Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed restoring the maximum duration allowed for completing the MBBS programme to 10 years, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship, reversing a change introduced in 2023 that reduced the limit to nine years.

The proposal is part of a draft amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023, which has been uploaded on the NMC website. The commission has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the public within 30 days before finalising the revised regulations.

According to the draft amendment, students will continue to be restricted to a maximum of four attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS examination. However, those enrolled in the undergraduate medical programme will be allowed to remain in the course for up to 10 years from the date of admission, including the internship period.

The draft states, “Under no circumstances shall the student be allowed more than four attempts for the First Professional MBBS examination, and no student shall be allowed to continue the undergraduate medical course after 10 years from the date of joining the MBBS course, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship.”

The proposed change aligns the Graduate Medical Education Regulations with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, which already permit a maximum duration of 10 years for completing medical education requirements.

In June 2023, the NMC had reduced the maximum time limit for completing the MBBS course from 10 years to nine years as part of its revised regulations. However, the latest proposal seeks to restore the earlier provision, offering greater flexibility to students facing challenges during their medical studies.

According to officials, the proposed relaxation is expected to benefit students who encounter academic difficulties, health-related issues, personal emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances that may delay their progress. The extended timeline would allow such students to complete their medical education without losing eligibility due to strict duration limits.

Medical education experts believe the move could provide much-needed relief to students while maintaining academic standards through the existing cap on examination attempts. The final decision on the amendment will be taken after the NMC reviews feedback received from stakeholders, medical institutions, and the public.

If approved, the revised regulation will restore the 10-year completion window for MBBS students across the country.

Breakfast plays a crucial role in determining energy levels, digestion, concentration and hunger patterns throughout the day. While Indian households offer a wide variety of morning meals—from poha and idli to parathas, dosa and oats—nutrition experts say the healthiest choice depends on both nutritional balance and individual needs.

According to dietitian Sujatha Stephen, Chief Dietician at Yashoda Hospitals, there is no universal "best" breakfast. Factors such as age, lifestyle, activity levels, metabolism and existing health conditions influence what works best for each individual. However, breakfasts rich in protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates generally provide more sustained health benefits.

Among the most nutritious options are dal cheela and oats. Both are rich in protein and fibre, nutrients that help promote satiety, support muscle health and maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning. Dal cheela, prepared from lentils, offers a natural protein boost and becomes even more nutritious when vegetables are added. Oats, meanwhile, are known for their heart-friendly fibre content and digestive benefits.

Fermented foods such as idli and plain dosa also rank highly due to their ease of digestion and positive impact on gut health. The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption and makes these foods lighter on the stomach. Nutritionists also note a growing preference for millet-based alternatives, including millet idli and millet dosa, which contain higher amounts of fibre and micronutrients than refined grains.

Poha remains a healthy breakfast option when prepared thoughtfully. Adding vegetables, peanuts, sprouts and minimal oil can significantly improve its nutritional profile by increasing fibre, protein and essential vitamins.

Experts caution, however, that traditional favourites such as heavily buttered parathas, deep-fried snacks and refined flour-based preparations should be consumed in moderation. Excessive amounts of oil, butter, ghee and large portion sizes can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems over time.

A balanced breakfast, nutritionists say, should ideally include protein, fibre, healthy fats and low-to-moderate glycaemic index carbohydrates. Simple changes such as incorporating vegetables, choosing whole grains or millets, reducing excess fats and adding protein-rich foods like curd, paneer, eggs or sprouts can make a significant difference.

Ultimately, experts stress that breakfast quality should be judged not by calories alone but by its ability to nourish the body, support long-term health and sustain energy throughout the day.

UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health “Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi” have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and preventing violence in schools across Peru.

The collaboration was unveiled during Mental Health Week and ahead of the International Day of the Girl, highlighting growing international focus on adolescent well-being, safe learning spaces, and inclusive education.

The initiative forms part of the “Campeonas sin Barreras” project implemented by UNESCO Peru in partnership with Fundación Fútbol Más Perú under UNESCO’s global Fit for Life programme. The project uses sport as a tool to encourage inclusion, equity, emotional well-being, and community participation among young people.

