12-hour shift draining us: Madurai GRH nurses

12-hour shift draining us: Madurai GRH nurses

“What’s worse, during monthly periods, nurses could not change their sanitary pads for half a day, until they complete the duty and remove the PPE suits,” she said.

Published: 02nd May 2021 04:11 AM |

Doctors And Nurses seen working with Personal Protective Equipment PPE. (Representational Photo | A Raja Chidambaram, EPS)

By Lalitha Ranjani

Express News Service

MADURAI: Left high and dry in PPE suits for 12 hours in the night with no means to quench their thirst or to attend nature’s call, a group of nurses at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) have raised their voice against the night-duty system.

Sources said that for the past four weeks, GRH nurses on Covid duty work in three shifts – 7.30 am to 1.30 pm, 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 7.30 am. Terming the 12-hour night shift extremely exhaustive, one of the nurses who completed the duty last month said that they could neither eat, drink water nor to attend nature’s call wearing PPE suit. She also said that the suit leaves them dehydrated. “What’s worse, during monthly periods, nurses could not change their sanitary pads for half a day, until they complete the duty and remove the PPE suits,” she said.

Another nurse said that as per the present arrangement, senior nurses are posted in morning shift while junior nurses, especially those working for consolidated pay, are allotted the 12-hour night duty. “When we requested equal shift hours (three shifts of eight hours each), the matrons informed us that the senior nurses would find it difficult to have their breakfast as early as 5.30 am before starting work and thus eight-hour shifts were not feasible,” she pointed out.

A nurse, who, on Saturday, was assigned the night duty starting Sunday, claimed that the bias shown in duty allocation, forcing junior nurses to work for twice the number of hours than the senior nurses would affect their morale and directly hit patient care. She added that senior nurses are usually exempted from Covid duty due to age factor and comorbidities and regular wards continue to function simultaneously.

“Consequently, the number of nurses available on call for Covid duty is lesser and the number of Covid duty shifts has been brought down to three this time, until fresh recruitments are made,” the nurse added.

During the first wave of Covid-19 last year, GRH nurses worked at the Covid wards in four shifts, spanning six hours each – 7.30 am to 1.30 pm, 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm, 7.30 pm to 1.30 am, 1.30 am to 7.30 am.

When contacted, the Grade I Nursing Superintendent at GRH Kaleeswari said that a new duty roaster of four shifts of six hours each was being prepared. She assured that it would come into effect from Sunday.

Suspended staff getting full benefits, rues HC

Suspended staff getting full benefits, rues HC

The petitioner, Arockiyasamy, was caught taking a bribe of Rs 2,000 by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corrupt ion sleuths in 2009.

Published: 02nd May 2021 04:15 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Observing that several corrupt government officials placed under suspension are being paid all monetary benefits, while many deserving candidates are engaged as contract workers and paid meagre salaries, the Madras High Court dismissed a plea moved by a Sanitary Inspector seeking to quash the proceedings initiated against him in 2009.

The petitioner, Arockiyasamy, was caught taking a bribe of Rs 2,000 by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corrupt ion sleuths in 2009. A special court in 2020 convicted him and awarded him four years of rigorous imprisonment and Rs 5,000 fine. Arockiyasamy then moved the High Court challenging the disciplinary proceedings initiated against him by the State.

Dismissing the plea, Justice S Vaidyanathan said, “It is pertinent to mention here that even on conviction of an employee, departmental proceedings shall be conducted, as there is every possibility of the conviction being set aside by a higher forum. The corrupt employee or official should not be allowed to go scot free on the ground of non-initiation of departmental proceedings.” The court also made it clear that the DVAC enquiry against Arockiyasamy should not be stalled for any reason.

“It is painful to note that several talented persons are working on contractbasis, especially in the Public Works Department , under Non-Muster Roll for years together without regularisation. Deserving persons are paid meagre salary, whereas corrupt officials, who are placed under suspension, are paid all monetary benefits, including arrears of subsistence allowance on the ground of technical flaws,” the judge further observed.

US allows kin of its mission staff ‘voluntary departure’

US allows kin of its mission staff ‘voluntary departure’

New Delhi:02.05.2021

The United States has authorised “voluntary departure” of family members of employees posted in its diplomatic missions in India and encouraged other citizens who wish to leave the country “to take advantage of currently available commercial flights”.

From 9.30am IST on May 4, the US will “restrict and suspend” the entry of “non-citizens”, with some exceptions, who were in India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into America.

“...US Embassy New Delhi and Consulates General Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will remain open and continue to provide emergency consular services,” states the website of the US embassy and consulates in India. TNN

EC moves SC against Madras HC’s ‘murder charge’ remarks

EC moves SC against Madras HC’s ‘murder charge’ remarks

Observations Made By HC Uncalled For: EC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:02.05.2021

Smarting at being lambasted by Madras high court which observed that Election Commission “should be put up on murder charges” for failure to maintain Covid protocol during election campaigns, the commission has moved the Supreme Court against HC for making derogatory remarks against the poll watchdog.

The commission submitted observations made by the high court were “uncalled for, blatantly disparaging and derogatory”. It said the HC should not have passed such remarks against a constitutional body, reflecting its sense the remarks were over the top and lacked a sense of proportion.

In an appeal filed against the HC order, the commission said the Madras high court being an independent constitutional authority made “serious allegations of murder on another independent constitutional authority without any basis, which has ultimately dented both the institutions.”

The HC on Monday came down heavily on the EC for not enforcing Covid-19 protocol during poll campaigning for assembly elections and blamed the panel for the spread of pandemic during election time.

