Emerging Trends and Applications of Forensic Medicine in Modern Healthcare and Criminal Investigation: A Narrative Review

Rakesh  Sharma; Priyanka Nair; Amitabh  Verma; Shweta  Kulkarni

Rakesh Sharma Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
Priyanka Nair Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Amitabh Verma Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shweta Kulkarni Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Keywords: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Pathology, DNA Profiling, Toxicology, Medico-Legal Investigation, Digital Autopsy

Abstract

Background: In Medical Science, we are very much better with everything we have in the last many years from a technology point of view and how we can use medical science to investigate crimes especially using autopsies and medical legal things. Aim: We wish to examine the innovations in forensic medicine — what is working and what is not, so it alters our approach to helping persons who are injured/ill as well with how we prosecute cases. Methods: Data were retrieved from studies published between 2000 to 2025 using databases of PubMed and Google Scholar as well as reports on World Health Organization and journals about forensic medicine. We selected articles that dealt with closely related topics, such as pathology and DNA profiling. Results: Techniques such as DNA sequencing and forensic imaging represent some of the most transformative advances in medicine today. These technologies have been extremely valuable in solving crimes, correctly identifying victims and more efficiently tracking medical legal matters. Forensic medicine — which is vital, for example by caring for people while discovering in the cases of crimes victims of disasters and for assuring the correct functioning of the legal system. We need to ensure that we have established centres of forensic medicine which train individuals well and use the latest technology ensuring that the medical legal system works better behind our justice delivery.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202610

How to cite this article:
Sharma R, Nair P, Verma A, Kulkarni S. Emerging Trends and Applications of Forensic Medicine in Modern Healthcare and Criminal Investigation: A Narrative Review. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(2):15-20.

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