Inpatients, attendants seek absentee voting facility, urge ECI to allow ballots in medical emergencies in TN

Inpatients, attendants seek absentee voting facility, urge ECI to allow ballots in medical emergencies in TN

Patients and attendants at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) pointed out that the hospital currently has around 1,200 inpatients.

Representative ImageFile Photo

R Kirubakaran

Updated on:

25 Mar 2026, 10:46 am

COIMBATORE: Inpatients and their attendants at hospitals are demanding the introduction of absentee voting facilities, which will allow voters who cannot physically reach their designated polling booths on election day to cast their votes.

Patients and attendants at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) pointed out that the hospital currently has around 1,200 inpatients. With each patient accompanied by at least one attendant, the total number of potential voters at the hospital exceeds 2,500.

Similar situations exist across hundreds of government and private medical facilities in every district. They urged the Election Commission to consider options such as postal ballots or mobile voting booths for such cases. They requested that these provisions be introduced at least for future elections.

As an immediate measure, they suggested setting up temporary polling booths in a safe, accessible location near hospital premises (wherever possible) so that attendants and patients can vote without leaving the hospital vicinity.

"Postal voting is currently restricted to specific categories like armed forces personnel, government employees, senior citizens above 85 years, and persons with disabilities. There is no general absentee voting system in place. This makes it extremely difficult for many people admitted in hospitals," said M Shobana Devi, a PhD scholar from Pollachi.

"I am here to take care of my mother who has undergone cardiac surgery. My village is not very far, but I cannot leave her alone. If there was a provision for postal voting or hospital-based voting or nearby for people stuck in medical emergencies, it would help thousands like us," she added.

Similarly, M Shanmuganathan (42), a patient from Tiruppur district and an active political worker, also expressed disappointment. "I was actively involved in election campaigning until a week ago. Now, I am admitted here for treatment. I brought all necessary documents hoping to avail the postal ballot facility, but the hospital staff said no such option is given for patients. If my health permits, I am ready to go anywhere to vote.

However, setting up mobile polling booths at or near hospital premises would allow many patients and their attendants to cast their votes."

He said that while even smaller hospitals handle at least 100 inpatients, large multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals often have over 1,000 patients at a time. Most inpatients are accompanied by family members who also stay with them on Election Day leaving their voting right underutilised.

The demand was also raised at the recent all-party meeting convened by the Election Commission at the Coimbatore Collectorate, where several political parties proposed voting facilities for inpatients and their attendants.

R Vellai Nataraj, a member of the Healthcare Beneficiaries Welfare Committee at the Government District Headquarters Hospital, Coimbatore, said that many countries have successfully implemented absentee voting systems. "In Coimbatore district alone, there are around 3,000 inpatients in government hospitals, and several thousand more in private hospitals. While we add their attendants huge number of voters is unable to cast their votes in every election. Practical challenges involved in it but the issue cannot be ignored," he said.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, several states made special arrangements for patients to vote, but it was held at the common polling booths. Similarly, the Election Commission can set up secure mobile polling booths near hospitals in the future," he added.

When asked, a senior official from the Election Cell said "We have received this demand from many political parties. The election commission should take decision on it. Moreover offering voting provisions to the admitted patients is not easily implementable."

Non-medical staff at Ranipet GH stitches wounds of patient, inquiry ordered

Non-medical staff at Ranipet GH stitches wounds of patient, inquiry ordered

Local sources alleged that despite the presence of a doctor and a nurse at the hospital, the wound was stitched by the sanitation worker.

A video grab of a multipurpose health worker stitching the wound at Kalavai government hospital

Nimisha S Pradeep

05 Jan 2026, 7:33 am

RANIPET: A multipurpose health worker (MPHW) at Kalavai Government Hospital allegedly stitched up a patient’s wounds on Saturday night, raising concern regarding patients’ safety in government hospitals. It was done allegedly at the instance of a doctor, who had her hands full at the time.

The incident came to light after a video clip started circulating on social media. In the clip, a female health worker, Kalaiselvi, is seen stitching up a patient’s hand wounds. The patient, Pandian, a native of Kalavaiputhur, had met with a minor accident while travelling on his bike and had gone to the GH for treatment.

Local sources alleged that despite the presence of a doctor and a nurse at the hospital, the wound was stitched by the sanitation worker. An MPHW is usually tasked with several activities, including shifting the patients, helping during admission or discharge, cleaning the wards and toilets, carrying files and assisting nurses and doctors during emergencies.

A health department official in Ranipet told TNIE that a complaint has reached the department and an inquiry has been scheduled for Monday. Disciplinary action would be taken against the staff involved. “At the time of the incident, another emergency accident case had also come. So the doctor and the nurse had to attend to it. Hence the doctor directed the hospital worker to stitch the wounds.”