“You (ECI) are the only institution responsible for the situation that we are in today. You have been singularly lacking any kind of exercise of authority…You have not taken measures against political parties holding rallies despite every order of this court saying ‘maintain Covid protocol, maintain Covid protocol’ like a broken record,” the HC had said.

HC made the observations while hearing a public interest writ petition filed by Tamil Nadu transport minister M R Vijayabhaskar, who is AIADMK’s candidate in Karur constituency where 77 candidates are in the fray. He had sought directions to the ECI to follow measures aimed at ensuring fairness in the counting of votes on May 2 when Covid protocols will be in place.

“The significance of adhering to such protocol may have been lost on the EC going by the puerile silence on the part of the commission as campaigns and rallies were conducted without distancing norms being maintained and in wanton disregard of the other items of the protocol,” the court had said.

Election commission said the Madras HC being an independent constitutional authority made “serious allegations of murder on another independent constitutional authority without any basis, which has ultimately dented both the institutions”

Govt paid ₹4.5cr for work not done, NGO tells DVAC

Govt paid ₹4.5cr for work not done, NGO tells DVAC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:02.05.2021

Chennai based anticorruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam has filed a complaint with the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) charging that the state health department made an irregular payment of ₹4.5 crore to a contractor who did not deliver a health management information system.

The health management information system was supposed to have improved features of integrated patient record and live dashboards among others. The contract was awarded in May 2017.

A senior health department official said the contractor had completed a portion of the work and was paid money for that. “Every aspect has been documented properly and passed through a committee,” the official said, denying the allegations.

According to documents submitted by Arappor to the DVAC, the contractor was the sole bidder as the only other participant did not qualify in the prequalification criteria. The agreement was signed for ₹17 crore. The software was to be delivered by April 2018 and the contract included maintenance for four years there after.

Quoting official documents, Arappor said nothing was delivered till April 2018 and even pilot runs done in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Government Royapettah hospital were failures. Doctors shared feedback on how cut and paste MIS charts from the election department and weather department were used to cheat the hospital, Arappor said.

The National Health Mission had issued a show-cause notice to the contractor in September 2019 and stated that not even 10% of the work assigned was done. A termination order was issued in December that year. However, then health secretary Beela Rajesh wrote to the NHM in February 2020 to reconsider the termination. Another opportunity was given to the contractor and by July 2020, the work was not completed.

“Despite this, the tender was not cancelled and a note was circulated to pay them ₹4.5 crore with false claims of completion,” JayaramVenkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, said in the complaint to DVAC.

This is why we have not been able to see live dashboards of bed availability, Jayaram said.

Arppor Iyakkam, in its complaint to DVAC, said the state health department paid ₹4.5 crore to a contractor who failed to deliver a health management software

Mad scramble for US flight tickets sends fares soaring

Mad scramble for US flight tickets sends fares soaring

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:02.05.2021

The US’ ban on entry of Indian citizens from Monday has left many in the city scrambling for a flight out.

The sudden ban on non-citizens has impacted those who need to get back for work and those returning to their families. Many living in the US want their relatives to join them given the worsening Covid-19 situation in Chennai.

Since Chennai does not have direct flights to the US and transit hubs in the Middle East have barred Indian travellers, direct flights from Delhi — via Air India and United Airlines — were the only options. Qatar still allows travellers to transit via Doha. But fares are too high.

The demand has surged as people, who had been trying for tickets for travel next week, have joined other travellers hoping to reach the US before the slim window shuts completely. The high demand caused one-way airfare to shoot up to ₹4.6 lakh on some routes.

SSuresh, who was scheduled to travel to New York with his wife on May 11, was lucky as the airline agreed to advance the travel dates for ₹25,000 per passenger. “I thought I would not be able to travel as seats were not available or fresh tickets cost a couple of lakhs. However, the airline told us that the ticket can be advanced for a fee,” he said. However, many others were not so fortunate as people from across the country were all vying for seats on flights from Delhi.

With many unable to get seats on flights from Delhi, charter flights from Chennai and Mumbai to different US cities are now under consideration by hiring long haul aircraft from airlines. The cost for economy class works out to ₹1.6 lakh.

While travel agents and the airline helplines were flooded with requests for seats, social media groups created by the Indian diaspora in the US saw a flurry of activity with many seeking help to be reunited with family. There was a lot of confusion about transit via Qatar and Europe and travel eligibility. The requirement for an RTPCR test report taken 48 hours before departure is also posing a hassle for passengers.

Basheer Ahmed of Chennai Metro Travels said: “Air fares have shot up because of the demand. People are ready to spend ₹5 lakh on business class. Those who are trying to travel before the deadline are struggling to get an RT-PCR test report. They do not have enough time to get the results even if tests are given at labs.”

‘Sad that corrupt and suspended officers are paid’

‘Sad that corrupt and suspended officers are paid’

Chennai:02.05.2021

The Madras high court has observed that while suspended, corrupt government officials get all monetary benefits, several deserving candidates are engaged as contract workers and paid meagre salaries.

Justice S Vaidyanathan made the observation while dismissing a plea moved by a sanitary inspector seeking to quash departmental proceedings against him in connection with a corruption case. As per rules, employees under suspension are eligible for subsistence allowance ranging from 50% to 75% of their last drawn basic salary.

According to the petitioner, he was working as a sanitary inspector and was caught taking a bribe of ₹2,000 in 2009. Subsequently, he was convicted by a special court in 2020 and sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment. Since a parallel proceeding was initiated by the department for the same charges, the petitioner moved the court to quash the same.

