from NMC dated Feb 21 rejecting his appeal stating that the EMRB had decided in Oct 2021, that in keeping with the NMC Act 2019, “only medical practitioners or professionals should be allowed as (sic) appeals before EMRB”. In March 2022, the NMC had rejected the appeal of a patient from Faridabad in Haryana. 

The letter from the EMRB rejecting the appeal of Aneja appears to be a copy-paste of the letter issued in March 2022 with just a change in dates, name of recipient etc. “The NMC appears to be in shambles. Who took the decision to reject an appeal when the 

EMRB is vacant? It looks like Aneja’s appeal was rejected by some functionary in the EMRB division who just copied an earlier letter. Such a casual approach is shocking,” said Dr KV Babu, ophthalmologist and RTI activist, who has been fighting since 2022 to get the right of patients to appeal restored.

NMC overrules SC’s and its own decision, rejects patient’s appeal

NMC overrules SC’s and its own decision, rejects patient’s appeal

Rema.Nagarajan@timesofindia.com 10.03.2025

Despite National Medical Commission (NMC) deciding last Sept that not only doctors, but patients too can appeal to Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) against decisions of state medical councils, on Feb 21, EMRB rejected the appeal of a patient from Punjab. 

Incidentally, EMRB is totally vacant since the tenure of all members came to an end last year, raising the question of who rejected appeal. From Sept 2020, when NMC was constituted, hundreds of patient appeals were rejected saying that NMC Act allowed only doctors to appeal. This is despite the patients’ right to appeal being upheld by a Supreme Court order in 2002. 

However, the minutes of the 16th meeting of the NMC held on Sept 29 last year, obtained through RTI in Jan stated: “NMC had agreed that all appeals received by EMRB will be entertained. Further, as regards action not being taken by State Medical Councils on complaints filed by Non-medicos even after issuance of reminders by the boards. It was decided to send a communication by EMRB to State Medical Councils to complete the process in a time bound manner. In case of failure by the concerned SMC to act upon, EMRB may take over the complaint matter from the SMC and dispose the same. This is noted by EMRB, and board will proceed further accordingly.” The minutes were approved by Dec. Full report on www.toi.in

Sitting for long hours has the same consequences as smoking, drinking?

Sitting for long hours has the same consequences as smoking, drinking?

etimes.in | Mar 7, 2025, 02.49 PM IST

Prolonged sitting is equivalent to physical inactivity and its health consequences has been a primary concern of health experts. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised to engage in 150 minutes of physical activity per week to give the body the minimum amount of movement and activity. Lack of physical activity or in other words long sedentary hours can lead to obesity, a major risk factor of several life threatening diseases.

Health risks associated with sitting for too long

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases. Research indicates that individuals who sit for more than eight hours a day without physical activity have a risk of dying similar to the risks posed by obesity and smoking.

Prolonged sitting slows down metabolism, affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and to break down body fat. This can lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Extended sitting periods can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.

Sedentary behavior has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The lack of physical activity can affect mental well-being and cognitive function.

If sitting is the new smoking, how can we quit?

A 2016 study on the harmful effects of sitting is one of the studies that estimated the future of the impact of this biological shift and its effect on the global population. The study published in the British Journal of General Practice, highlights the negative of sitting for too long. "The fact that we can’t erase the effects of a lifetime spent sitting at the desk (or on the sofa) with a few weekly trips to the gym is an inconvenient truth at a time when the majority of the population, GPs included, remain wedded to our desks and computers.

So if sitting is the new smoking, how do we quit? One response has been the adoption of standing desks," the researchers say and later add that standing still for extended periods is uncomfortable and may come with its own health implications (varicose veins, foot pain).

Practical tips to follow:

Stand up and move around every 30 minutes. Even short, frequent walking breaks can significantly reduce health risks.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week, as recommended by health guidelines.

Limit recreational screen time and incorporate more physical activities into your leisure routine.

When sitting, maintain proper posture to reduce strain on muscles and joints.

AP veterinary students protest low stipends, demand parity with MBBS interns

AP veterinary students protest low stipends, demand parity with MBBS interns

Interns say they have been getting a stipend of Rs 7,000 per month since 2013, while medicos are being paid Rs 25,906.