The official added that hospital workers also learn a lot while assisting medical staff. “However, it was not right on the part of the doctor to direct the work to the hospital worker as they are trained to only assist doctors and nurses and not for performing stitches. An X-ray was taken after the procedure by the doctor to confirm the patient was fine,” the official said, adding that the Kalavai GH was a hospital with minimal resources.

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

 Ramyasre.N@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Chennai : If you're under 40, have pre-existing health conditions and feel a slight discomfort around your heart, doctors now recommend a quick two-minute CT scan. The non-invasive diagnostic test that uses CT imaging to detect and measure calcium deposits in the heart vessels. This can help evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks. 

The department of radiology at the TN Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital launched the facility recently. The scan is priced at ₹500, while its equivalent in private hospitals costs at least three times more. A calcium score below 100 is normal, 100-400 indicates mild risk, and above 400 signals severe disease needing immediate care. “The calcium scan is a preliminary test and can be followed by ECG, ECHO, or coronary angiogram for detailed diagnosis,” said Dr J Chezhian, head of radiology. 

The test, previously done on a need basis, was made a standalone service for two reasons, says head of cardiology Dr Mary Majella: “It helps patients who can’t undergo treadmill tests due to disability or hypertension. Also, we’ve seen a sharp rise in heart disease after COVID.” A five-year study from 2018 to 2023 by the hospital’s cardiology department found 10,842 cases of serious coronary disease, including 2,457 patients aged between 18 and 45. “Before COVID, around 300 young patients were reported each year. In 2021, it rose to 480, and in 2022, to 564,” said Dr Majella. Patients are already visiting from outside TN. “In Tirupati, I was quoted ₹7,000 for the same test. Here, including travel, I spent less than ₹2,000,” said one patient

‘Birth control device inserted without consent of patient’

‘Birth control device inserted without consent of patient’

 Kushagra.Dixit@timesofindia.com 17.09.2025

New Delhi : A woman who delivered a baby at the municipal corporation’s Kasturba Hospital in old Delhi in July recently discovered that doctors had inserted a birth control device without informing her or her family and without her consent. 

“I delivered a healthy baby girl on July 28 through Caesarean section and was discharged in the first week of Aug,” said Sinky Rajouria, a first-time mother. “Things were okay until recently when I began feeling pain. I then found a thread hanging out of my body. I told my mother about it and we realised it was from a copper T device. 

We were shocked since I hadn’t asked for it nor was I informed about its insertion.” According to Pawan Singh Rajouria, Sinky’s husband, the thread created great discomfort, so they visited the hospital on Monday. “The OPD doctor told us that he didn’t have the tool to sever the thread and asked us to come back the following day. So we went back on Tuesday, only to be told the doctor was in the operation theatre. But after waiting for her for some time, the doctor came to tell us that we should get the condition treated in a private hospital,” said Pawan, a resident of Usmanpur. 

When the doctor asked if they intended to follow up the matter at Kasturba Hospital, Sinky said that she was scared of what had happened and was in favour of getting the device removed in another hospital. Pawan alleged, “I went to discuss the whole issue with the hospital’s medical superintendent, who heard me out briefly but soon dismissed me. Also, she didn’t ask me file an application or a complaint.” The medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital did not offer any comments on the matter to TOI . MCD too did not respond to TOI’s queries. 

The patient’s family were unhappy about the illegal insertion of the birth-control device, the couple being mistreated in the hospital, being denied treatment for the condition that the hospital itself had created and being told to go to a private facility to resolve the problem. 

KGMU docs treat teen boy with rare tummy disorder

KGMU docs treat teen boy with rare tummy disorder 

Vivek.Chauhan@timesofindia.com  22.07.2025

Lucknow : A 14-year-old boy from eastern UP, suffering from a rare and painful stomach disorder, was successfully treated at KGMU. The boy was diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie’s syndrome. In this condition, part of the small intestine, called the duodenum, gets squeezed between two blood vessels. For over six months, the boy was in pain every time he ate, so he almost stopped eating. 

His body mass index (BMI) dropped to 12.5, far below the normal range of 18.5-25 for boys his age, putting him at serious risk of malnutrition. Faculty at the surgery department, Prof Saumya Singh, who led the treatment, said that SMA syndrome is very rare and is often hard to identify because its symptoms are similar to common stomach issues. Dr Singh said, “Usually, women in their 40s get SMA syndrome. But due to its low occurrence, it is often misdiagnosed, and people keep popping painkillers just for relief. 

We see this condition rarely — perhaps one case in three years.” Dr Saumya said the boy underwent a surgery called ‘Strong’s Procedure’ on June 10. Within a few days, the boy started eating again and began to recover quickly. The operation was supported by head of paediatric surgery, Prof JD Rawat, Prof JK Kushwaha and junior doctors Dr Swapnil Singh and Dr Pankaj Kumar. The anaesthesia team, led by Prof MP Khan and Dr Ayushi, ensured the child’s safety during the risky procedure. KGMU vice chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand praised the team.

