Drugtoday medical times

23/03/2026

🛑 A Treatable Disease… Turning Deadly Again

On this World TB Day (24 March), a harsh reality is unfolding beyond headlines of war and geopolitics. Tuberculosis — a disease we already know how to cure — is quietly resurging in conflict zones.

💔 In war-hit regions like Ethiopia’s Tigray:

Over 70% of health facilities have been damaged or destroyed

Critical TB diagnostic tools have been looted

Patient visits have sharply dropped, leaving cases undetected

The result? A dangerous rise in drug-resistant TB, a form that is harder, longer, and more expensive to treat.

🌍 Globally, TB still killed over 1.2 million people in 2024, despite being preventable and curable.

⚠️ The message is clear:
When healthcare systems collapse, diseases don’t wait — they spread, evolve, and come back stronger.

India already carries one of the world’s highest TB burdens. What happens in conflict zones today could shape global health tomorrow.

👉 Read the full story:
https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/world-tb-day-2026-how-war-is-unleashing-a-treatable-killer

War-ravaged healthcare systems are fuelling a surge in drug-resistant tuberculosis, with shocking evidence from Ethiopia’s Tigray region. As diagnostics collapse and cases go undetected, WHO data highlights a growing global TB crisis, including India’s rising burden.

10/03/2026

A new study published in BMC Medicine has raised concerns about a widely used class of medications called anticholinergics. Researchers found that people with the highest use of these drugs may have a 71% higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems compared to non-users.

The study analyzed health data from over 500,000 adults aged 45+ and followed them for up to 14 years. Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used to treat conditions such as allergies, sleep disorders, urinary incontinence, and depression. Some nighttime pain relievers also contain these ingredients.

While the findings highlight a possible connection with heart failure and heart rhythm disorders, experts stress that patients should not stop medications without medical advice. Instead, discussing medication use with a healthcare professional is recommended.

🔬 More research and clinical trials are needed to better understand the link between anticholinergic drugs and heart health.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/common-anticholinergic-drugs-linked-to-increased-heart-risk-study-suggests

10/03/2026

The US FDA’s new draft guidance could reshape the global pharmaceutical market and make life-saving biologic medicines more affordable.

The policy allows drug makers to use clinical trial data from outside the United States when applying for biosimilar approvals. This could significantly reduce development costs, eliminate duplicate trials, and speed up the entry of lower-cost biosimilars.

For countries like India, where companies such as Biocon Biologics and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories have strong biosimilar programs, the move could open major opportunities in the US market.

Experts say greater biosimilar competition may help bring down the cost of expensive treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes, improving patient access worldwide.

Public comments on the draft guidance are open until May 11, 2026.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/fda-rule-change-opens-door-for-indian-biosimilars-putting-big-pharma-on-notice

10/03/2026

Abbott has launched the XIENCE Skypoint coronary stent in India, the latest addition to its globally trusted XIENCE family of everolimus drug-eluting stents.

Designed with enhanced flexibility and improved deliverability, the new stent helps doctors navigate complex coronary blockages more effectively. It also introduces a 48 mm single-stent option, potentially reducing the need for multiple stents during long lesion procedures.

With cardiovascular disease continuing to be a leading cause of death in India, innovations like XIENCE Skypoint aim to support cardiologists with advanced tools for safer and more precise heart treatments.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/abbott-launches-xience-skypoint-coronary-stent-in-india

10/03/2026

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram has achieved a major milestone by successfully performing over 200 minimally invasive pancreatic surgeries for chronic pancreatitis, marking one of the largest reported laparoscopic series in India.

Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic pancreatic drainage surgery are transforming the treatment of complex pancreatic disorders. With smaller incisions, reduced pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays, these procedures are significantly improving patient outcomes.

The gastrointestinal surgical team at FMRI recently treated several complex cases, including a 27-year-old patient with pancreatic duct stones and an 11-year-old boy with bile duct obstruction, both of whom recovered well after advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Experts say these techniques help relieve duct obstruction, remove pancreatic stones, and restore normal digestive flow—offering long-term relief for patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/fortis-gurugram-crosses-200-minimally-invasive-surgeries-for-chronic-pancreatitis-among-largest-series-in-india

10/03/2026

India’s kitchens may be facing a silent threat.

A new study warns that up to 30% of packaged food products in India could be adulterated or counterfeit, exposing millions to harmful chemicals never meant for human consumption. Unlike typical food poisoning, the real danger may come from slow, long-term exposure that damages organs like the liver and kidneys over years.

Investigations have reportedly found industrial dyes, non-edible oils, urea, and detergent-based chemicals in food samples. Milk is considered one of the most vulnerable categories, with some reports suggesting contamination levels approaching 70% in certain samples.