SVVU students staging a protest in Tirupati (Photo | Express)

S Guru Srikanth

Updated on:

07 Mar 2025, 8:41 am

VIJAYAWADA: For over a month, veterinary science students across Andhra Pradesh, including those at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) in Tirupati, have been protesting against low stipends.

They demand a revision, citing stark disparities: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) interns receive Rs 7,000 per month—unchanged since 2013—while MBBS interns earn Rs 25,906. Postgraduate veterinary students get Rs 9,000, compared to Rs 64,000 for medical counterparts, and Ph.D. scholars receive Rs 10,000.

“This is blatant injustice,” said P Naswar Khan, president of the Andhra Pradesh Veterinary Students and Graduates Association. With around 2,000 students across four veterinary colleges, Tirupati, Gannavaram, Proddatur, and Garividi, and 300 final-year interns, including 69 at Garividi, frustration is mounting.

Khan pointed out that BVSc interns, who spend six months at polyclinics and another six at farms, zoos, and laboratories, bear additional expenses for accommodation and transport without extra support. “Our stipends were once on par with MBBS students in 2013, but medical stipends have increased while ours have stagnated,” he said. Students also noted that veterinary fees rise annually, whereas government medical college fees remain fixed while stipends increase.

The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) took up the issue, with its president, Dr Umesh Chandra Sharma, writing to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on February 13, 2025, following a student appeal on February 12. He stressed veterinarians’ role in preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring food safety, arguing that their stipends should match those of medical students.

SVVU students have formally demanded a stipend hike to Rs 25,906 for undergraduates and Rs 64,000 for postgraduates, with a 15% annual increase. They claim their protests have been ignored for 13 years. Research scholars also report funding shortages due to budget constraints.

SVVU vice-chancellor (in-charge) Prof. JV Ramana told TNIE that the issue was raised with the State government in July and October 2024, with assurances that it is under review. His team, along with parents, is persuading students to halt their protests.

Minister K Atchannaidu has reportedly discussed the matter with the Chief Minister, who proposed a 50% stipend hike. However, students, learning this unofficially, insist on at least Rs 15,000 and vow to continue striking.

The YSRCP has urged the government to act immediately, stressing the need to support veterinary students and safeguard farmers’ interests.

Garividi vet college students’ future hangs in limbo

The future of 69 final-year students at Garividi Veterinary Science College remains uncertain as the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has yet to recognise their third, fourth, and fifth years. “Without recognition, we can’t intern or apply for PG exams,” said final-year student D Lokesh Sai. Amid a month-long strike, sources say VCI approval is progressing.

Can aspirin prevent cancer from spreading?

Can aspirin prevent cancer from spreading?

etimes.in | Mar 7, 2025, 04.02 PM IST

The findings of a new study can change the course of cancer treatment.

As per the study, the findings of which have been published in the journal Nature, scientists have uncovered the mechanism behind how aspirin could reduce the metastasis of some cancers by stimulating the immune system.

“Despite advances in cancer treatment, many patients with early stage cancers receive treatments, such as surgical removal of the tumour, which have the potential to be curative, but later relapse due to the eventual growth of micrometastases – cancer cells that have seeded other parts of the body but remain in a latent state. Most immunotherapies are developed to treat patients with established metastatic cancer, but when cancer first spreads there’s a unique therapeutic window of opportunity when cancer cells are particularly vulnerable to immune attack. We hope that therapies that target this window of vulnerability will have tremendous scope in preventing recurrence in patients with early cancer at risk of recurrence," said Professor Rahul Roychoudhuri in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge, who led the study.

Aspirin controls cancerous growth by decreasing TXA2

The scientists traced signals in the cell to determine that ARHGEF1 is switched on when T cells are exposed to a clotting factor called thromboxane A2 (TXA2). TXA2 is produced by platelets - a cell in the blood stream that helps blood clot, preventing wounds from bleeding, but occasionally causing heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin reduces the production of TXA2, leading to the anti-clotting effects, which underlies its ability to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

"This new research found that aspirin prevents cancers from spreading by decreasing TXA2 and releasing T cells from suppression. They used a mouse model of melanoma to show that in mice given aspirin, the frequency of metastases was reduced compared to control mice, and this was dependent on releasing T cells from suppression by TXA2," the researchers have said.