“It is painful to note that several talented persons have been working temporarily in government departments under contractors, especially in PWD, under non-muster roll for years together without regularisation. Whereas, corrupt officials, who were under suspension, are paid all the monetary benefits,” the court said. TNN

Anna Univ V-C search to begin from next week

SHORTLIST STAGE

Anna Univ V-C search to begin from next week

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:02.05.2021

Anna University vice-chancellor search committee is set to begin its process of finding a new vicechancellor for the largest technical university in the country from next week.

According to sources the three-member search panel, headed by Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor M Jagadish Kumar, conducted its first meeting virtually with the chancellor, governor Banwarilal Purohit recently. Madras University former vice-chancellor S P Thyagarajan, former IAS officer Sheela Rani Chungath are the other members of the panel. “The process to appoint the nodal officer to the search committee is on. The nodal officer will issue advertisement inviting applications for the V-C’s post,” a source said.

As per the amendment to Tamil Nadu University laws, the search panel will have four months to shortlist the three names and submit it to the governor. Following the completion of tenure by professor M K Surappa as vicechancellor of Anna University on April11, a three-member convener committee is running the day-to-day affairs of the university.

Professors from the university asked the chancellor to speed up the process of appointing the new vice-chancellor in view of the delay in taking academic decisions. “Based on the deliberations ata high-levelcommitteemeeting, the university took a decision to conduct an open book exam for engineering students. The convener committee is now reviewing the decision and taking time to give its approval. It will delay the process of conducting online semester examinations for first, second and third year students,” a professor said. The university announced it would conduct multiple choice-based online proctored tests for final year students.

Anna University also will have a new registrar from Monday, as the present registrar L Karunamoorthy is retiring on May 2. Professor Ranee Vedamuthu from the School of Architecture and Planning is appointed the registrar (incharge).

Students, academics exempt from US travel curbs on India

 Students, academics exempt from US travel curbs on India

Restrictions To Mostly Affect H-1B Visa Holders, Business Travellers

Chidanand.Rajghatta@timesgroup.com

Washington:02.05.2021

Indian students seeking to commence studies in US schools, colleges, and universities in fall 2021 may qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE) to get around the travel restrictions being imposed by Biden administration following the Covid-19 upsurge in India, the US state department said on Friday.

Certain academics, journalists, and individuals who provide critical infrastructure support in the US may also be eligible for the exceptions, the state department said hours after the White House rolled out a travel ban citing “extraordinarily high” case loads and multiple Covid-19 variants circulating in India. “After reviewing the public health situation within India, CDC has concluded that proactive measures are required to protect the nation’s public health from travelers entering the US from that jurisdiction,” President Biden said while a proclaiming the India ban, citing the CDC advise that variants found in India, UK, and South Africa have “characteristics of concern which may make them more easily transmitted and have the potential for reduced protection afforded by some vaccines.”

The state department, which already has similar travel exceptions for Brazil, China, Iran, and South Africa, said India too would be subject to the same in keeping with the US commitment to facilitate legitimate travel, although it warned that the pandemic continues to limit the number of visas US embassies and consulates abroad are able to process.

The state department notification said students who already have valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic programme commencing August 1, 2021 or later may enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. Such students do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel.

However, it advised students seeking to apply for new F-1 or M-1 visas to check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel, it added. The department said it would also continue to grant NIEs for qualified travelers seeking to enter US for purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security.

In the presidential proclamation announcing travel restrictions issued earlier, the White House too made several exceptions, including for permanent residents (green card holders ), noncitizen who is the spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident/green card holder; any noncitizen who is the parent or legal guardian of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the US citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21; any noncitizen who is the sibling of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21; any noncitizen who is the child, foster child, or ward of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the US. The ban also does not apply to government officials and air and sea crew traveling on work. The curbs, expected to be temporary till the pandemic is under control, will mostly affect India’s large white collar work force on H-1B guest worker visas, and business travellers.

VACCINE MILESTONE FOR US: US said on Friday that over 100 million Americans had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, a milestone that represents almost 40% of the nation’s adults. The number is almost double what the nation had registered at the end of March

Canada to ban entry of foreign students, including from India, to check virus surge

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of Covid. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education , an education service provider, there were 5,30,540 international students in Canada in 2020, of which the maximum were from India (34%) followed by China (22%). Ontario has the maximum number of foreign students at 2,42,825 or 46%, it said. PM Justin Trudeau said on Friday the government is considering halting the arrival of international students in Ontario, following a request from the province’s premier Doug Ford, globalnews.ca reported. Ford also called on the government to ban non-essential travel after 36 cases of the B.1.617 variant, originally found in India, were identified in the province, the report said. But, there is no clarity yet on when the change will take effect or how long it will last. PTI

Australians flying home from India could face hefty fine, 5 years in jail

Australia has temporarily banned its citizens from returning from India. The pause on allowing in travelers that were in India within 14 days of arriving will take effect from Monday, health minister Greg Hunt said. Breaches of the ban could lead to a fine of Australian dollars 66,600, five years imprisonment, or both. There are an estimated 9,000 Australians in India and over 600 of them are classified as vulnerable, according to reports. The decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia, who have contracted the infection in India, Hunt said. According to ABC, it is for the first time that Australia has made it a criminal offence for its own citizens to enter the country. The ministry said the decision will be revised on May 15 following advice from chief medical officer. Lawyers say the ban an ‘extraordinary precedent’ that could be open to challenge. AGENCIES

Employee Should Know Service Rules; Not For Employer To Advise Him About It: SC [Read Judgment]

Employee Should Know Service Rules; Not For Employer To Advise Him About It: SC [Read Judgment]: 'The department was not expected to advise and/or tell the employee about how the seniority will be fixed and/or about the rota-quota rule'

60k teachers to skip counting of votes in UP polls

60k teachers to skip counting of votes in UP polls

01.05.2021 

Teachers’ unions in Uttar Pradesh, including one affiliated to RSS, announced on Friday they would boycott their poll duty on May 2, the day panchayat election votes would be counted. The unions claim to have more than 60,000 teachers with them, reports Kanwardeep Singh.

