"You Are Not A Doctor, Medical Student or A Scientist”: Supreme Court Dismisses With Cost Plea Seeking Directions For Covid Treatment And Tests

"You Are Not A Doctor, Medical Student or A Scientist”: Supreme Court Dismisses With Cost Plea Seeking Directions For Covid Treatment And Tests: Supreme Court has on Monday dismissed with costs, a plea filed seekingdirections regarding tests

From the archives: When Jaya emerged as independent leader from shadows of MGR

From the archives: When Jaya emerged as independent leader from shadows of MGR

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi had turned the tide in favour of AIADMK in 1991 Assembly polls

Published: 30th April 2021 04:40 AM 

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Just five days ahead of the scheduled date for the 1991 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a LTTE suicide bomber when the leader was campaigning in Tamil Nadu. This turned the entire political scene against the DMK, which until then had gained the sympathy of people as the Union government had dismissed its government without a valid reason.

From May 26, the poll was rescheduled to June 15. These few days were enough for AIADMK and its then ally Congress to hammer a heated campaign against DMK. Both the parties centred their rhetoric on the perceived proximity of DMK to the LTTE. When the results were out, AIADMK had won 164 seats and Congress 60. DMK managed to win just two, its worst performance ever since the party started contesting elections in 1957. The election marked the emergence of Jayalalithaa as an independent leader from the shadows of her mentor MGR.

Jayalalithaa’s first order as Chief Minister was to shut down the low-price liquor shops that were opened by the previous DMK regime. All Womens Police Stations, and Cradle Baby Scheme which aimed at preventing female infanticide were among the schemes brought in by Jayalalithaa.

Another historic achievement of Jayalalithaa’s regime was safeguarding of 69 per cent reservation system in the State. Following a Supreme Court’s verdict that the total reservation quota should not exceed 50 per cent, the system followed in Tamil Nadu was under threat. The State government passed Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act in 1993 and got the President’s approval of it too. This Act protected the 69 per cent reservation as followed in the State.

Jayalalithaa’s rule was also infamous for extensive use of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). Opposition party members and social activists were arrested under the draconian law.

Among the incidents that left a black mark on the regime was the death of 48 people in the stampede when she and her close aide Sasikala were in Kumbakonam to take the holy dip in the Mahamaham tank there. The most infamous was the extravagant wedding of Jayalalithaa’s foster son VN Sudhakaran in 1995.

This regime was also the period when actor Rajinikanth became more visible in the political scene. He even tried to convince the Congress national leadership at the time against forming an alliance with AIADMK. In DMK, its unquestionable leader M Karunanidhi met the toughest challenge to his leadership from Vaiko, who subsequently launched a new party, MDMK.

Jayalalithas had also earned the unique distinction of being the first Chief Minister of the State, except K Kamaraj, to have completed the full five-year term. The government’s survival was also helped by the landmark 1994 Supreme Court verdict in the SR Bommai case curtailing the abuse of Article 356 under which the Centre can dismiss the State governments. This paved way for stable governments in Tamil Nadu.

Seats won/ Vote share

Total seats: 234 (Year 1991)

AIADMK: 164 (44.39%)

Congress: 60 (15.19%)

DMK: 02 (22.46%)

MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam: 02 (1.51%)

PMK: 01 (5.89%)

CPI: 01 (1.24%)

CPM: 01 (3.15%)

Indian Congress Socialist: 01 (0.23%)

Janata Dal: 01 (1.69%)

Independent: 01

Cabinet colleagues of Jayalalithaa

The cabinet colleagues of Jayalalithaa included VR Nedunchezhian, KS Krishnaswamy, SD Somasundaram, RM Veerappan, K Rajaram, C Aranganayagam, S Muthusamy, KA Sengottaiyan, EA Madhusoodhanan, S Kannappan, Azhagu Thirunavukkarasu, Ku Pa Krishnan, TM Selvaganapathy, Mohamed Asif, R Indira Kumari, M Anadhan, D Jayakumar, S Nagoor Meeran and G Viswanathan

Colleges start postponing exams in State

Colleges start postponing exams in State

Anna University, IIT-M, & Madras University have deferred some of their examinations

Published: 30th April 2021 06:00 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Higher educational institutions, including Anna University and IIT-Madras, have postponed some of their exams in view of the second wave of the pandemic that is raging across Tamil Nadu and the country.Anna University has postponed the retests which were scheduled to be conducted from May 3.

The decision was taken as a one-time measure in view of the Covid-19 situation. The revised dates of the retest will be announced soon on the official website. “It is informed that the retest will not begin on May 3, 2021. The new retest date will be announced shortly with the revised time table,” a statement on the university website reads.

Students who were unable to appear for the semester exams earlier due to pandemic-related difficulties or faced technical problems in the online exam would have appeared for the retests. To check the latest updates or information about Anna University examinations, students are advised to visit the official website regularly. Not just Anna University, IIT-Madras has also postponed its semester exams and even online tests.