சென்னை ராஜீவ் காந்தி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி முதல்வர் தேரணி ராஜன் மாற்றம்!

சென்னை ராஜீவ் காந்தி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி முதல்வர் தேரணி ராஜன் மாற்றம்!

 DIN Published on: 25 ஏப்ரல் 2025, 6:44 pm Updated on: 25 ஏப்ரல் 2025, 6:44 pm 

சென்னை: சென்னை ராஜீவ் காந்தி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி முதல்வராக இருந்த தேரணி ராஜன் பணியிட மாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

மருத்துவக் கல்வி கூடுதல் இயக்குநராக இருந்த டாக்டர் கே சாந்தாராம், சென்னை மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி முதல்வராக பணியிட மாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

சென்னை ராஜீவ் காந்தி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி முதல்வராக இருந்த தேரணி ராஜன், மருத்துவக் கல்வி மற்றும் ஆராய்ச்சி இயக்குநரகத்தின் கூடுதல் இயக்குநராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

 Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

etimes.in | Apr 9, 2025, 04.00 PM IST

Have you ever been taken aback by a life lesson that a doctor taught you? Here's one such lesson taught by Dr Sudhir Kumar who recently shared an incident that talks about self-care in volumes.

Dr Sudhir Kumar's post on social media talks about self-care and why it is important. In a country, where there are few doctors to attend to hundreds and thousands of patients, Dr Kumar's post is a lesson for all the doctors who find less time to take care of themselves. The life of doctors in India is a mix of dedication, pressure, and purpose. From long, demanding study years to intense hospital shifts, their journey is filled with sacrifice. Many work extended hours, often in overcrowded hospitals with limited resources, especially in public healthcare.

"A few days back while running, a person on his two-wheeler stopped beside me, and requested a follow-up consultation (he had consulted me about six weeks earlier). I requested him to consult me at hospital. When he visited me at the hospital a few days later, he was upset that I gave more importance to running that doing a follow-up consultation (on the road). I told him: I care about my health and there is a proper place (and time) for medical consultation. He was still not convinced with my explanation," Dr Kumar has posted on social media platform X.

"I remember my train journeys from CMC Vellore (Tamil Nadu) to Bokaro (Bihar, now Jharkhand) in 90s. Journey was about 40 hours+. The moment co-passengers got to know that I am a doctor, the entire journey would become a place for consultation, second opinion, and all sorts of medical advice. Later on, when asked about my job during journeys, I used to say, I work as an office assistant," he writes.

Netizens and fellow doctors were quick to respond.

"I stopped using Dr as a prefix when I was awoken from sleep to tend to a train passenger. No 'thank you' followed. Responding to requests of air hostesses to rush to a hypoglycaemic patient and keep sitting beside him thro the journey, I expected gratitude," one X user has commented.

"It happens in family weddings as well. We have a cousin who is a doctor. Whenever we all assemble for a wedding in that city, each one of us discuss our health issues to get some solutions or ideas on how to proceed, especially oldies," writes another.

Read the post here:

Why self-care is less talked about in medical profession?

In the medical profession, self-care often takes a backseat due to the deeply ingrained culture of self-sacrifice and constant service. From the earliest stages of training, doctors are taught to prioritize patients above all else. Long hours, minimal sleep, and emotional detachment are often seen as badges of honor—symbols of dedication. As a result, many healthcare professionals internalize the belief that taking care of their own well-being is a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.

The fear of judgment or stigma plays a role. Admitting to stress, anxiety, or burnout may be perceived as incompetence or an inability to cope with the pressures of the job. This discourages open conversations about mental health and self-care within the medical community.

Systemic issues also contribute. Overburdened hospitals, staff shortages, and the relentless demand for care leave little time or space for self-care practices. Even institutional policies often fail to address the wellness needs of healthcare workers.

The irony is stark: those trained to heal others often neglect themselves. However, this relentless commitment can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and mental burnout. Long working hours, sleep deprivation, emotionally charged situations, and the constant pressure to perform flawlessly take a toll on their overall well-being. This is why self-care is not a luxury for doctors—it’s a necessity.

Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and moments of rest and reflection are essential to sustain their energy and focus. Mental health support, mindfulness practices, and taking breaks from high-pressure environments allow them to process stress and prevent compassion fatigue.

When doctors take care of themselves, they’re more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle the demands of their profession. A well-rested, emotionally balanced doctor is less prone to errors and more capable of forming meaningful connections with patients.

Can seagrass treat liver cancer?