UP Shikshak Mahasangh president D C Sharma told TOI, “They (the government) are not at all bothered that we lost 706 teachers (to Covid-19) due to election duty. The number could increase. After a final meeting, we have decided to strike work that day. The government can take any decision they want. The lives of the teachers are more important than anything else.” TNN

Bihar chief secy, judge, 3 lawyers die of Covid-19

Bihar chief secy, judge, 3 lawyers die of Covid-19

Patna:01.05.2021 

Bihar chief secretary Arun Kumar Singh died of Covid-19 at a hospital here Friday, the fourth IAS officer in the state to have fallen to the virus. A 44-year-old additional district judge, who was posted at Sasaram in Rohtas district, three lawyers of the Patna high court and an HC officer also succumbed to Covid in the last 24 hours. Singh’s funeral will take place with full state honours, CM Nitish Kumar said.

While ADJ Piyush Kumar Srivastava died at a Sasaram hospital, former additional advocate general of Bihar Shivaji Nath (75) and high court lawyers Ravindra Griyage and Nirbhay Kumar Singh died in Patna on Friday. TNN

Stipend of Covid duty resident doctors up by 40%

FROM APRIL 1

Stipend of Covid duty resident doctors up by 40%

Came After Surat Doctors Threatened To Boycott Work

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Gandhinagar:01.05.2021 

In a significant decision aimed at ensuring that medical personnel are available without interruption for Covid-19 duties, the Gujarat government on Friday announced a 40% increase in the stipend of resident doctors at Covid hospitals.

The decision was taken after a video conference between deputy CM Nitin Patel and representatives of the Junior Doctor’s Association (JDA) on Friday, even as resident doctors in Surat threatened to boycott work from Saturday. Doctors from across the state extended their support to the Surat doctors.

“We held a video conference with Nitin Patel, who has agreed to our demands to increase the stipend. This should have been done earlier. Now that the stipend has been increased, doctors have withdrawn their decision to boycott work,” said Biswajit Raj, president, JDA.

As many as 6,401 resident doctors — 5,767 at government medical colleges and 634 of GMERS — will benefit from this increase. The government said it will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 100 crore because of the increase.

Although the stipend varies for different years of medical education, on average, the monthly stipend for a resident doctor is about Rs 60,000. There will be a 40% increase to this amount.

Deputy chief minister and state finance minister Nitin Patel, who also holds the health portfolio, ratified the decision from hospital, where he is being treated for Covid-19.

The stipend of resident doctors is revised every three years and Nitin Patel held meetings with representatives of the JDA, which had written to the government, asking for a revision of stipend. Patel said the stipend of doctors of medical, dental, homoeopathy, ayurveda and physiotherapy will increase. The increased stipend will be applicable from April 1.

Covid-orphaned medical student returns to duty

Covid-orphaned medical student returns to duty

20-Year-Old Reports Back At Samras Hostel Despite Losing Parents A Few Weeks Ago

Nimesh.Khakhariya@timesgroup.com

Rajkot:01.05.2021

One day she will graduate as a certified doctor, bound by the oath to treat the sick before considering self. But 20-year-old second-year MBBS student Apeksha Maradiya has already infused herself with the essence of the Hippocratic oath — serving others notwithstanding her own personal twin tragedies.

Life suddenly threw the PDU student of Rajkot into the deep sea when Covid-19 snatched away her parents, one after the other, in a matter of five days only. Her father lost the battle on April 6, while her mother too succumbed to the infection on April 10. Left alone with a 15-year-old brother, the medico didn’t bow to the pressures of the unforeseen, but decided to battle the virus her way. She rejoined her duties in Samras hostel fighting to save the loved ones of others.

There was no pressure on Apeksha to join duty so soon, looking at her unfortunate circumstances, but along with the other medical students she too donned the PPE suit once again on April 27.

“I lost my parents but I decided to do whatever I could do as a medical student to save the lives of loved ones of others that would be the real tribute to my parents,” Maradiya told TOI. She further said that while she is frightened that her younger brother may get infected, there was nothing that she could do to help people by being at home.

“I, therefore, decided to help people. It’s also my duty to help people because I am on the path to becoming a doctor,” the young warrior asserted.

At Samras hostel, Covid patients needing oxygen support are treated. A 30-year-old female patient became critical and was required to be shifted on a ventilator on April 28. “I took her (the patient) in an ambulance to the civil hospital because here we don’t have ventilator beds. I am happy that I could save her life by timely shifting her to the ventilator,” Apeksha, who treats each patient as her family members, said. “I feel so happy when I do something to save their lives from this deadly virus,” she added.

Charansinh Gohil, deputy collector and head of Samras hospital said, “Apeksha could have been spared from this duty by the administration if she so wished. But she gave priority to her duty and instead of drowning in grief, she stood up to fight and heal other people’s pain.”