According to a statement from the institute, new dates of the examination will be announced later. IIT-M had planned to conduct written January-May semester exams from May 10 at the Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, most of the universities and colleges in Tamil Nadu and across the country have deferred examinations for the semester of 2021.

The University of Madras, which had planned to conduct semester examinations from May 17, has also postponed its examinations. A few other arts and science colleges in the city are also unsure if the exams will be conducted as scheduled.

MHA to states: No lockdown, go for containment measures

MHA to states: No lockdown, go for containment measures

Bharti.Jain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:30.04.2021

Based on a framework issued by the health ministry on April 25, the Centre on Thursday suggested intensive, local and focused containment measures in districts and areas with test positivity of 10% and more in the last one week and where more than 60% of oxygen-supported or ICU beds are occupied.

The MHA order, which invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directed states and Union Territories (UTs) to consider containment measures such as restrictions on gatherings, operations of markets, offices, schools and universities and intensified testing and tracking for immediate implementation based on their assessment of the situation until May 31.

Despite the surge in Covid-positive cases and deaths in April, the fresh guidelines steered clear of imposing lockdowns. It said national directives for Covid-19 management, which require wearing of face masks and social distancing in public places and encouraging of work-from-home, shall continue to be strictly followed.

20 of 100 samples test +ve in Chennai

For every 100 samples tested for Covid-19, at least 15 returned positive in Chennai, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, authorities said on Thursday, when the state reported 107 deaths and 17,897 new cases. With a test positivity rate of 20%, Chennai is the highest, followed by 17% in Tirunelveli and 16% in Thoothukudi. While the positivity rate in Tenkasi was 14.2%, at least 13 more districts had more than 10% TPR. P 2

‘Make available details of hosp beds & vacancies online’

All district magistrates are required to strictly enforce state-level directives on containment measures as well as the national guidelines. Violations, the MHA order said, would attract penal action under the Disaster Management Act.

The health ministry had called for measures like night curfew, prohibiting public gatherings for political, social, religious, sports or entertainment purposes, capping attendance at marriages to 50 and at funerals to 20, closing of shopping complexes, cinema halls, gyms, spas, restaurants (dine-in), stadia and operating public transport at 50%, and a cap of 50% attendance in government and private offices.

“However, these are indicative activities, and states and UTs should make a careful analysis of the local situation, areas to be covered, and probability of transmission and then take a decision,” the health ministry had advised.

The restrictions were prescribed for 14 days across the containment zones, which shall be declared such after a public announcement outlining the rationale and the nature of restrictions while asking for a test-track-treat-vaccine approach and ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Apart from suggesting 100% vaccination of eligible age groups, the health ministry had said that details of hospital beds and vacancy status be made available online on a daily basis. It also said details on availability of oxygen, drugs, vaccines and vaccination centres, including the guidelines related to use of drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab, should be widely publicised to generatepublic confidence.

Full report on www.toi.in

HC asks actor to pay ₹2 lakh to TN

HC asks actor to pay ₹2 lakh to TN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.04.2021

Actor Mansoor Ali Khan, facing a case for his statements against Covid-19 vaccine, has to pay ₹2 lakh towards the state government’s vaccine campaign as precondition for anticipatory bail in the case.

Justice M Dhandapani, granting conditional anticipatory bail to the actor, said: “He was creating unnecessary panic among the public. You do not know how health professionals are working hard in government hospitals.”

The issue pertains to a statements made by Mansoor Ali Khan in front of a private hospital where actor Vivekh had been admitted after he suffered a heart attack on April 16. Khan alleged that Vivekh fell ill only because of the Covid-19 vaccine that he took on April 15. The video of the actor making such statements went viral on social media.

Subsequently, based on a complaint filed by a health officer of the Chennai Corporation, the Vadapalani police registered an FIR under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation), 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 505 (1)(b) (intent to cause fear to the public) of the IPC besides invoking provisions of the Epidemics Act and the Disaster Management Act.

Representing the petitioner, advocate M Radhakrishnan submitted that the statement made by the actor at the entrance of the private hospital was an emotional outburst never intended to hurt anyone.

TN’s 2nd pvt univ gears for 1st academic session

TN’s 2nd pvt univ gears for 1st academic session

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.04.2021 

Shiv Nadar University Chennai, the second private university in the state after Annamalai University, has opened admissions for 2021-22, its first academic session. The university has planned admissions for four programmes — two in engineering and two in the commerce stream.

In engineering, it will offer BTech in artificial intelligence and data science and BTech in computer science and engineering (IoT), in which students also can specialise in areas such as applied robotics and medical technology. In artificial intelligence and data science course, students can work on a real life data analytics project.

“We have selected two computer science programmes which are in need. We wanted to produce graduates who are industry ready,” said Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya, VC, Shiv Nadar University Chennai.

It would offer two commerce degree programmes one is general BCom and another one is BCom (professional accounting). The professional accounting programme is designed to prepare the students for CA and CMA and practice as accountants.

Other BCom courses will enable students to specialise in strategic management, financial economics and artificial intelligence and data science and they can also earn additional credits and acquire a degree of BCom (honours).

