IMA writes to doctor MPs and MLAs to oppose ‘mixopathy’

IMA writes to doctor MPs and MLAs to oppose ‘mixopathy’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.01.2025

Ahmedabad : The Gujarat State Branch of the Indian Medical Association (GSBIMA) on Tuesday wrote letters to MPs and MLAs with a medical background to garner support for opposing ‘mixopathy’ in the state. The letters are in the context of a proposed meeting by the state health department on Jan 3 to discuss ways to allow doctors with a degree in ayurveda to practise allopathy in a controlled manner. IMA already approached the senior health department officials to protest the move. The letters are written to MPs and MLAs along with senior functionaries such as Dr Darshita Shah, Dr Darshna Deshmukh, Dr Hasmukh Patel, Dr Payal Kukrani, Dr Pradyumna Vaja, Dr Tushar Chaudhary, and Dr Jashwantsinh Parmar, among others.

‘Allowing or promoting mixopathy could lead to hazardous outcomes, including misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and serious ad verse events. This not only jeopardises the health of individual patients but also undermines public trust in the healthcare system as a whole,’ mentioned the letter. The officials also sought time from the functionaries and lawmakers to explain the finer points of the proposal. On Tuesday, the Federation of Family Physicians’Associations of India also wrote a letter to Rushikesh Patel, the state health minister, to protest the move. ‘We request to delve deeper into this critical issue, reject any unreasonable demand from anyone, and collaboratively explore solutions that will ensure the health and safety of Gujarat’s citizens remain uncompromised,’ mentioned the letter

Visa firm sends 2 to Philippines for dud MBBS degree

Visa firm sends 2 to Philippines for dud MBBS degree 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.01.2025

Ahmedabad : A Viratnagar businessman, aged 50, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 27.18 lakh by four individuals from a visa consultancy firm who allegedly arranged for his son and nephew to study MBBS in the Philippines despite the degree not being recognised for practice in India. The victim on Monday filed a complaint with Nikol police against owners of the firm and three others, alleging forgery and breach of trust. In 2022, the businessman had sought admission for his son and nephew at Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City, Philippines, and approached a local visa consultancy where he met the managers. The management team, including a woman, presented a fee structure for the MBBS course in Manila, Philippines, quoting Rs 17.50 lakh for each student, with additional charges for accommodation, food, visa extensions and miscellaneous expenses. After agreeing to send both students, the family received offer letters confirming admission. Before the students’ departure, the consultancy collected Rs 9.5 lakh as course fees. In Feb 2023, after the programme commenced, the students discovered that the MBBS qualification from the Philippines was not valid in India due to licensing restric tions. The family later learned that whilst they were told the course would last five and ahalf years, the college indicated a sevenyear duration. 

Despite raising concerns, the consultant allegedly continued making false promises and provided written confirmation that the Dagupan City Lyceum Northwestern University certificate would be recognised in India. Upon consulting the Indian Embassy, the family confirmed that Philippines-issued practice licences were invalid in India. When the family requested the students’ return due to the course’s non-recognition in India, the consultant informed them that college fees were non-refundable. A complaint was filed on Monday

Leopard spotted at Infosys Mysuru campus

Leopard spotted at Infosys Mysuru campus 

EMPLOYEES TOLD TO WORK FROM HOME 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.01.2025

Mysuru : A leopard was sighted at the Infosys campus in Mysuru on Tuesday, sending foresters and police on a hunt to trap the big cat. CCTV footage confirmed the leopard’s presence some 100m from the hostel at the high-security campus located in the Hebbal industrial area on the outskirts of the city. However, personnel from the forest department, cops and the IT company staff did not spot it during the day. Combing operations will continue on Wednesday as well, forest authorities said. As soon as the big cat’s pres ence on the campus was confirmed, it was closed for the day. Except for a handful of staff members, only foresters and police were allowed inside, and all the gates were closed. More than 10,000 people work on the campus that is spread over 300 acres. A software engineer said he received a message around 6am about the presence of the leopard and was advised to work from home for the day. Speaking to reporters in Bidar, forest minister Eshwar B Khandre said: “Drones fitted with thermal cameras are being used to trace the leopard.