Apeksha Maradiya, a 20-year-old second-year MBBS student, lost her parents to the pandemic in a matter of five days only

EC moves Madras HC after judge's 'murder' remark goes viral but court refuses to restrain media

EC moves Madras HC after judge's 'murder' remark goes viral but court refuses to restrain media

"Media should be instructed not to sensationalize anything, it is a difficult task to conduct elections in these times," Rakesh Dwivedi for the Election Commission of India submitted.

Published: 30th April 2021 01:24 PM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday refused to restrain the media despite the submissions made by the Election Commission of India to not report on oral observations made by the court.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy during the hearing of the suo motu plea refused to concur with the submissions made by Rakesh Dwivedi for the Election Commission of India.

"Media should be instructed not to sensationalize anything, it is a difficult task to conduct elections in these times," Dwivedi submitted.

However, the bench said, "We will leave it at that."

It may be recalled that the Madras High Court had orally remarked on Monday that "EC officers should be booked on murder charges probably" for allegedly turning a blind eye to poll rallies amid the COVID-19 second wave.

"Some people have proceeded to lodge FIRs against election officials terming them as murderers, some protection may be granted," the ECI counsel further stated in his submission.

However, the bench refusing to concur, observed that "Courts are there and such frivolous matters will be dealt with."

The bench also in its hearing suggested the state conduct exclusive drives to encourage people to take the Covid-19 vaccinations. The court also directed all the political parties to follow the Covid-19 protocol on the counting day and should keep away from bursting crackers as part of their victory celebrations.

In its interim orders, the bench said ".. information should be made available on the internet and any other medium so that there is no panic whether in seeking the drug or obtaining supplies of oxygen or finding out the nearest bed."

The counsel for the Central government ASG R Sankaranarayanan submitted that a clear picture of the availability of the vaccines, drugs and doses will be available by May 3.

The bench adjourned the plea to May 5 for further suggestions by the Centre by observing that it will be available during the first fortnight of the vacation to take up the urgent matters pertaining to the case.

Tiruvannamalai Remdesivir black marketing: More skeletons expected to tumble out of the closet

Tiruvannamalai Remdesivir black marketing: More skeletons expected to tumble out of the closet

Informed sources said that a well-oiled network of staff at the Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital had been part of the racket to smuggle out Remdesivir.

Published: 30th April 2021 09:11 PM 

The Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital (GTMCH).

By R Sivakumar

Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: With the arrest of a multipurpose health worker in connection with the life-saving Remdesivir drug racket, more skeletons are expected to tumble out of the closet in the Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital (GTMCH).

Acting on a tip-off, cops attached to Civil Supplies-CID (CS-CID) secured 26-year-old Vignesh, a multipurpose health worker employed on a contract basis, from GTMCH on Thursday.

According to police, their interrogations revealed that he had stolen the drug from the covid wards to hand over his contacts, who, in turn, are alleged to have passed it on to a doctor based at Tambaram in Chennai. The doctor and a few others too were held by the police. Chennai city police are investigating the matter.

A medical officer with the casualty unit of the hospital had allegedly helped Vignesh sneak out the drug from GTMCH. He was also secured by the police for interrogations.

Informed sources said that a well-oiled network of staff at the GTMCH had been part of the racket to smuggle out Remdesivir. They had cleverly worked in the hospital to steal the drug.

As per the practice, Remdesivir vials are received from the pharmacy, after the concerned doctors of the covid ward provide the intent for the drug, and are taken to the wards where it will be kept safely in storerooms before being used.

The records will show without doubt the number of vials sought, handed by the pharmacy, and stocked at the storeroom. But where the unscrupulous elements play is at the end-use stage. Without injecting the drug to all needy patients, these elements steal some of the vials and sell them outside, the sources noted.

“The case sheets of critically ill covid patients are not properly maintained, entries are not rightly made. There wouldn’t be any evidence of whether a particular patient was administered the injection or not. And there is no cross-checking mechanism. So these elements easily sneak out the drug,” said a source.

Remdesivir, a drug of limited efficacy that is not considered life-saving, is in short supply across the nation and is allegedly easily available at two hospitals in Tiruvannamalai, run by doctors employed at GTMCH. Patients from even far-off places reportedly source the drug from Tiruvannamalai.

When queried about the issue, top authorities of GTMCH refused to comment saying that the matter is ‘under police investigation’.

Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr. Narayanababu promised to look into the issue and find out how the drug was stolen.

“The police have already been holding investigations. We will definitely hold inquiries and check the records to find out how the drug was taken out of the hospital and initiate appropriate action,” he said.

Perambalur: Govt school teacher hands over Rs 50k as Covid relief

Perambalur: Govt school teacher hands over Rs 50k as Covid relief

A government school teacher in Perambalur district handed over Demand Draft worth Rs 50,000 to District Collector P Sri Venkata Priya to help Covid patients on Friday.

Published: 01st May 2021 04:53 AM 

By P Thiruselvam

Express News Service

PERAMBALUR: A government school teacher in Perambalur district handed over Demand Draft worth Rs 50,000 to District Collector P Sri Venkata Priya to help Covid patients on Friday.

This is not her first sweet gesture. Last year, she spent a lakh from her savings to buy 16 smartphones and sim cards for Class X students, taking their financial background into account. K Bairavi (41) works as a maths teacher in Elambalur Government Higher Secondary School.