 Can seagrass treat liver cancer? 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 07.04.2025

Chennai : Researchers from the University of Madras have found that emodin, a natural compound extracted from seagrass, demonstrates promising results in treating liver cancer. Currently, treatment is mainly surgical removal, organ transplantation, and localised therapies, only effective during the early to middle stages. Researchers obtained emodin from Halodule uninervis, a seagrass variety found in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameswaram. They collec ted samples across autumn, winter, spring, and summer. “Seagrass from the spring season (March) exhibited the highest phytoconstituents and demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth of liver cancer cells (HepG2),” researchers stated in their paper “Understanding the molecular mechanism of emodin in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma: An in vitro and in vivo approach”, recently published in the ‘Chemical Papers’ journal. “A ladder pattern of DNA fragments was observed in cancer cells treated with emodin, but not in untreated cells. This DNA ladder pattern is characteristic of apoptosis, indicating that emodin induces programmed cancer cell death,” said professor S Elumalai, lead author of the paper. The researchers observed that emodin treatment successfully reduced size and number of tumour nodules. Mice getting emodin treatment showed varying degrees of liver structure restoration. “The recovery highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy of emodin in restoring liver function and structure in the context of chemically induced liver cancer,” Elumalai said. The research team included Parthasarathi Perumal and Umamaheswari Arthanari. Further studies should examine emodin absorption, movement through the body, and possible combined effects with existing liver cancer treatments to enhance clinical use. Hepatocellular carcinoma is among the six most frequently diagnosed cancers globally. Risk factors include long-term alcohol use, consuming aflatoxin-contaminated foods, metabolic conditions, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Decoding generic medicines

Decoding generic medicines

 GENERIC MEDICINES OFFER THE SAME EFFECTIVENESS AS BRANDED DRUGS AT A LOWER COST. UNDERSTANDING THEIR COMPOSITION, BENEFITS, AND REGULATORY STANDARDS HELPS CONSUMERS MAKE INFORMED HEALTHCARE CHOICES, ENSURING AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TREATMENT FOR

ALL C-Sindhu.V@timesofindia.com  07.04.2025

In the world of healthcare, branding plays a crucial role, particularly in pharmaceuticals. However, many people do not realise that medicines with the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have identical therapeutic effects, whether they are branded or generic. Understanding this distinction is essential, especially in a country like India, where access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge. Here’s a closer look at what generic medicines is, why they matter, and how they work. W

HAT ARE GENERIC MEDICINES? Every medicine available in the market consists of chemical compounds that have been scientifically tested and proven to treat specific conditions. For example, paracetamol is commonly used to reduce fever, while ibuprofen, aspirin, or codeine act as pain relievers. Branded pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in marketing, packaging, and distribution, which increases the cost of these medicines. In contrast, generic medicines contain the same active ingredients but do not involve additional expenses related to branding and advertising. As a result, they are much more affordable while maintaining the same effectiveness as their branded counterparts.

WHY DO GENERIC MEDICINES MATTER? Governments and healthcare authorities worldwide encourage pharmacies to stock generic medicines to create an affordable healthcare ecosystem. Generic medicines undergo the same rigorous approval process as branded drugs, ensuring that they meet the required safety, quality, and efficacy standards. 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 1/3 India, with its vast population, has a significant percentage of people living on daily wages or limited incomes. Many individuals struggle to afford high-priced branded medicines, making generic drugs a crucial alternative. They are available in various dosages and formulations, ensuring that people from all economic backgrounds have access to essential medicines.

DO GENERIC MEDICINES WORK AS WELLAS BRANDED ONES?

Experts confirm that both contain identical APIs in the same volume and ratio, making them equally effective. The only difference lies in branding, packaging, and marketing. According to K Suresh Kumar, who runs a generic medicine pharmacy, says, “Despite their proven efficacy, generic med icines often face scepticism. Many people associate quality with price, believing that expensive medicines must be superior. But this perception is largely influenced by marketing rather than scientific evidence.”

REGULATIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES

According to Padma B S, retired associate director of pharmaceutical services, generic medicines undergo strict regulatory scrutiny before they reach the market. “The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), led by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), enforces strict safety and efficacy standards for generic medicines, ensuring their reliability and building consumer confidence in their use. Manufacturers must prove that their generic versions are bioequivalent to branded drugs, meaning they work in the same way and produce the same effects,” she explains. In addition to regulatory approvals, generic medicines undergo stability testing to ensure they remain effective under different environmental conditions. This guarantees that patients receive safe and reliable medication, whether they opt for a branded or generic version.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE GENERIC MEDICINES

As healthcare costs continue to rise, the demand for affordable treatment options is growing. Both central and state governments are trying to provide medicines through their pharmacies at discounted rates. By choosing generic medicines wisely, patients can save money without compromising on quality, ensuring that good health remains within everyone’s reach. Dr Sunil Kumar concludes, “Generic medicines are not just an alternative to branded drugs— they are an essential part of an inclusive healthcare system. By understanding what they are, why they matter, and how they work, patients can make informed choices that prioritise both their health and finances.

