Health Bulletin 06

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has come under the scanner of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) over allegations of discrimination and harassment faced by Scheduled Caste employees. The Commission issued a formal notice to PGIMER on September 4 after receiving a complaint from a doctor on February 21, 2025. The NCSC has invoked its powers under Article 338 of the Constitution of India to inquire into the matter. In its notice, the Commission has directed PGIMER to submit details of the allegations along with the action taken report within 15 days of receiving the communication. The notice warns that if PGIMER fails to respond in time, the Commission may exercise powers similar to those of the Civil Courts. For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: PGI Chandigarh under Scheduled Caste panel scrutiny over discrimination allegations In a significant move aimed at reducing the treatment burden for patients battling cancer and rare genetic disorders, the GST Council has removed the 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 33 expensive and life-saving medicines and diagnostic kits- making them completely tax-free, while other essential medicines, including those under Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy, will now attract a lower GST of 5% instead of 12%. The rate on spectacles and corrective goggles has been slashed from 28% to 5%, while medical oxygen, thermometers, and surgical instruments will now be taxed at 5% instead of the earlier 12–18%. In addition, the GST on medical, dental, and veterinary devices has been cut from 18% to 5%, significantly reducing costs across a wide spectrum of healthcare services and products. For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: These 33 Life-Saving Drugs, Including Daratumumab, Alectinib, Obinutuzumab, Now GST-Free, See List Doctors getting admitted to postgraduate medical courses in Karnataka will have to undergo one year of compulsory bond service in a Government hospital. This rule applies to all the candidates who take admission to PG Medical Degree/Diploma courses in Government / Private / Deemed colleges under Government quota or Private quota, NRI quota or Management quota and successfully complete the Post Graduate Degree/Diploma, except for those candidates who have undergone compulsory rural service after the award of the MBBS degree. For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: 1-year Bond service, Rs 50 lakh penalty: Karnataka PG medical admissions