The applications for the four courses are open and entrance tests (SNUCEE) are scheduled on May 17 and 24. For more details students can visit:

https://www.snuchennai.edu.in/admissions/

Leave India as soon as it’s safe, US advises citizens

Leave India as soon as it’s safe, US advises citizens

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

Stating that “access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid cases”, the US government on Wednesday night (IST) advised its citizens “not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so...”

“US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now,” the US state department tweeted. “Daily direct flights to the US and flights via Paris and Frankfurt are available.”

In a separate health alert, the US embassy said, “New cases and deaths from Covid-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. Testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations. Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both Covid and non-Covid-related patients. US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space.”

The health alert said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the state department a Level 4 Travel Advisory, its highest. P 5

Rush to US: AI to run 30+ flights a week

AI will operate 32 weekly nonstop flights to the US compared to 33 in pre-Covid times, thanks to the scramble to reach there. The two big fears are that the US may shut its doors for Indians/NRIs and falling sick in India. P

Big rush to get to US, AI ups nonstops to pre-Covid level

Big rush to get to US, AI ups nonstops to pre-Covid level

People Fear US May Also Close Its Doors Like Many Others Countries

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021

Air India is soon going to operate almost as many nonstops to the US as it did in pre-pandemic times, thanks to a scramble to reach there for two main reasons.

Indians/NRIs/PIOs fear US may also close its doors for them like several others countries have done during the ongoing uncontrolled explosion of Covid cases and are rushing back. Secondly, they fear falling sick in India at a time when the healthcare system here has crumbled.AI is going to operate 32 weekly nonstops to the US by May 11, just one short of its prepandemic frequency of 33.

“India-US flights are going full (leading to high fares) with people scrambling to return. Most AI and United India-US flights till about mid-May are almost sold out,” said sources. Flights to India, on the other hand, have much lighter loads with 150-180 passengers, they added. The rush to US has seen fares jump with one-way economy India-New York often costing Rs 1.5 lakh.

Canada last Friday (April  23) suspended all passenger flights from India for 30 days. Following this, AI had to cancel all its flights to Vancouver and Toronto till May 22.

An AI spokesperson said: “Prior to discontinuation of our flights to Canada, we were operating 29 flights per week to US. We planned to increase the frequency to 30 and 32 per week from May 16 and May 18, respectively. After discontinuation of Canada flights… increase in frequency to 30 and 32 per week has been preponed to May 9 and May 11, respectively.”

International passenegers being taken for Covid test at the Chennai airport

Ahmedabad nearly under lockdown again

BREAK THE CHAIN

Ahmedabad nearly under lockdown again

Traders Fear Recovery Will Be Slower This Year

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Barring a few, most of the restrictions from last year’s lockdown have been imposed in Ahmedabad and 28 other cities and towns of Gujarat, putting trade once again in the doldrums. Roads which were normally bustling, are again deserted in broad daylight. Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases across the state, the trade community has complied and embraced the restrictions imposed by the administration. However, industry players fear that recovery in business will be much slower than last year.

“After last year’s lockdown, pent up demand did play a huge role in boosting business. However, this time, it has already taken a hit for about a month and is expected to worsen in the days to come. There is a fear factor among people at play more than anything else, as cases have not just risen exponentially but there is a severe shortage of resources too,” said Jayendra Tanna, president, Gujarat Traders Federation (GTF).

Traders expect some clarifications from the government and the civic administration on whether wholesale traders whose offices operate from their shops, can continue business. “We also expect that the government takes measures to help curb unfair competition from online players. Like other states, online platforms must be allowed to deliver only essential commodities,” said Tanna.

Deccan Chronicle Chennai

 

'Will Pave Way For My Evolution' : Madras HC Judge Decides To Have Psycho-Education Session To Understand Same-Sex Relations Better

'Will Pave Way For My Evolution' : Madras HC Judge Decides To Have Psycho-Education Session To Understand Same-Sex Relations Better: Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras HighCourt on Wednesday remarked that he is not f

Allahabad High Court Issues Show Cause Notice To State Election Commission Over Death Of 135 Panchayat Election Duty Staff Due To Covid-19

Allahabad High Court Issues Show Cause Notice To State Election Commission Over Death Of 135 Panchayat Election Duty Staff Due To Covid-19: The Allahabad High Court has taken Judicial notice of thedeath of 135 persons, who were on elect

Judge wants to learn about same sex relationships before penning judgment

Judge wants to learn about same sex relationships before penning judgment

He requests psychologist to assist him in understanding the subject

29/04/2021

Mohamed Imranullah S. CHENNAI

In an unprecedented move, a judge of the Madras High Court has decided to undergo psychoeducation before penning a judgment on same sex relationships.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh felt the words on the subject should come from his heart and not from his head. Therefore, he requested a psychologist to give him an appointment so that the professional could help him understand such relationships and pave the way for “his evolution”.