Talking to TNIE, she said, “During the last lockdown, I decided to get my students mobile phones to avail lessons. I have been recharging their sim cards till this month and communicating to them daily. I was very happy when the district was free of coronavirus.

But this year, in the second wave, it is saddening to see people suffer. My students told me that we should offer some help. So, I took ‘Demand Draft’ for Rs 50,000 in the name of the Collector and gave it to her.”

She along with her students went to the collectorate on Friday and handed over the demand draft. The Collector praised Bhairavi for her efforts.

Reduced bank hours leads to crowding in Karur

Reduced bank hours leads to crowding in Karur

Radhakrishnan, a resident of Karur, told TNIE, “Earlier, people used to leave the bank in a few minutes after finishing their work.

Published: 01st May 2021 04:59 AM 

By Express News Service

KARUR/THANJAVUR: Cutting down service hours at banks owing to spread of Covid has come as a cause for concern, as more people are seen flocking the banks, defeating the very purpose of the announcement.

Banking hours were made 10 am to 2 pm from April 26. However, the reduced hours have only led to more people crowding the banks to avail themselves of services like cash deposit, withdrawal, transfer and loan inquires.

Radhakrishnan, a resident of Karur, told TNIE, “Earlier, people used to leave the bank in a few minutes after finishing their work. Now, one has to wait outside in a long queue to enter the bank. And, people have been flocking banks owing to reduced working hours. This issue has to be addressed or the banks will turn into Covid hotspots.”

When contacted, a Health Department official said, “The reduced service hours is definitely a reason for the increased crowding. The decision needs to be reversed or banks must take alternative measures to avoid such huge crowds.”

While a review of the banking hours is expected to be made after April 30, sources said the curtailed timing would continue until further notice. Meanwhile, the branch of a private bank in Kumbakonam was closed on Friday, after its staff tested positive.

According to sources, around 20 people work in the branch near Uchchi Pillayarkoil. One of the staff members took ill a few days ago and subsequently tested positive. The municipality held a camp to collect samples from bank staff, in which three more reportedly tested positive. The branch was closed on Friday.

This TN barber accepts payment in cash or kind for haircut

This TN barber accepts payment in cash or kind for haircut

The practice of taking grain or accepting an yearly payment, irrespective of the number of times a service is utilised, was around when barter system was in vogue.

Published: 01st May 2021 05:05 AM 

Ramaiah

By Aadhithya MS

Express News Service

PUDUKKOTTAI: Try paying a spa a bag of grains after your haircut, and you will perhaps be laughed at. However, Ramaiah (70) of Pudukkottai is more than happy to accept this as payment for his services, reminding people of an old tradition.

The practice of taking grain or accepting an yearly payment, irrespective of the number of times a service is utilised, was around when barter system was in vogue. “I serve customers in villages of Tindaiman Viduthi, Mandhakudi and Kaatupatti. I take my bicycle, my bag of shaving and cutting equipment, and leave to these villages once in three days. On other days, people come to my home to get the service,” says Ramaiah.

He lives with his wife Indrani (65). Though their son Sekar is also a hair dresser, he has set up a shop of his own. Though each customer pays Ramaiah a different sum of money for service, several villagers still pay him in kind either with grains from their harvest or with a one-time payment for a year. “Some time, they will be facing losses or the harvest might be poor. So, they might pay a lesser amount. Still, we manage with that,” says Ramaiah.

On how the villagers have changed with time, he says, “The younger generation might prefer a new and fancy salon. But, elders in these villages are particular to take my service.” Apart from giving people a good look, Ramaiah also serves people in a way which many might hesitate to. His wife Indrani says, “If there is death in a house, they will call my husband to cut the thread knots on toes and to carry out a few rituals. If my husband is ill or not available, my son would go.”

Even as time looks frozen for Ramaiah, he has married off his four daughters and two of them live overseas. Sekar’s son Praveen (19) is studying computer science at a reputable engineering college in Coimbatore.

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது: ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்:

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது: ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்: 

சென்னை

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை உள்ளிட்ட மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா தொற்றுப் பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது என சுகாதாரத்துறைச் செயலாளர் ராதாகிருஷ்ணன் தெரிவித்தார்.

சென்னை டிஎம்எஸ் வளாகத்தில் இன்று (ஏப். 30) அவர் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்துப் பேசியதாவது:

"கோவிட் தொற்று ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் அதிகமாகிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது. நேற்று மட்டும் இந்தியா முழுவதும் 3 லட்சத்து 86 ஆயிரத்து 654 பேர் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளனர். 3,501 பேர் உயிரிழந்துள்ளனர்.

தமிழ்நாட்டில் பல்வேறு செயல்பாடுகளைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தச் சொல்கிறோம். அரசு கட்டுப்பாடுகளை விதிக்கிறது என்ற எண்ணத்தில் மக்கள் இருக்க வேண்டாம். இதனை உங்கள் கடமையாக நினைத்தால்தான் தொற்று பாதிப்பை வேகமாகக் குறைக்க முடியும்.

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை, திருச்சி, சேலம் போன்ற மாவட்டங்கள் இன்னும் நமக்குச் சவாலாகத்தான் உள்ளன. சென்னை, ராணிப்பேட்டை, கோவை, தேனி ஆகிய மாவட்டங்களில் தொற்று பாதிப்பு உறுதி செய்யும் விகிதம் அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது. செங்கல்பட்டு, திருவண்ணாமலை, நாகப்பட்டினம், தூத்துக்குடி, சேலம், திருவள்ளூர் போன்ற மாவட்டங்களும் நமக்குச் சவாலாக உள்ளன. மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர்கள், சுகாதாரப் பணியாளர்கள் களப்பணியாற்றிக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றனர்".