” 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 2/3 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read

If poor don’t get free treatment at Apollo, will hand it over to AIIMS, warns Supreme Court

If poor don’t get free treatment at Apollo, will hand it over to AIIMS, warns Supreme Court

The Supreme Court asked the Central and Delhi governments to set up a joint inspection team to “find out if poor people are being treated there or this land has been grabbed for private interest”.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | Updated: March 27, 2025 05:58 IST

The bench also asked them to inform it of the existing total bed strength of the hospital and sought records of OPD patients for the past five years.

The Supreme Court has warned the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi that it will ask the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to take over its management if it does not fulfill its commitment in the lease agreement to provide free treatment to poor patients. “If we find out that poor people are not provided free treatment, we will hand over the hospital to AIIMS,” a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N K Singh cautioned on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court asked the Central and Delhi governments to set up a joint inspection team to “find out if poor people are being treated there or this land has been grabbed for private interest”.

“Discuss the matter at the highest level, and if need be, we will ask AIIMS to run the hospital,” the court said. The hospital has been given four weeks to submit a report.

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The bench was hearing an appeal filed by Indraprastha Medical Corporation Limited (IMCL), which runs the hospital, challenging an order dated September 22, 2009, by the Delhi High Court, which said that “there has been hardly any implementation of the conditions of the agreement providing for free treatment to indoor and outdoor patients” as it cited “reports which clearly show that the IMCL has flouted the conditions with impunity”.

As per the agreement establishing the hospital, it was stipulated that it shall provide free facilities of medical diagnostic and other necessary care to not less than 1/3rd of the total capacity of 600 beds and to provide free of cost full medical diagnostic and other necessary facilities to 40% of the patients attending OPD of the hospital.

The All India Lawyers Union had approached the High Court alleging that this was being flouted.

The High Court asked the hospital “to provide one-third of the free beds i.e. 200 beds with adequate space and necessary facilities to the indoor patients and also to make necessary arrangements for free facilities to 40% of the outdoor patients.”

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Hearing the appeal against the High Court order on Tuesday, the Supreme Court orally remarked that the hospital — built on 15 acres of land given on a symbolic lease of just Re 1 — was to be run on a ‘no profit and no loss’ formula but has instead turned into a purely commercial venture where the poor can hardly afford treatment.

The IMCL counsel told the bench that it was being run as a joint venture and the government of NCT of Delhi has 26% shareholding and had also benefited from the earnings.

“If the Delhi government is earning profit from the hospital instead of taking care of the poor patients, it is the most unfortunate thing,” Justice Kant said. The Supreme Court noted that the land on which the hospital was built was given on a 30-year lease, which was to expire in 2023, and asked the Centre and Union Health Ministry to find out if the same had been renewed and to explain “if the lease deed has not been renewed, what lawful recourse has been initiated for restoration of government land”.

The bench also asked them to inform it of the existing total bed strength of the hospital and sought records of OPD patients for the past five years.

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“The affidavit will explain how many poor patients on the recommendation of the state authorities were provided indoor and outdoor treatment in the last five years,” the court said, allowing the hospital to explain its stand in an affidavit.

© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd

Students demand safety after medical intern is left injured in clash

Students demand safety after medical intern is left injured in clash 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.03.2025

Chennai : Two days after a medical intern at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in KK Nagar was injured in a clash with the housekeeping and security staff, students —undergraduates and postgraduates — went on a protest on Saturday, demanding safety on campus. The protest, which began at 8am, lasted more than four hours. Students ended it after the management issued a four-page circular promising further inquiry into the incident and enhanced security for students. On Friday, the MGR Nagar police registered a case and arrested housekeeping staff member A P Balajeevagan, who was produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody. Hospital sources said the security and housekeeping staff stopped a food delivery agent from entering the campus at 11:30pm on Thursday as it was beyond “permitted hours”.

Following this, the intern who had ordered the food, Alfred, argued with Balajeevagan and five other security staff as one of the students recorded them. In the video sent to media, Alfred is seen asking who ordered them to prevent students from ordering food late at night. The arguments turned into a fistfight, and Balajeevagan was seen beating Alfred. Alfred was not available for comment. “Alfred has blunt injuries on his shoulder. He is being treated at the hospital,” hospital dean Dr Kalidas Chavan said. “Preliminary enquiries revealed the intern was beaten. We terminated the housekeeping and security staff. The agencies that employed them gave us a copy of the termination letters. We also filed a police complaint and initiated an internal enquiry into the incident. 