Passing interim orders on a petition filed by two young women with same sex orientation, the judge, on Wednesday, said, “Insofar as the request made by the learned counsel S. Manuraj, for the petitioners, to set out guidelines in cases of this nature is concerned, I want to give myself some more time to churn. Ultimately in this case, the words must come from my heart and not from my head, and the same will not be possible if I am not fully woke on this aspect.”

Hence, he wanted to subject himself to psychoeducation with Vidhya Dinakaran, a psychologist. “If I write an order after undergoing psychoeducation, I trust that the words will fall from my heart.”

The two women graduates from Madurai had approached the High Court last month fearing threat to their lives from their parents. They had fled home, taken refuge with a non-governmental organisation in Chennai and were looking for jobs. After holding in-camera proceedings with them and their parents, the judge found that they all required counselling by a psychologist and accordingly asked them to attend a session with Ms. Dinakaran.

After the first round of counselling, the psychologist submitted a report on Wednesday, stating that the petitioners perfectly understand the relationship between them and had absolutely no confusion in their minds.

After taking the report on file, the judge said the parents could not be expected to change their notions overnight.

Therefore, he directed them to attend one more counselling session before the case could be heard next on June 7.

Covaxin shields from B.1.617’

Covaxin shields from B.1.617’

People vaccinated with it protected against double mutant variant: study

29/04/2021

Safe bet: A health worker giving a shot of Covaxin in New Delhi. SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

R. PrasadCHENNAI

A study has found that people who have been vaccinated with Covaxin have protection against the double mutant (B.1.617) variant first found in India. A preprint of the study carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech researchers has been posted in biorXiv. Preprints are yet to be peer-reviewed and published in medical journals.

So far, 21 countries have detected the B.1.617 variant. Of those, the majority of cases has been reported from India.

The researchers used the sera collected from 28 people who had participated in the Covaxin phase-2 trial. They also collected sera samples from 17 people who were infected with older strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus and had recovered. “The study found that the neutralising capacity against the double mutant [B.1.617] variant was found to be good in both groups — people who have received the vaccine and those who have recovered from COVID-19,” say Dr. Samiran Panda, a senior scientist at ICMR and one of the co-authors of the preprint. “Compared with people who have recovered from COVID-19, the ability of the sera of vaccinated people to neutralise the B.1.617 variant was found to be two-fold less.”

An earlier study had found that Covaxin neutralises the B.1.1.7 variant first found in the U.K.

“The assurance of neutralisation of B.1.617 variant with sera of Covaxin vaccines and recovered COVID-19 sera will provide the much-needed boost for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in India,” the authors write.

Speaking to presspersons during a conference call on April 27, Dr. Antony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said: “Despite the real difficulty that we’re seeing in India, vaccination could be a very important antidote against this [variant].”

The B.1.617 variant has two mutations — E484Q and L425R — of concern. These mutations are found in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein. Though how the two mutations behave individually is well-known, the combined effect of these mutations when present together is not known. “Further studies are needed to understand the transmissibility and infectivity of the B.1.617 variant,” the authors write.

AI Express suspends flight to Kuala Lumpur

AI Express suspends flight to Kuala Lumpur

29/04/2021

Special Correspondent Tiruchi

Air India Express suspended its service on the Tiruchi-Kuala Lumpur sector from Wednesday.

The move by the State carrier followed restrictions imposed by Malaysia on incoming flights from India in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

Airport sources said Air India Express had been operating flights to the Malaysian capital from Tiruchi under the Vande Bharat Mission.

However, the service was suspended in view of the restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on flights coming from India.

Air India Express, however, continued to operate daily flights to Singapore from Tiruchi, the airport sources further added

CMCH nurses stage protest over manpower shortage

CMCH nurses stage protest over manpower shortage

29/04/2021

Nurses staging a protest at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on Wednesday.

Staff Reporter COIMBATORE

Nurses working at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Wednesday staged a protest, seeking attention of the government into severe manpower shortage. Organisers of the protest said that 320 nurses were currently working at the hospital of which 100 of them are from the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital, Coimbatore, on deputation.

According to them, the nurses were working in three shifts, taking care of the COVID-19 wards and other wards at the hospital. “The normal inpatients range from 1,100 to 1,200 at the hospital. In addition, COVID-19 patients are being treated. The current strength is insufficient and nurses are working under tremendous stress now,” said a representative. Of the existing strength, a few nurses will be on leave, including those who get tested positive for COVID-19 infection, she said. “More than 50 nurses had COVID-19 last year. Nurses are getting tested positive for the disease in the second wave, too,” a nurse said.

CMCH had 514 COVID-19 patients as per the data shared by the district administration as of Wednesday evening. CMCH Dean A. Nirmala held talks with the nurses. They said that the Dean has assured to represent their demands.

Private hospitals bear the brunt of vaccine shortage

Private hospitals bear the brunt of vaccine shortage

29/04/2021

Wilson Thomas COIMBATORE

Many private hospitals in Coimbatore have complained of shortage of COVID-19 vaccines as they are unable to administer doses to people who come for first and second jabs alike.