இவ்வாறு ராதாகிருஷ்ணன் தெரிவித்தார்.

மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடம் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு

மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடம் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு

மதுரை

மூன்று ஆண்டு இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் 2 பாடங்கள் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே என உயர் நீதிமன்ற அமர்வு உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

மதுரை ஆரப்பாளையத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் பாபு. இவர் இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் 2 ஆண்டுகள் பி.எஸ்.சி. (கணிதம்) படித்தார். 3-வது ஆண்டில் பி.ஏ. (வரலாறு) படித்தார். இவருக்கு 1995-ல் மதுரை காமராஜர் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பி.ஏ. (வரலாறு) பட்டம் வழங்கப் பட்டது. பின்னர் பாரதியார் பல்கலை.யில் பி.எட். முடித்தார்.

ஆசிரியர் தேர்வு வாரியம் நடத்திய பட்டதாரி ஆசிரியர் பணித் தேர்வில் சான்றிதழ் சரிபார்ப்புக்குச் சென்றார். ஆனால் 3 ஆண்டு இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் முதல் 2 ஆண்டுகள் ஒரு பாடமும், இறுதி ஆண்டில் மற்றொரு பாடமும் படித்ததால் ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக் கப்பட்டது.

அந்த மறுப்பை ரத்து செய்து தனக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி கேட்டு, உயர் நீதிமன்ற கிளையில் பாபுமனுத் தாக்கல் செய்தார். அவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி வழங்க வேண்டும் என தனி நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்டார்.

இந்த உத்தரவை ரத்து செய்யக் கோரி ஆசிரியர் தேர்வாணையம் சார்பில் உயர் நீதிமன்ற கிளையில் மேல்முறையீடு மனுத் தாக்கல் செய்யப்பட்டது.

இதை நீதிபதிகள் என்.கிருபாகரன், பி.புகழேந்தி அமர்வு விசாரித்தது. பின்னர் நீதிபதிகள் தங்கள்உத்தரவில், மனுதாரர் மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடங்களை படித்துள்ளார். இது ஆசிரியர் பணிக்குத் தகுதியாக கருத முடியாது. தனி நீதிபதிஉத்தரவு தள்ளுபடி செய்யப்படுகிறது என தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

All pvt hosp to allot 50% beds for Covid care

All pvt hosp to allot 50% beds for Covid care

Chennai:01.05.2021

All private hospitals in Tamil Nadu have been instructed to allot 50% of beds across all categories, including oxygen beds and ones in ICU, for Covid care.

In a two-page order issued on Friday, state health secretary J Radhakrishnan also asked private hospitals to reduce or avoid elective surgeries and planned admissions until further orders. Many private medical college hospitals in TN have allotted less than 100 beds, while private hospitals have allotted 25% or fewer beds for Covid, he said.

Available beds are being converted into oxygen beds, he told reporters at a press conference. So far, the directorate of medical and rural health services has given permission to 578 private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients. “Now Covid care is being expanded to all hospitals in the state,” he said. Director of medical education Dr R Narayanababu said he has been working with the private medical colleges to increase beds and standardize treatment protocols.

Only 6 states to start vaccine drive

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

01.05.2021

Only six states will be able to start vaccination for the 18–44 age group when the nationwide drive to inoculate the younger lot kickstarts on Saturday. All other states and Union territories have either deferred vaccination for this age group by a few days or are uncertain about starting the exercise as they face vaccine shortage.

Even in these six states – Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Odisha – the May 1 drive will be a ‘token’ one. In most of these states, it will be limited to just a few districts.

In Maharashtra, three lakh Covishield doses were distributed on Friday evening for the May 1 exercise after CM Uddhav Thackeray announced that everyone in the 18-44 age group would be vaccinated and the state would bear the cost of the coverage. Pune, Mumbai and Thane each got the largest share of 20,000 doses while other districts were given anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 doses each.

In Uttar Pradesh, another worst affected state, the drive will start on May 1 in only seven of the total 75 districts. Health department officials said the drive will take place only in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly initially.

Raj to start vax drive in only 3 of 33 districts

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope told TOI that “we have planned to start vaccinating this age group in a small way initially as we are still short of doses”. He said that while the state needs around 12 crore doses for a population of 5.7 crore in the 18-44 age group, both Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have given in writing to the state that they could provide13 lakh and 3.45 lakh doses, respectively, to Maharashtra in May alone.

Rajasthan will start the drive in only three of the 33 districts — Ajmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur — and was expecting three lakh vaccine doses by Friday midnight.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani announced that vaccination for the age group will start in 10 out of 33 districts which have the highest load of Covid-19 positive cases.

The Odisha government announced the start of vaccination from Saturday after it received a consignment of 1.5 lakh doses of Covaxin on Friday evening.

Chhattisgarh health minister T S Singhdeo said the government will roll out the drive from May 1, but will give priority to Antyodaya cardholders and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

However, all other states have deferred the drive due to uncertainty about the stocks.

Full report on www.toi.in

Vax shortage: Jab drive for 18+ won’t start in TN today

Vax shortage: Jab drive for 18+ won’t start in TN today

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

The next phase of vaccination for all adults above 18 years of age will not start on Saturday in Tamil Nadu as the state does not have adequate vaccines. The existing programme of vaccinating citizens above 45 will, however, continue across the state.