A three-member committee headed by the medical superintendent will inquire into the incident,” he said. The college had asked the security to not permit outsiders, including food delivery agents, on campus after 10:30pm for security reasons, he said. Senior professors said they counselled students and promised legal action against those who hurt Alfred. Meanwhile, students said the management gave them a copy of the letters from two agencies — Urekha Security Agency Private Limited, which terminated H Anwer Basha, R Durai Raj, S Uthirapathy, N Ramamoorthy, and S Durai from services, and from Alert Security Services, which relieved Balajeevagan due to “administrative reasons.”

Govt faces scrutiny over purchase of medicines without issuing tenders

Govt faces scrutiny over purchase of medicines without issuing tenders

 Min Says All Procedures Duly Followed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 21.03.2025

Jaipur : Govt’s response to a starred question by Congress MLA Rafeek Khan Thursday showed that SN Medical College in Jodhpur purchased medicines worth Rs 5 crore in 2024-25 without going through the mandatory tendering process while medicine supplies worth Rs 28.5 crore were obtained through tenders. 

Responding to Khan’s question on the methods deployed to purchase medicines and healthcare equipment, health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said medical colleges and departments follow established regulations for purchases. He said that due to emergency reasons, purchases are sometimes made without tenders. Khimsar assured Khan that any complaints regarding irregularity will be thoroughly investigated. He promised to forward detailed information on this to Khan.

Khimsar’s written response clarified that some medicines were purchased without tenders from cooperative consumer centres and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi centres, and also locally for amounts under Rs 10,000. Urgent requirements necessitated some equipment purchases without tenders, he added. The medical department’s tender-based procurement for 2024-25 (until Feb 28) included medicines worth Rs 1,366.7 crore and equipment worth Rs 110.9 crore (until March 3). Khimsar announced that the IPD Tower at SMS Hospital in Jaipur will be completed and ready for commissioning by 2028, while the Cardiac Tower is expected to become operational in 3-4 months. The cardiac building at SMS Hospital will be operational within three to four months and offer cardiac services. The 28-storey IPD tower’s completion is scheduled for 2028

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’ 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

New Delhi : Prolonged use of steroid-based inhalers for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, continuous application of nasal sprays for allergies, and steroid-containing skin creams for allergic reactions and cosmetic purposes may lead to glaucoma, doctors at AIIMS have observed. They have highlighted the issue and advised regular eye check-ups, indicating that early identification significantly improves the chances of vision preservation. Glaucoma is a persistent eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss or blindness. Dr Tanuj Dada, professorin-charge of the glaucoma unit, emphasised the significance of timely detection. “Glaucoma is known as the thief of vision because it has no symptoms until significant damage occurs. 

After 40, regular check-ups every 1-2 years are essential, even if your vision seems fine.” Dr Dada also cautioned against steroid misuse for children who are often prescribed steroid eye drops by unqualified persons, resulting in glaucoma. He explained that they frequently encountered young children with eye allergies, particularly those from Rajasthan affected by sand-related allergic reactions. These children, when experiencing eye irritation and redness, often get medicines from chemists or seek assistance from unqualified practitioners. Although the immediate allergy symptoms and redness may subside, some children later develop glaucoma. Students sustaining eye injuries from sports equipment such as balls or shuttlecocks during playground activities should also undergo regular eye examinations as these injuries could progress to glaucoma after 10-20 years. The doctor also warned against the use of skin whitening creams that mostly contain steroids. According to doctors, the research also linked stress to glaucoma, with meditation and breathing exercises showing potential benefits.

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp 

3.2CM BONE DAMAGED RUBY’S OESOPHAGUS 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.03.2025

Mumbai : A dinner treat turned into a misadventure for Kurla’s Shaikh family. On Feb 3, Ruby Shaikh (name changed), a 34-year-old woman juggling a seven-year-old daughter, a six-monthold son and four in-laws, was enjoying a rare treat — chicken biryani from a local restaurant. Little did she know that a chicken bone would take her on a month-long medical journey that would baffle doctors. The modestly priced biryani left Ruby’s husband, a supervisor in a local factory, with an ₹8 lakh bill, though the hospital later halved it through donations. The 3.2cm chicken bone that damaged Ruby’s oesophagus was extracted on Feb 8. But when doctors at Criticare Asia Hospital began the throat procedure, it vanished from its initial position (C4-C5 vertebral discs). X-ray and ultrasound examinations couldn’t find it in the chest or abdomen. A CT scan, performed while the patient was intubated, revealed its unexpected upward movement to the nasopharynx, the topmost part of the throat. 

The operation lasted eight hours instead of two hours. Immediately after choking on Feb 3, Ruby arrived at the hospital where an X-ray scan showed a foreign object in her neck. Moved upwards, 

 Due to effect of anaesthesia, bone moved upwards: Doc 

Ruby refused CT scans and admission but returned two days later with fever, high blood pressure, and oral infection. This time, through endoscopy and CT scans, doctors found the foreign body in the cervical oesophagus, having caused bilateral perforations. ENT surgeon Dr Sanjay Helale said, “Scans carried out before the surgery revealed the bone was still in the earlier position.” He chose an open surgery as the bone was close to the carotid artery to the brain and the patient’s perforated food pipe needed repair. “Perhaps due to manipulations of the oesophagus during dissection or due to the effect of anaesthesia, the bone moved upwards,” said Dr Helale, who plans to send the case to a medical journal for publication. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, head of the surgery department at J J Hospital, Byculla, said the movement from the food pipe back to the throat was unusual. 