Some hospitals had to send back people who had come from faraway places after making registrations through the CoWIN portal.

One of the directors of a private hospital told The Hindu that it was unable to give first and second shots to people who came for vaccination on Wednesday.

“We had to return people who took the first dose of Covaxin from our centre and came for the second shot on Wednesday due to lack of supply. Covishield also ran out of stock.

The Health Department is not giving clear information regarding the supply due to which we are unable to give assurance to people,” said the director-cum-doctor.

He added that if the shortage of supply persists, the crisis will escalate from May 1 when vaccine rollout for all aged above 18 starts.

An administrative official from a private hospital in Coimbatore said that private hospitals were not getting proper communication about the registrations done through CoWIN portal.

“People come to private vaccination centres after making registration through the CoWIN portal. However, the centres are not getting details of the registrations from the central portal. The portal allows registration for vaccination from a centre when it is not having vaccine stock.

We had to send back people who had come from faraway places,” said the official.

According to the official, the hospital had returned vaccine doses to the Health Department after it demanded and they were not allotted again.

“We are having minimal stock. We have not been informed about the next allotment though we are constantly contacting the Health Department,” said a spokesperson of another hospital.

An official in the know of vaccine supply in Coimbatore district said that the stock at the main walk-in cooler of the Health Department was minimal. He added that all the districts in the State were in the wait for adequate stock of vaccines.

HC upholds enhancing minimum age for recruiting doctors to govt. service

HC upholds enhancing minimum age for recruiting doctors to govt. service

29/04/2021

Special Correspondent

The High Court of Karnataka has upheld enhancement of minimum age to 26 years from 21 years for recruiting doctors to posts of senior medical officers, specialists, and general duty medical officers in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

“There is reasonable classification and a rational nexus exists with the object sought to be achieved by amending the minimum age criteria from 21 to 26 and it is not violative of Article 14 or Article 16 of the Constitution of India,” the court held.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Pradeep Singh Yerur passed the order while dismissing the petitions filed by Vikas Gowda K.P and others who are working in government service on contract basis.

The petitioners had questioned the constitutional validity of Directorate Health and Family Welfare Services (Recruitment of Senior Medical Officer/Specialists, General Duty Medical Officers and Dental Health Officers) (Special) (Amendment) Rules, 2020.

The court said that enhancement of minimum age is based on the intelligible differentia of experience and rural service with the object to provide experienced medical service to the public.

Pointing out that a candidate joining MBBS course would be around 25 years when completing MBBS course of four-and-a-half-years, and the internship and the compulsory rural service of one year each in Karnataka, the Bench said that fixing of 26 years of age for appointment cannot be termed as arbitrary in nature.

Stating that it is the prerogative of the State government to fix age criteria for recruitment to a particular post and the courts cannot interfere, the Bench also said that one of the reason for enhancing minimum limit was to absorb doctors having rural work experience into government service.

Coimbatore couple pledges jewellery, donates 100 fans to Covid ward

Coimbatore couple pledges jewellery, donates 100 fans to Covid ward

It was a sultry Tuesday afternoon when Radha* and Chandran* visited the hospital and offered to donate 100 pedestal fans to the Covid ward.

Published: 29th April 2021 04:32 AM 

Though the couple requested to avoid publicity, Express decided to carry the photograph released by the dean as they were anyway wearing masks

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Humanity is all that counts in these times of darkness and uncertainty. While most people are actively arranging oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir drug for needy patients through social media, one couple from Coimbatore is providing relief to infectees at the ESI hospital here.

It was a sultry Tuesday afternoon when Radha* and Chandran* visited the hospital and offered to donate 100 pedestal fans to the Covid ward. The hospital administration was elated at not just their generosity, but their way of offering, for the couple had pledged their ornaments to make this donation.

M Raveendran, the dean of the hospital, told Express, “We were initially reluctant to accept the offer. But they just wouldn’t leave the premises without making the donation.” The couple had in fact, pledged gold ornaments worth Rs 2.20 lakh to buy the fans. Since Radha and Chandran were so certain about their decision, Raveendran contacted District Collector S Nagarajan, and got a go-ahead to accept the offer.

“The good samaritans also requested us to avoid publicising their contribution as they called it a favour they did for Covid patients,” said the dean. The fans donated by the couple are kept on the third floor where Covid patients are being treated.

The dean said they had recently purchased about 300 fans to be equipped in Covid wards as they are not supposed to turn on air-conditioning. “We have also requested philanthropists to come forward and donate fans,” he added. When Express contacted the couple, they said the contribution was made for patients’ welfare and refused to comment further.

However, the ESI hospital on Tuesday night, came out with a letter stating that a city-based couple had sponsored 100 pedestal fans by pledging jewellery. The couple did not have cash in hand and that is why they pledged the ornaments, the statement said.

(*Names changed)

From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Published: 28th April 2021 04:12 AM |

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The parliament and State Assembly members resigned as her son and heir apparent Rajiv Gandhi sought a fresh mandate. Soon after 1980 poll victory of AIADMK, Congress ditched its ally DMK and joined hands with the MGR’s party. They both contested as allies in 1984, and swept the polls. What helped the Congress was the sympathy for Indira Gandhi and MGR.