Experts say the issue is not just a food safety concern but a public health and economic crime challenge, requiring stronger regulation, forensic investigation, and advanced authentication technologies.

As India’s packaged food market continues to grow rapidly, ensuring food integrity, traceability, and consumer safety has become more urgent than ever.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/india-s-fake-food-crisis-study-warns-one-in-three-packaged-products-may-be-adulterated

10/03/2026

The debate around disability in medicine is gaining global attention. While many South Asian students with disabilities still fight legal battles just to enter medical schools, leading voices in the United States are calling for more inclusion.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) says recruiting and supporting doctors with disabilities could actually improve patient care and reduce health disparities. Their latest policy papers argue that disability should be treated as an important part of diversity in the medical profession.

Experts believe doctors who understand disability firsthand may communicate better with patients facing similar challenges and help close long-standing gaps in care.

As the global healthcare system evolves, an important question emerges:
Could welcoming more “disabled healers” make medicine more compassionate and equitable for everyone?



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/while-south-asian-students-fight-for-medical-seats-us-doctors-call-for-more-disabled-healers-to-improve-patient-care

10/03/2026

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the critical importance of prioritising women’s healthcare at the “Women in the Medical Profession – Multispecialty Meet” organised by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

She emphasised that women’s health is the foundation of a healthy society, calling for stronger policies, preventive healthcare awareness, and wider access to life-saving measures like the HPV vaccine.

The event brought together leading women doctors and specialists who discussed key health challenges such as breast cancer screening, cardiovascular health in women, genetic advancements, and women’s medical conditions across different life stages.

The meet also celebrated the growing leadership of women in medicine and reinforced the need for early diagnosis, routine screening, and multidisciplinary care to improve long-term health outcomes.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-highlights-importance-of-women-s-health-at-sir-ganga-ram-hospital-meet

09/03/2026

A significant milestone for India’s scientific and medical research ecosystem.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Human Space Flight Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation to collaborate in the rapidly emerging field of space medicine.

The MoU was signed by M. Srinivas and Dinesh Kumar Singh, in the presence of V. Narayanan and senior representatives from both institutions.

This collaboration will focus on multidisciplinary research areas including:
• Human physiology in space
• Cardiovascular and autonomic regulation
• Musculoskeletal health in microgravity
• Microbiome and immunology
• Genomics and biomarkers
• Behavioural health

By combining India’s strengths in medicine and space technology, the partnership aims to advance biomedical research and strengthen the country’s capabilities in human spaceflight.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/aiims-isro-join-forces-to-advance-india-s-space-medicine-research

09/03/2026

India takes a big leap in space medicine research 🚀

All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi has signed an MoU with the Human Space Flight Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation to advance research on how space travel impacts the human body.

The collaboration will focus on key areas such as human physiology, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal changes in microgravity, microbiome, immunology, genomics, biomarkers and behavioural health.

The agreement was signed by M. Srinivas and Dinesh Kumar Singh, in the presence of V. Narayanan and senior leaders from both institutions.

Experts believe this partnership will strengthen India’s human spaceflight ambitions and open new frontiers in biomedical research, supporting the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in science and innovation by 2047.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/aiims-isro-join-forces-to-advance-india-s-space-medicine-research

09/03/2026

On International Women’s Day, Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road celebrated the spirit of community leadership through a heartfelt event themed “Give to Gain.” 🌸

The hospital honoured inspiring women serving as Resident Welfare Association (RWA) secretaries, recognising their dedication to improving neighbourhood wellbeing, resolving civic issues, and supporting communities with compassion and resilience.

The celebration included a felicitation ceremony, specially curated gift hampers, complimentary women’s health check-up coupons, engaging talks by clinicians, and cultural performances by hospital staff. Roses were also distributed to women patients and attendants across the hospital, spreading appreciation and gratitude.

The event served as a powerful reminder that empowering women at the grassroots level strengthens communities and inspires future generations.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/fortis-hospital-bannerghatta-road-honours-women-community-leaders-on-international-women-s-day

09/03/2026

India’s rapid economic growth has opened doors for millions of women in corporate offices, laboratories, and leadership roles. But behind this progress lies a silent mental health crisis.

Many women today are balancing demanding careers while managing traditional family responsibilities — a pressure often described as “Superwoman syndrome.” Experts warn that this dual burden is contributing to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and burnout among women.

Studies suggest women in India are nearly twice as likely as men to experience mental health disorders, yet stigma and lack of awareness still prevent many from seeking help.

It’s time to recognise that mental health is as important as physical health. Workplaces, families, and society must create supportive environments where women can speak openly and access professional care without fear of judgement.



https://drugtodayonline.com/medical-news/news-topic/corporate-ambition-and-traditional-roles-fuel-a-silent-mental-health-crisis-among-women