“It was a Eureka moment when we found TXA2 was the molecular signal that activates this suppressive effect on T cells. Before this, we had not been aware of the implication of our findings in understanding the anti-metastatic activity of aspirin. It was an entirely unexpected finding which sent us down quite a different path of enquiry than we had anticipated," Dr Jie Yang in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge, first author of the report, said.

Aspirin, a widely used medication, serves multiple therapeutic purposes. It effectively alleviates pain, reduces fever, and addresses inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and pericarditis. Additionally, aspirin is utilized in treating rheumatic fever and Kawasaki disease. In lower doses, it plays a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular events by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions.

Lack of grace marks reels in medicos as 14% fail exam

Lack of grace marks reels in medicos as 14% fail exam

Mar 5, 2025, 23:56 IST

SLUG: PG MEDICAL 7.3.2025

Ahmedabad: As many as 14% postgraduate medical students out of 300 who had appeared in their exams in Dec 2024 failed to clear it. All had sought re-checking of the marks. However, as the Gujarat University (GU)'s digital assessment system did not show any scope for alteration, the students and members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Wednesday demanded faculty-led re-evaluation. Sources said that the high failure rate was due to discontinuation of grace marks awarded to students.

The result for the MD, MS and DNB courses was declared on Feb 20. The students claimed that they had performed adequately well, but majority have failed in paper 2 and 3. They have submitted a formal request to the university authorities seeking physical re-verification of their answersheets.

In response to the student demonstration, GU authorities plan to petition the National Medical Commission (NMC) for a review. Subject to approval, physical rechecking would be undertaken. Students and ABVP members alleged that their request for manual rechecking remained unaddressed for over a week.

Experts associated with medical examinations stated that earlier practice of awarding minimal grace marks to students who marginally failed was discontinued following recent NMC regulations. "If the student was failing the exam for up to cumulative 5-7 marks, the examiners would often provide the grace marks. But this year, this practice is not followed, and is believed to be one of the reasons for relatively higher failure percentage," said an official associated with medical fraternity.

Address exorbitant fee hike, medicos urge min

Address exorbitant fee hike, medicos urge min 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.03.2025

Hyderabad : Dental and medical students pursuing PG courses on Thursday appealed to health minister Damodar Rajanarasimhato intervene and address the concerns regarding the exorbitant fees charged by private dental institutions. According to the students, dental colleges have now almost doubled the fees they initially charged. They said this increase will impose huge financial constra ints on them. “When I took admission under the A category, I paid a fee of ₹3.4 lakh for that year. But now, the colleges are forcing us to pay fees of up to ₹6 lakh. Moreove r, they are asking me to pay the revised amount for my first year as well. Certificates of students who completed their final year are also being withheld until they pay the fee as per the revised amount.

What is the poiint of securing a seat on merit if we could have directly paid for the management quota (category B and C) for admission? This will put an additional burden on our parents too, as most students come from middle-income groups. We have to shell out money from our own pockets for conferences, instruments, and other logistics,” a second-year MDS student at a Hyderabad dental colleg e told TOIon the condition of anonymity. According to the All India Dental Students Association (AIDSA), citing GO 107, the fee for category B has been raised from around ₹7 lakh to as high a s ₹13 lakh by dental colleges. Similarly, the fee for category Cwill be 1.5 times higher than category B, as per the GO.

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp 

3.2CM BONE DAMAGED RUBY’S OESOPHAGUS 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.03.2025

Mumbai : A dinner treat turned into a misadventure for Kurla’s Shaikh family. On Feb 3, Ruby Shaikh (name changed), a 34-year-old woman juggling a seven-year-old daughter, a six-monthold son and four in-laws, was enjoying a rare treat — chicken biryani from a local restaurant. Little did she know that a chicken bone would take her on a month-long medical journey that would baffle doctors. The modestly priced biryani left Ruby’s husband, a supervisor in a local factory, with an ₹8 lakh bill, though the hospital later halved it through donations. The 3.2cm chicken bone that damaged Ruby’s oesophagus was extracted on Feb 8. But when doctors at Criticare Asia Hospital began the throat procedure, it vanished from its initial position (C4-C5 vertebral discs). X-ray and ultrasound examinations couldn’t find it in the chest or abdomen. A CT scan, performed while the patient was intubated, revealed its unexpected upward movement to the nasopharynx, the topmost part of the throat. 

