India is experiencing a surge in mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, among COVID-19 patients. This aggressive fungal infection, which thrives in environments like soil and decaying organic matter, is particularly affecting those with weakened immune systems and diabetes. The western state of Maharashtra has reported around 2,000 cases, prompting the establishment of special hospital wards. The infection is spreading rapidly in other regions, including New Delhi and Gujarat, where hospitals are preparing for more cases and facing shortages of the antifungal drug Amphotericin-B. Treatment is costly, involving surgery and prolonged medication.

Mumbai, India's financial capital, has effectively managed the second wave of COVID-19 through a combination of crisis management strategies, including the establishment of 24 'war rooms' to handle hospital bed allocation and oxygen supply. The city's efforts have been praised by the Supreme Court and are being studied by New Delhi for replication. Key measures included the installation of Liquid Medical Oxygen tanks, rational use of oxygen, and procurement of remdesivir. The city's active cases and oxygen consumption have significantly dropped, and preparations are underway for a potential third wave.

Dr. Manisha Jadhav, the chief medical officer at the Group of Tuberculosis Hospitals in Mumbai, passed away on April 19 due to complications from Covid-19. She was recognized for her significant contributions during the pandemic, including organizing PPE and ensuring staff welfare. Honored by the governor of Maharashtra State, she was one of 13 doctors acknowledged for their efforts. Dr. Jadhav was 51 years old and is survived by her husband.

Maharashtra, India's wealthiest state, is facing a severe oxygen shortage amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. Patients are struggling to find hospital beds and oxygen support, with the state's oxygen usage exceeding its production. The Chief Minister has requested the Prime Minister to deploy the National Disaster Management Authority for airlifting oxygen. Nandurbar district is opening a modified train with 336 beds as an isolation center. The state has imposed new restrictions to curb infections, and Mumbai is using innovative methods to improve bed availability. Despite leading in vaccinations, Maharashtra faces a vaccine shortage, highlighting the need for stronger vaccination efforts and containment measures.

India is facing a second wave of COVID-19, with daily confirmed infections rising significantly. The vaccination campaign is hindered by a slow government rollout and public skepticism, particularly in densely populated areas like Mumbai's Dharavi slum. The outbreak is concentrated in Maharashtra, leading to renewed lockdowns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is urging officials to increase testing and vaccinations to prevent economic disruptions similar to last year's nationwide lockdown.

Scientists at Tata Memorial Centre in India have discovered that a short-term therapy of three to six months is as effective as the traditional year-long treatment for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, with fewer cardiac side effects. The study, which included a meta-analysis of data from multiple clinical trials, suggests that the drug Trastuzumab (brand name Herceptin) can be administered for a shorter period without compromising disease-free survival. This finding could significantly reduce the cost and emotional strain of prolonged treatment for patients. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and highlights the potential for reduced cardiac toxicity and healthcare expenses. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with HER2-positive cases making up a significant portion. The high cost of Trastuzumab is a concern, and a shorter treatment duration could alleviate financial burdens for patients.