Officials said the partnership aligns with UNESCO’s broader health and well-being education strategy, which promotes mental and physical health, safer schools, and teacher training initiatives.

Copa de Campeonas to bring together students and families

The first major activity under the partnership will be the “Copa de Campeonas” event scheduled for October 25 in Prague-style community fair format, expected to bring together more than 300 participants including adolescents, teachers, families, and civil society organisations.

The socio-sporting event will feature football matches, cultural programmes, interactive learning stations, and activities focused on girls’ leadership and violence-free educational environments.

Mental health experts from the National Institute of Mental Health will manage dedicated well-being stations offering guidance on emotional resilience, self-care, prevention strategies, and socio-emotional development for students, educators, and parents.

Organisers said the stations are designed to demonstrate how sports and mental health interventions can work together to strengthen the overall well-being of educational communities.

Focus on girls as changemakers

The announcement also coincides with this year’s United Nations theme for the International Day of the Girl — “The girl I am, the change I lead. Girls on the frontlines of crisis.”

Officials said the partnership seeks to recognise adolescent girls not only as beneficiaries of educational programmes but also as active agents of social change and leadership.

Through the collaboration, UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring children and adolescents have access to safe educational spaces, equal opportunities, and healthier learning environments free from violence and discrimination.

The initiative reflects a wider global shift toward integrating mental health, emotional well-being, and community engagement into mainstream education policy frameworks, especially in regions facing social inequality, gender-based challenges, and youth mental health concerns.

Amid growing anxiety and frustration among NEET-UG aspirants following the controversy surrounding the examination, Dadaji Bhuse urged students to remain patient and trust the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak case.

Speaking in Mumbai on May 25, the Maharashtra School Education Minister described the incident as “most unfortunate” and assured students that the Central Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“While it is undeniably the most unfortunate incident, the Central Government has intervened with the utmost seriousness. As we are aware, an inquiry into the matter is currently being conducted by the CBI,” Bhuse said.

He added that several individuals linked to the alleged irregularities had already been arrested and that the probe agency was carrying out a detailed investigation into the issue.

“Several individuals have already been incarcerated, and the CBI is conducting a thorough, in-depth investigation into the matter,” the minister stated.

Addressing lakhs of students preparing for medical admissions across the country, Bhuse made an emotional appeal asking aspirants not to lose hope amid uncertainty surrounding the examination process.

“I would like to make a humble appeal to all students: have faith that the arduous effort you have invested in your studies will ultimately receive the justice it deserves,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when concerns over transparency and fairness in national-level competitive examinations continue to dominate public discourse. The alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy has sparked protests and demands for accountability from students, parents, and education activists across several states.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the matter after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the conduct of the examination. Authorities have maintained that action is being taken against those involved while efforts continue to safeguard the integrity of the examination system.

NEET-UG remains one of India’s largest entrance examinations, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across government and private institutions.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has introduced seven new healthcare and allied medical science programmes for the 2026 academic session, expanding opportunities for students seeking careers in emerging healthcare sectors such as clinical psychology, trauma care, rehabilitation, epidemiology, and speech therapy.

The university has also opened the online admission process for these newly launched programmes. According to GGSIPU, interested candidates can apply through the university’s official admission portals, with the last date for submitting applications fixed as May 31, 2026.

The newly introduced courses include undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialised diploma programmes designed to address the growing demand for trained allied healthcare professionals across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, research organisations, and public health institutions.

New healthcare courses introduced by GGSIPU

The seven newly launched programmes are:

• BSc Clinical Psychology (Hons.)
• BSc Emergency Medical and Trauma Technology (EMTT)
• Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) / Master in Applied Epidemiology
• MA Clinical Psychology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRP)
• MSc Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• Bachelor of Optometry

University officials said the programmes have been introduced in response to changing healthcare needs and the increasing importance of specialised non-traditional medical professions in India’s healthcare ecosystem.

The expansion comes at a time when sectors such as mental healthcare, emergency medical services, rehabilitation sciences, speech therapy, and epidemiological research are witnessing rapid growth following rising healthcare awareness and public health challenges.