Ruby, who was fed through a tube for weeks, has meanwhile told her husband that she will not eat biryani or cook it.

84 drug batches fail quality test, commonly used antacids, diabetes meds among them

84 drug batches fail quality test, commonly used antacids, diabetes meds among them 

24.02.2025

New Delhi : As many as 84 batches of drugs, including some commonly-prescribed steroids and cholesterol-lowering drugs, were found to be ‘not-of-standard quality’ in the latest round of inspections carried out by the drug control authorities across country. CDSCO, which is the apex body responsible for approval of new drugs & clinical trials, has issued an alert regarding this.

 It issues alerts about nonstandard quality drugs being sold in the market monthly. According to its latest data, for Dec 2024, they found 84 batches of drugs manufactured by various firms to be of ‘not-of-standard quality’ (NSQ). This includes some of the drugs prescribed for common conditions such as acidity, high levels of cholesterol, diabetes and bacterial infections among others. Identification of drug samples as NSQ is done based on failure of the drug sample in one or the other specified quality parameters. 

The failure is specific to the drug products of the batch tested by govt, officials said. “This action of identifying NSQ and spurious medicines is taken on a regular basis in collaboration with state regulators to ensure that these drugs are identified & removed from the market,” they added. Recently, CDSCO introduced new guidelines for inspections. It stated all drug inspectors in the country should collect at least 10 samples in a month; nine samples of drugs and one sample of cosmetics/ medical device. TNN

HC notices to govt over lack of quality for patho tests, labs

HC notices to govt over lack of quality for patho tests, labs 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.02.2025

Bhopal/Jabalpur : A division bench of the MP high court issued notices to the central and state govt in response to a petition seeking quality standards for chemicals used in pathological tests. The petitioner stated that there are no standards fixed regarding the chemicals used in pathological tests, and the test results could be erratic if the quality of chemicals used is not proper. 

The petitioner in the case, Advocate Amitabh Gupta, said that different chemicals are used in various pathological tests to obtain results, and if the quality of chemicals is not good, the test results would not be accurate. 

In 2009, a commission formed in this connection was asked to fix standards for chemicals to be used to obtain pathological test results, but after a lapse of so many years, the standards have not yet been deci- ded and practised. This makes the credibility of the tests results suspect.

 Besides, only a few pathological labs have affiliation with NABL. Gupta, arguing the case himself, said that he filed the petition in 2015 and requested the court to find out from NABL regarding steps it has taken to make pathological test reports more credible, fix standards for chemicals to be used, and ensure pathology labs obtain NABL affiliation. After preliminary arguments, the bench of Chief Justice S K Kait and Justice Vivek Jain issued notices to the state and central govt.

Device to treat pain in cancer patients AT RGGGH

Device to treat pain in cancer patients AT RGGGH 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  16.02.2025

Chennai : A radiofrequency ablation (RFA) device, used to treat chronic pain in the neck, back, and joints, particularly in cancer patients, was inaugurated at Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. Funded by a donation from the administrator general and official trustee (AGOT), it was dedicated to the public by Justice S S Sundar. 

RFA therapy uses heat to destroy nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals to the brain. “RFA is considered when other methods of treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy, are not successful,” said health minister Ma Subramanian. The procedure involves inserting a needle-like probe into the target area, where radiofrequency waves generate heat to destroy the nerve tissue. “This therapy can cost up to ₹1 lakh in private hospitals. Patients at RGGH who found no relief from drugs such as morphine will now benefit from this,” he added. 

RGGH dean Dr E Thera-nirajan said the hospital submitted a request and made a presentation to the govt seeking funds for the RFA device. The AGOT board granted ₹42 lakh for the purchase. “RFA is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat a variety of conditions. Patients are likely to be pain-free for at least one year,” he said. The equipment can also be used to shrink or destroy tumours in vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Additionally, i t is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) by destroying small areas of heart tissue-causing the irregularities. “It is performed under local anaesthesia, and patients can usually go home the same day,” he said.

Oncologists discuss latest developments in cancer care at Wellness Series webinar

Oncologists discuss latest developments  in cancer care at Wellness Series webinar

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

To mark World Cancer Day, The Hindu Wellness Series, in association with Kauvery Hospitals organised a webinar on ‘Advancements in Cancer Care’.