MGR’s party earned the unique distinction of winning Assembly polls for three consecutive times and that too when its CM candidate did not even campaign. The only campaign material for AIADMK were the visuals of MGR undergoing treatment and the funeral procession of Indira Gandhi. Also were the songs seeking MGR’s well-being. And it worked. AIADMK won 132 of the 155 seats it contested and its ally Congress won 61 of the 73. DMK was pushed to a distant third with just 24 MLAs.

The party had campaigned by placing corruption charges against the AIADMK and the massacre of Sikhs by Congressmen in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assasination. It was J Jayalalithaa who compensated for the absence of MGR by extensively campaigning for the party and this also marked a milestone in her political career. Also, for DMK leader M Karunanidhi, this period proved that despite the party losing three elections, there could not even be a word raised against his leadership.

In this tenure as the CM, MGR managed to achieve a major victory in the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. He was instrumental in signing of India-Sri Lanka accord between the then PM Rajiv Gandhi and Lankan president JR Jayewardene, aimed at resolving the Lankan civil war. For the DMK, the renewed attempt by the Congress to impose Hindi came handy to put MGR in check. The new education policy envisaged setting up of Navodaya schools where Hindi will be one of the languages taught. It was also said that the Centre was insisting that all communications with it from the States should be in Hindi.

While MGR was not very vocal in his opposition, Karunanidhi and his partymen staged massive protests. Citing the incident in which the DMK burnt copies of the section of the Constitution, 10 MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker. Karunanidhi was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail. In prison, he was given the white uniform for convicts in half trousers. His photo in the prison uniform leaked in newspapers and caused much outrage. 1986 was also an eventful year for it was in that year MGR abolished the Legislative Council. This was after his nominee, actress ‘Venniraadai’ Nirmala, could not become a member since she had declared insolvency.

DMK had subsequently tried to revive the Legislative Council and could not till date. It remains even now a poll promise of DMK. In the next year, 1987, the State was rocked by Vanniyar Sangam protests seeking exclusive reservations. Its members blocked the transport movement for about a week in northern districts and ended with police crack down, killing 13 people in firings. This was followed by talks with its representatives but no decision was taken on the issue as MGR met with a sudden death on December 24, 1987. This led to another period of turmoil.

VR Nedunchezhiyan immediately assumed as the CM. The next month, MGR’s wife Janaki Ramachandran was elected as the CM and she was sworn in. However, the party was split into two as J Jayalalithaa also laid claim to the leadership of the party. On January 28, 1988, amidst unprecedented events in the Assembly, Janaki Ramachandran won the vote of confidence with support of just 99 members. Supporters of Janaki and Jayalalithaa clashed in the Assembly and Speaker PH Pandian disqualified six supporters of Jayalalithaa.

In the afternoon session, when just 110 members were present in the house, she won the vote of confidence. However, in just two days, on January 30, the Centre dissolved the government and imposed President’s rule. Meanwhile, actor Sivaji Ganesan was upset with this move and quit Congress. He floated a new political party, Tamilaga Munnetra Munnani. After the State government was dissolved, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi frequently visited and toured across TN with the aim of reviving Congress. History showed he was not very successful in this.

Last MGR cabinet

Cabinet members of

MGR’s third regime

(1985-1987): VR

Nedunchezhiyan,

S Ramachandran,

KA Krishnaswamy,

RM Veerappan, C

Aranganayagam,

K Kalimuthu, C

Ponnaiyan, HV Hande,

S Muthusamy, S

Thirunavukkarasu,

R Soundararajan,

MR Govendhan,

Gomathi Srinivasan,

Vijayalakshmi

Palanisamy, YSM Yusuf,

KKSSR Ramachandran,

K Rajaram, VV

Swaminathan,

T Veerasamy, N

Nallusamy, Anoor

PG Jagadeesan,

T Ramasamy, A

Arunachalam

1984 POLLS

Tota l seats :234

AIADMK won : 132

(37.03% vote share)

INC: 61 (16.28%)

DMK : 24 (29.34%)

CPI : 2 (2.62%)

CPM: 5 (2.76%)

Janata: 3 (2.28%)

Gandhi Kamaraj

Congress: 2 (0.56%)

Ambedkar

Kranti Dal: 1 (0.22%)

Independents: 4

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Govt hospital lands in controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market; cost of one vial touches Rs 30K

Published: 29th April 2021 04:34 AM 

Kin of patients waiting to buy the drug at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai

By Express News Service

CHENNAI/SALEM/TIRUNELVELI: With the demand for Remdesivir soaring, and queues outside counters getting longer, TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, in a video message on Wednesday clarified that the drug is not a life-saving one and is not recommended as mandatory by the WHO.