Experts say the demand for allied healthcare professionals has increased significantly in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted shortages in areas such as trauma management, rehabilitation support, public health surveillance, and mental health services.

Courses such as clinical psychology and rehabilitation psychology are expected to attract students interested in mental healthcare and behavioural sciences, while programmes like EMTT and applied epidemiology may appeal to candidates looking to work in emergency response systems, disease surveillance, and healthcare administration.

Meanwhile, speech language pathology and optometry continue to emerge as important specialised healthcare fields with growing employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, schools, and diagnostic centres.

GGSIPU has fixed the application fee at ₹2,500 per programme. Students applying for multiple courses will be required to pay the application fee separately for each course.

The university has advised applicants to carefully review eligibility criteria, admission guidelines, and programme details before completing the online registration process.

Education experts believe the introduction of such specialised programmes reflects the broader transformation of India’s healthcare education system, where demand is increasingly shifting toward multidisciplinary and allied healthcare professions alongside conventional medical degrees.

As concerns grow over the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the Antarctic cruise ship MV Hondius, United Kingdom authorities have reportedly secured emergency supplies of the experimental antiviral drug Favipiravir from Japan.

The drug may not be widely known to the public, but it gained global attention during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when several countries explored it as a possible treatment option against the coronavirus.

What Is Favipiravir?

Favipiravir was originally developed by Toyama Chemical, now part of Fujifilm, and marketed under the brand name Avigan.

The drug was approved in Japan in 2014 for emergency use against new and emerging influenza strains. Unlike antibiotics, which target bacteria, Favipiravir works by interfering with the RNA polymerase enzyme that many RNA viruses rely on to reproduce. Because of this mechanism, scientists classify it as a broad-spectrum antiviral.

Researchers have studied the drug against several RNA viruses over the years, including influenza viruses, Ebola, and hantaviruses.

Its COVID-19 Connection

During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries including India, Russia and Japan experimented with Favipiravir as a treatment for mild and moderate COVID-19 cases.

The medication attracted attention largely because it was available in pill form, making it easier to administer outside hospitals compared to intravenous antivirals.

Initial small-scale studies suggested it might shorten recovery time or reduce viral replication. However, larger reviews and later studies produced inconsistent findings, with no strong evidence that the drug significantly reduced deaths or prevented severe disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

Although it never became a breakthrough COVID treatment, the drug remained on the radar of governments and health agencies for emergency outbreak situations.

Why Is Britain Importing It Now?

The current concern centres around the Andes hantavirus infection, a rare strain of hantavirus known for its unusual ability to spread between humans under certain circumstances.

According to reports, the UK Health Security Agency moved quickly to secure supplies of Favipiravir after fears emerged that infected individuals linked to the Antarctic cruise outbreak could develop severe illness.

At present, there is no officially approved antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory disease associated with certain hantavirus strains. The condition can become life-threatening rapidly, with mortality rates for Andes virus infections estimated at around 35–40 percent in serious cases.

Animal studies and limited human reports have hinted that Favipiravir may offer some benefit against hantaviruses, though evidence remains limited and inconclusive.

For now, treatment for severe hantavirus infection still relies mainly on supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intensive monitoring, fluids and respiratory support.

Risks And Precautions

Despite the renewed interest, Favipiravir is not without risks. Studies have linked the drug to birth defects in animals, meaning it is generally avoided during pregnancy. Doctors must also monitor patients for potential side effects such as liver complications, elevated uric acid levels linked to gout, and gastrointestinal issues.

The drug is reportedly being considered under compassionate-use or experimental protocols rather than as a fully approved treatment.

A Post-Pandemic Reality

The rapid movement of antiviral stockpiles between countries also reflects how outbreak response strategies have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments are now more willing to deploy experimental treatments quickly while health agencies coordinate internationally during emerging health threats.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization, continue to stress that the broader public risk from the current hantavirus situation remains very low, and experts say the outbreak does not resemble the global conditions that fueled COVID-19 transmission.

Still, the return of Favipiravir to headlines serves as a reminder of how quickly old outbreak tools can re-emerge when new health threats appear unexpectedly.