NEWS TODAY 31.12.2024

 

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’ 

Dipawali.Mitra@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Kolkata : Besides highlighting the achievements and rankings of IIT-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) over the past few years, the institute’s director VK Tewari also emphasized on some ‘failures’ during his tenure while addressing its 70th convocation ceremony on Monday, when his term at the IIT also came to an end. Tewari spoke about the failure to set up the IIT Malaysia campus and start medical education at IIT-Kharagpur. “We wanted to start IIT Malaysia but due to some technical reasons we failed in that. So I take the responsibility. We also failed in getting medical education…The hospital was ready in 2018 itself but I think there were no ef forts. When I took over, Covid also took over and from that time, I was trying to set up the medical college but failed four times,” said Tewari, while he was referring to the medical college named as Dr BC Roy MultiSpecialist Research Centre

Referring obliquely to the recent controversy regarding the shifting of BC Roy Technology Hospital (BCRTH) to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Superspeciality Hospital (SPMSH), Tewari said they tried to start SPMSH and only the OPD services began. “We are in the process of starting the IPD (in-patient department) services at the superspeciality hospital,” said the outgoing director, adding, “We failed in answering questions of some of our friends because the requirements were something different.” Earlier, the campus had witnessed protests from students, campus residents, and teachers over the relocation of the BCRTH to SPMSH, which is four kilometres from the campus. Amidst pressure, the administration kept the relocation “in abeyance.” In Sept, the IIT Teachers’Association wrote to the union education minister alleging that the director had failed to start the hospital, medical college and the overseas campus projects. This letter sparked a rift between teachers and authorities. 

Highlighting the positive aspects, Tewari said in three-and-a-half years, the institute had achieved 400 patents. According to him, the institute is diligently working towards the G-20 declarations in 12 major areas. Tewari shared that during his tenure he ensured that the IIT campus became a safe and secure zone with monitoring at the entry and exit points. He also said that he was able to solve the water crisis, which was a perennial problem at the campus. Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, Pradeep K Khosla, who is also an alumnus of IIT-KGP, was the chief guest. Former vice-chairman of UGC and national research professor, ministry of Ayush, Bhushan Patwardhan, was the guest of honour. 

A total of 3,456 degrees comprising 480 PhDs were conferred. Thirteen distinguished alumni awards, seven Life Fellow Awards, and one Lifetime Achievement Award were also given. IIT-Varanasi head as interim director Director of IIT-Varanasi, Amit Patra, has been given the additional charge of IIT-KGP as its interim director until further order or new appointment after the tenure of VK Tewari ended on Monday. “The handover is likely to take place on Tuesday,” sources said. Patra was also the deputy director of IIT-KGP. Interview for the next director already took place.

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

Yogi: Conduct Reviews In Every 15 Days 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 31.12.2024

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at a high-level meeting on Monday, reviewed the progress of construction, staffing, and operations of three new universities—Maa Pateshwari University, Balrampur, Maa Vindhyavasini University, Mirzapur, and Guru Jambheshwar University, Moradabad. He sought updates from the vice-chancellors and emphasized timely completion of construction while ensuring quality standards. 

The CM directed them that construction work should proceed in phases, prioritizing academic and administrative buildings in the first phase, followed by the VC’s residence, faculty housing, and guest house in the second phase, and hostels in the third phase. He emphasized regular reviews of the construction progress by a committee comprising the university administration, implementing agency, and local authorities. The VCs were instructed to monitor the work daily or every two days, ensuring timely completion with uncompromised quality. The CM instructed the higher education department to conduct reviews every 15 days. In case of any obstacles, VCs were advised to coordinate with the district magistrate or principal secretary and consult the government for necessary adjustments in construction plans. He also directed the government to issue guidelines to implementing agencies and urged higher education ministers to periodically inspect the ongoing construction work. The CM also directed the department to expedite the appointment of regular employees in the under-construction universities to ensure smooth operations. 

He emphasized arranging temporary provisions for staff immediately. The VCs were directed to provide necessary residential and other facilities. The CM emphasized completing the formalities for affiliating colleges within the jurisdiction of the under-construction universities promptly. He also directed the creation of university's logo, motto and Kulgeet. Higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyaya, MoS Rajni Tiwari and VCs of many universities were present in the meeting

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year 

31.12.2024

Jaipur : Beginning in the academic year 2025-26, homeopathy will start postgraduate specialisation courses across six distinct branches, marking a significant development in the field. “The specialisation branches will include clinical oncology, clinical rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology,” Dr Tarkeshwar Jain, president of the Homeopathy Education Board, National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), govt of India, told TOI. 

Dr Jain said, “As of now, there are no courses available for specialisation in homeopathy. It is for the first time it is happening in the country as an advancement in homeopathy studies.” The announcement was shared during the 23rd All India Homeopathy Scientific Seminar ‘Hope Health Homeopathic 2024,’ which concluded on Sunday. After completing these postgraduate programs, home- opathy practitioners will gain expertise in treating specific conditions. This development will enable patients to consult specialists based on their health needs, such as seeking treatment from a homeopathic neurologist for brain-related conditions. 

Dr Anita Meena, former consultant (Homeopathy) with the state govt, said, “Offering courses for specialisation in homeopathy adds a new chapter. The homeopathy doctors will now have a chance to upgrade their knowledge by completing postgraduate courses.” Since every year new cases of cancer are adding up, the NCH decided to train specialists in clinical oncology. Besides, a lot of patients needing treatment related to ailments such as rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology will benefit from the specialisation. TNN