“Unnecessary panic buying is a cause for concern. Not all patients need Remdesivir, and it does not increase one’s survival chances; it can only reduce the duration of hospital stay for symptomatic patients,” he added. Noting that all government hospitals have sufficient stock, purchased through TNMSC, he said private hospitals should not make people run pillar to post.

Meanwhile, relatives of a Covid patient, admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, alleged that the nurses had written Remdesivir in the case sheet for three days without administering it. Speaking to media, one Saravanan, said: “As soon as I raised the issue, the nurses struck out Remdesivir from the list.

When I checked other patients’ case sheets, I realised that the staff had done the same. I suspect malpractice,” he added. Express contacted a hospital authority who refuted the allegations and said the staff might have written Remdesivir “by mistake”.

As State gasps, some are busy stuffing coffers

Not very far away, in Salem, the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) landed in a controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market. A single dose is allegedly sold in Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 range in the district. The hospital administration refuted the charges but has ordered an inquiry. Hospital sources, however, admitted that the drug was being diverted to the grey market. “It is a fact that Remdesivir is sold to private hospitals in Salem and also in other districts. Records were fudged to show that it was given to in-patients.

DE BADATTA ADATTAADATTA ADATTA MA LLICK

This started in January and people involved in this are making a lot of money,” said a doctor on condition of anonymity. While officials in the district medical warehouse did not respond to questions on the stock supplied to the GMKMCH, Dr R Murugaesan, who is the dean of the hospital, said: “After assuming office, I verified availability of the drug and doses administered to patients.

There is no mismatch.” Relatives of a 70-year-old Covid patient, admitted to a private hospital, said, “The hospital told us that it did not have Remdesivir in stock and that it could be bought from the GMKMCH. When we approached them, officials told us that it was meant for in-patients only. We then got to know that the State is selling Remdesivir at Kilpauk Medical College in Chennai for Rs 1,500.

We will be going to Chennai to buy it.” Meanwhile, serpentine queues are being witnessed at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where a special counter for the sale of Remdesivir was opened on Monday. Some even fainted while standing under the scorching sun. A request from one of the treating doctors stating that the patient is receiving oxygen support, with the hospital’s name, RT-PCR positive report, CT scan report showing severe lung involvement, and Aadhaar card are mandatory to purchase the drug. T he counter will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

What is this drug for?

The treatment protocol issued by AIIMS, ICMR-Covid national task force and the joint monitoring group states Remdesivir can be used in patients with moderate to severe disease within 10 days of onset of symptoms. It is not to be used in patients not on oxygen support, or in home settings, the Health Ministry had said.

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

Prashant.Jha@timesgroup.com

Nainital:29.04.2021

The Uttarakhand high court (HC) on Wednesday took to task the state government over the Covid-19 situation, saying that the “state has become a laughing stock” over organising the Kumbh Mela in the midst of a raging pandemic.

The remarks came in the form of an oral observation from the bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma while it was hearing a bunch of PILs about the state's handling of the Covid-19 situation.

The judges also questioned the decision of going ahead with the Char Dham Yatra which is slated to begin from next month, saying that the prospect of conducting the pilgrimage in these times is “a frightening one.” The government, meanwhile, said that it will come with the SOPs for the yatra very soon.

The court also issued a series of directions after it was informed by counsels appearing for the petitioners about the shortage of beds and oxygen which is causing panic among patients and their kin.

Full report on www.toi.in

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

MISSION EXAMINATION

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

29.04.2021 

Today’s generation needs to equip itself with multiple skill sets and interest sets as that is the key to preparing for the future, said Anil Srinivasan at the twopart Facebook Live webinar Mission Examination held on Wednesday, an initiative by The Times of India and presented by Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai.

The Kalaimamani award winner and pianist, who was part of the first session on helping students of class 10, 11 and 12 stay motivated and focused in these uncertain times, also advised students to look for short term online courses to upskill. “Try this three-step formula -- create an information database; take short term courses that you are interested in; and pursue your passions.”

Education consultant Ruchi Mohunta said children need to start thinking about what they want to do when they are in class 9, then revisit their choices in class 11, and again when they are in college. “It is never too late to change your career,” she said. “Career guidance for children begins with conversations at home with parents.”

V Jayakumar, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, said he believed there is no short cut to hard work. “Put a little extra effort each day. It will translate to so much more over the months and years. For instance, I wanted to improve my English vocabulary. Every day I learn ten new words.”

In the second session on ‘Clearing your mind and destressing during uncertain times’, health and education experts shared their views and clarified doubts of viewers on how to stay motivated while locked at home and the way forward in the education system.

Psychiatrist Dr Kannan Gireesh advised plus two students waiting to write their board exams to look for patterns of negative thoughts and seek help through parents, friends or helplines to release themselves of these thoughts while they prepare for exams. “Use the diary technique to write and release your thoughts, and use peer learning to prepare for exams,” he said.

For students preparing for both board and competitive exams, Balaji Sampath, director of Ahaguru said students should spend an hour and half for school homework and consistently spend three to four daily to prepare for competitive exams. “Three hours of daily preparation is enough to top all competitive exams,” he said.