Three experts — A.N. Vaidhyswaran, senior consultant and director of radiation oncology at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai; Indhuja M.V., consultant medical oncologist at Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, and B. Anis, consultant surgical oncologist at Kauvery Hospital, Tiruchi — spoke about the latest developments in radiation, medical, and surgical oncology. Dr. Vaidhyswaran, who spoke about the cancer trends in the country, said breast cancer is the most common cancer in India and that lung cancer is more widespread in the west.

He also elaborated on the radiation therapy and spoke about the advancements in it, a press release said.

Dr. Indhuja said: “Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, and this method helps analyse those changes.” She also spoke about immunotherapy, Adoptive T-Cell Therapy and Targeted Therapy, which greatly help in improving cancer treatment.

Dr. Anis said, traditionally, during the cancer surgeries, removal of the affected organs, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, and this often resulted in complications.

“While surgery remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, medical interventions such as chemotherapy play an equally crucial role,” he said.

Watch the full video here: bit.ly/40Htg35

Eight patients at govt. hospital develop allergic reactions, one dies

Eight patients at govt. hospital develop allergic reactions, one dies

The Hindu Bureau

Salem 01.02.2025

Eight patients admitted to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) developed allergicreactions after they were administered salineto the patients on Thursday night.

While one patient died, hospital authorities denied that the death was caused by the saline.

Doctors injected saline into the patients at around 9 p.m. on Thursday night at the male surgery ward.

By around 11 p.m., eight patients developed allergic reactions and their relatives alerted the doctors.

The hospital’s dean, Dr. J. Devi Meenal, along with a medical team, transferred the affected patients to the Hybrid Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the super-specialty building for treatment.

The affected patients are Venugopal (40), a resident of Mangalapuram in Namakkal district, Manoj (28), a resident of Nagalur in Dharmapuri district; Manoharan (64), a resident of Erode district, Ramesh (45), a resident of Deevattipatti in Salem district, Rajaram (27), a migrant worker, Anbalagan (40), a resident of Kamalapuram in Salem district, and Murugaesan (54), a resident of Vazhapadi in Salem district.

At midnight, Venugopal died at the hospital.

However, hospital authorities denied that his death was caused by the allergic reaction, stating that he had multiple underlying health conditions.

‘Others stable’

Dr. Devi Meenal assured that the same saline solution had been used on several patients across the hospital and that all other affected individuals remained stable.

Sources at GMKMCH reported that Health Minister Ma. Subramanian inquired about the incident, and doctors were instructed to cease using that specific batch of saline. A pharmacovigilance team will investigate the saline.

Mystery illness kills 17 in J&K, Centre sends team

Mystery illness kills 17 in J&K, Centre sends team 

Members To Ascertain Causes Of Mass Deaths 

Sanjay Khajuria | TNN 20.01.2024

Jammu : The spectre of the “mystery illness” continued to haunt residents of Badhaal village in J&K’s Rajouri, with the sixth child of Mohammad Aslam succumbing to the disease at a hospital in Jammu on Sunday, taking the total toll to 17 since Dec 2024, even as an inter-ministerial team from Delhi reached Rajouri to take stock. 

Aslam, who had lost five of his children till Friday, witnessed the death of his sixth and last child, Yasmeena Akhtar Jan (16). She was admitted to a hospital in Rajouri last Sunday from where she was referred to Jammu on Monday. Principal of Govt Medical College and Associated Hospital (GMC&AH) in Jammu, Ashutosh Gupta, told mediapersons that her condition was critical from Day 1 . With this, Aslam has lost four daughters, two sons and his maternal uncle and aunt in a span of a week after they had taken meal at a ‘fatiha’ — a memorial ceremony — organised in memory of Fazal Hussain and Robia Kousar (both 14), Farhana Kousar (9) Raftar (5) and Rukhsar (11) who died on Dec 7 during treatment after being affected by this mysterious dis ease. Earlier, in the wake of deaths in two families in the month of Dec 2024, the directorate of health services under the Union health ministry had sent a team of experts from premier medical institutions, including a team from Indian Council of Medical Research. Equipped with a Mobile Laboratory Vehicle, the team had camped at Kote-ranka to investigate the cases and deaths in Badhaal. 

On Saturday, Union home minister Amit Shah ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial high-level team to visit a village in Rajouri district to ascertain the causes of mass deaths in the past six weeks. On Friday, J&K CM Omar Abdullah had reviewed the situation in Badhaal village. He had directed the state health department to expedite investigations. During the probe, health teams conducted door-to-door surveys of over 3,000 residents in the affected area, collecting and testing samples of water, food, and other materials. However, all test results, including those for influenza, came negative. Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the mass deaths after neurotoxins were found in samples. Authorities have sealed three houses belonging to the affected families and shifted 21 of their close relatives to a govt accommodation and are being kept under strict monitoring. Official sources said police have questioned around 20 people from the village, some related to the victims’ families