The operation lasted eight hours instead of two hours. Immediately after choking on Feb 3, Ruby arrived at the hospital where an X-ray scan showed a foreign object in her neck. Moved upwards, 

 Due to effect of anaesthesia, bone moved upwards: Doc 

Ruby refused CT scans and admission but returned two days later with fever, high blood pressure, and oral infection. This time, through endoscopy and CT scans, doctors found the foreign body in the cervical oesophagus, having caused bilateral perforations. ENT surgeon Dr Sanjay Helale said, “Scans carried out before the surgery revealed the bone was still in the earlier position.” He chose an open surgery as the bone was close to the carotid artery to the brain and the patient’s perforated food pipe needed repair. “Perhaps due to manipulations of the oesophagus during dissection or due to the effect of anaesthesia, the bone moved upwards,” said Dr Helale, who plans to send the case to a medical journal for publication. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, head of the surgery department at J J Hospital, Byculla, said the movement from the food pipe back to the throat was unusual. 

Ruby, who was fed through a tube for weeks, has meanwhile told her husband that she will not eat biryani or cook it.

MM C launches student initiative to boost organ donation awareness

MM C launches student initiative to boost organ donation awareness 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 06.03.2025

Chennai : Madras Medical College launched the Students’ Charter of Deceased Organ Donation Programme in collaboration with the transplant authority of Tamil Nadu (Transtan). Students are being taught about the increasing demand for vital organ transplantation, organ scarcity, and the purpose of organ transplant registry in the state. “The aim is to engage me dical students in deceased donor organ transplantation. Volunteers will be enrolled and trained to be ambassadors for the programme,” said college dean Dr E Theranirajan. 

“They will undergo comprehensive training on the science and laws surrounding brain deaths and organ donations. As ambassadors, they will conduct sensitization sessions for various communities,” he said. The programmes will clear myths, and increase organ donations, said senior nephrologist Dr N Gopalakrishnan, who is also member secretary of Transtan. “Govt’s decision to accord state honours increased the organ pool. But with better awareness among the community, we will be able to reduce wastage and save more lives,” he said. In 2024, the state recorded 268 organ donations — the highest since the launch of the programme in 2008. This year, Transtan has received nearly 50 donations

NMC issues clarification on NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG: Check details here

NMC issues clarification on NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG: Check details here

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has confirmed that NIOS students are eligible for NEET UG 2025 under GMER-23 regulations. Clarifying confusion over NTA’s NEET-UG Bulletin 2025, NMC stated that NIOS students, including those taking an additional subject at an authorized institution, can apply. NEET UG 2025 registration is open until March 7.

TOI Education

Mar 1, 2025, 9:47 IST

NIOS enrollment

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a clarification regarding the eligibility of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) students for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate 2025. The clarification follows concerns over discrepancies between the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) NEET-UG Bulletin 2025 and NMC regulations.

In response to an RTI application dated February 11, 2025, the NMC addressed confusion regarding NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG 2025 due to interpretations of the NEET-UG Bulletin 2025. The commission clarified that students from NIOS, state open schools, or private candidates qualify under the GMER 2023 regulations.

NIOS students eligible for NEET UG 2025

Furthermore, the NMC noted that students are permitted to study an additional subject through NIOS, provided it is undertaken at an authorized institution. This clarification aims to address concerns among aspirants regarding their eligibility status.

Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) began the online registration process for NEET UG 2025 on February 7. Interested candidates can apply for the exam through the official website, neet.nta.nic.in, until March 7, 2025.

NEET UG is the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across India. The NMC’s clarification provides relief to NIOS students seeking to appear for the exam, ensuring they remain eligible under the latest regulations.

Candidates can check the official notice as provided here.

For more information, candidates are advised to visit the official website of the National Medical Commission.