With virtual classes becoming the only option for teaching school and colleges for the last one year, Prof Vinata Sai, chairperson, Department of science and humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai, said education institutions may adopt a blended learning where students will experience both online and face to face teaching. “The initial euphoria about online classes has died down. Today we understand we have to supplant online teaching with face to face teaching. Though online classes have become an integral part of teaching, a teacher cannot be replaced,” she said.

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

Chennai:29.04.2021 

Greater Chennai Corporation will hire 150 doctors and nurses on a temporary basis in the next two days to manage crowd at triaging centres as many people flock hospitals due to the Covid-19 second wave.

The doctors will be paid ₹60,000 per month and nurses ₹15,000.

Interested candidates can walk-in directly to Ripon Buildings for the interview on April 29 and 30, with their original documents. They will not be made permanent employees. The doctors and nurses will have to work at the fever camps, screening centres and vaccination centres during the pandemic. TNN

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

Rupali.Mukherjee@timesgroup.com

29.04.2021

Facing a public outcry over pricing of Covishield, Serum Institute of India on Wednesday announced a 25% or ₹100 reduction in its price for state governments, describing it as a “philanthropic gesture”. The bad news is that at ₹300 a shot, it will still be twice what the Centre is paying. For private hospitals, the price has been left unchanged at ₹600 a shot.

The vaccine is also unlikely to be easily available in private market until September-October.

A Serum Institute official had earlier told TOI: “Owing to the complexity and urgency of the situation, it is challenging to supply it independently to each corporate entity.”

Criticism from state governments and civil society, however, seems to have forced Serum Institute to reduce prices. A news agency report had also said that the Centre has taken up the issue with Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech as both companies had raised prices.

Covaxin neutralises Indian strain: Fauci

America’s leading pandemic expert Dr Anthony Fauci said most recent data from people who received Covaxin, India’s domestically made Covid-19 vaccine, found it neutralised the 617 variant rampaging through India. “So, despite the real difficulty that we're seeing in India, vaccination could be a very, very important antidote against this virus,” Dr Fauci said at a White House briefing. P 10

Move will save countless lives, says Poonawalla

“As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from ₹400 to ₹300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives,” the company CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Wednesday, four days after defending his company’s pricing policy.

He, however, did not comment on his company’s efforts to link Centre’s procurement price with that for states. The Centre’s procurement price was around ₹150 per jab for the initial orders placed in January and March.

Covishield price in India is higher than other countries such as South Africa and Sri Lanka (around ₹390 per dose each), European Union $2.15 (around ₹160) and UN initiative, Covax $3 (around ₹225).

With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive. But manufacturers are unable to step up production.

SHOT OF HOPE: With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

Time Slots Based On Availability Of Centres: Govt

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

An enthusiastic response greeted the opening of online registrations for Covid-19 vaccination for those above 18 on Wednesday with the Co-Win platform recording over 1.23 crore registrations even though scheduling of appointments for May 1 onwards is not possible as yet.

There were more than 1 crore online registrations with 90% users registered after 4pm, when the portal began accepting 18-plus beneficiaries, a senior official said. The exact numbers of new beneficiaries would be a dynamic figure, officials said. In the first three hours (4-7 pm), 383 million API hits, initially as high as 2.7 million hits per minute, were recorded. As many as 1.45 crore SMS were successfully delivered, the health ministry said.

The registration process was accompanied by the announcement that appointments at state government centres and private centres will depend on how many vaccination centres are ready on May 1 for vaccination of 18-plus beneficiaries. Several states have indicated they may not be able to begin the 18-plus vaccination on May 1. The platform experienced initial glitches as the system was flooded with registration requests and OTPs were not received for a while. The portal, however, became accessible after a while and registrations proceeded smoothly shortly after being opened to the widest category of beneficiaries after 4pm on Wednesday.

A SHOT OF HOPE

Surge in registrations a welcome sign

Though scheduling was not possible, the surge in registrations and high interest in the younger population as evident on social media and WhatsApp conversations was a welcome sign amid concerns that fresh infections are discouraging people from getting vaccinated. It will help convince states, private hospitals and vaccine-makers that there is a demand for vaccination.

As of now, vaccinations are available in private hospitals only for 45 plus people till the end of the month. Thereafter the Centre-supported vaccine rollout for this category will be available only in government hospitals. Under the new scheme, states, private hospitals and corporates can access 50% production of Covishield and Covaxin for the 18 and above category. The intention, according to central officials, is to allow states more leeway in planning vaccinations and creating incentives for vaccine- manufacturers to boost production. The higher price at private hospitals will also allow those who can pay to reduce the load on government facilities.

So far, the vaccination drive was driven by walk-in registrations. Of the total 14.71 crore registrations so far, 9.33 crore are walk-ins, whereas 2.82 crore people are online. Around 2.55 crore health and frontline workers have also been registered by state governments. According to officials, online registrations witnessed a major jump after 4pm on Wednesday. For people between 18-44 years, online registration and booking of appointments is mandatory for receiving a vaccine against Covid-19.