“We will start vaccinations only after we get more information about the number of vaccines allotted to us by the Centre and a delivery schedule from vaccine manufacturers,” said state health secretary J Radhakrishnan. The state has authorised Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation to buy 1.5 crore doses, but SII and Bharat Biotech, the manufacturers of Covishield and Covaxin, have not responded with an offer letter or delivery schedule yet. Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G Prakash, too, said the city will not start the drive on May 1.

The immunisation wing of the directorate of public health on Friday morning said the state had 6.69 lakh doses of vaccine — 5.20 lakh doses of Covishield and 1.49 lakh doses of Covaxin. The registry also showed there were 31.80 lakh people waiting for their second dose. So far, 12.94 lakh people in Tamil Nadu have received both doses of vaccine.

Fear over patients’ kin in Covid wards

Hit by ever-increasing numbers of patients and shortage of staff, government hospitals including tertiary care medical college hospitals are now asking relatives to sit by the bedside of patients in high infection zones such as Covid-19 isolation wards and intensive care units, sparking fear over possible spread of the infection. P 4

‘Covaxin kept for people who need second dose’

Joint director immunisation Dr K Vinay Kumar said, “We are asking people to take the second dose of the vaccine when it is time. In most centres, Covaxin is reserved only for people who need it for the second dose. Many people in this group have higher risk either because they had comorbidities or because of age.”

Some private hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals Group, however, announced that they would begin vaccinating individuals between the ages of 18 to 44 years. Apollo said it “has taken the initiative and arrangements to procure the vaccines directly from the manufacturers as per government directive”.

Biomed waste removed, but dumped at another location within Porur Lake

Biomed waste removed, but dumped at another location within Porur Lake

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021 

Four days after TOI highlighted how private hospitals and Iyyappanthangal panchayat were illegally dumping biomedical waste in Porur Lake, instead of removing it completely, local authorities have moved it to a different area within the lake area in the name of follow-up action.

Earlier, used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) of healthcare workers, bed covers and biomed waste were found dumped on government poramboke land (survey number 165 as per state revenue records). On the day when the news report was published, Iyyappanthangal panchayat deployed JCBs and garbage trucks to remove the waste from the location.

"Initially we were all happy that some action has been taken after repeated complaints for over a period of almost 10 years. But the joy was short-lived when we found out the waste was dumped in a different spot (survey number 138), which is closer to the core lake area and even more dangerous. From Kolathuvancheri, the entire waste has now been shifted to Thelliar Agaram side," said V Pattabiraman, vice president of Maduram Nagar House Owners' Welfare Association.

A board has been installed at the old dumping site warning private hospitals and others that legal proceedings will be initiated against those disposing of biomed and other waste in the area. At least 70,000 tons of waste have accumulated in the waterbody over the years, Pattabiraman said, adding that it was not a difficult task to remove all the waste and desilt the lake, so that sidewalks can be constructed.

Though National Green Tribunal Southern Zone (NGT SZ) had taken suo motu cognizance of this issue and is monitoring the waste removal progress, local body and revenue authorities seems to be not bothered about finding a permanent solution and are finding adhoc arrangements to avoid legal action, say Iyyappanthangal residents.

The Kundrathur Block Development Office (BDO) said that they were unable to find an alternate dumping site. Though the authorities have been directed to pay ₹12 lakh, the same was yet to be remitted, according to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) officials.

AS IT STANDS: (Left) JCBs deployed to shift waste accumulated in Porur Lake; A board erected at the previous dumping site warning private hospitals and others that legal proceedings will be initiated against those disposing of biomed and other waste in the area; (Below) Report published in TOI on April 26

Three docs among 11 arrested for illegal sale of Remdesivir

Three docs among 11 arrested for illegal sale of Remdesivir

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

As many as 11 city healthcare workers including three doctors were arrested in the past 24 hours for selling Remdesivir at an excess price in the black market. Initial investigations by police revealed that they either imported the drug from Bangladesh or sourced it from the government and private hospitals they worked in and the exclusive counter at Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital.

TOI on April 23 reported how sale of the drug was flourishing in the city’s black market, with people paying up ₹14,000 per vial. Based on the report, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies CID unit started cracking the whip by conducting inspections across the state. On Thursday, a team lead by S Santhi, superintendent of police (SP) from the special unit, arrested Dr Mohammed Imran from Tambaram along with three others. One of them, Vignesh, a temporary medical staff at the Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College Hospital, sourced the drug from the GH and handed it over to Imran, who sold it for ₹20,000 per vial.

On Friday, the police team arrested another doctor, 28-year-old Deepan from Pallikaranai, and seized six vials from him. Hours later, the team nabbed Joseph Kinsley, 41, a pharma vendor from Pallavaram, for selling imported stock of the drug at ₹12,500 a vial. Police also set up two traps based on specific tips and arrested Karthikeyan, 33, a pharmacy assistant from Mint Street, for procuring Remdesivir from KMC counters using forged medical certificates and selling it in black. His aid Jano is absconding. In the second case, physiotherapist Saambasivam, 46, and nurse Raman, 29, were arrested for the same offence. All have been booked underthe Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code.

People hire agents to stand in queue for Remdesivir

People hire agents to stand in queue for Remdesivir

Komal Gautham@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

As queues get longer at Remdesivir counters at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, people are paying agents and locals about ₹500- ₹1,500 a day to stand in for them to get the drug.

Nanganallu resident Muthulingam R*, who tested positive for Covid-19 along with five other family members, said they had no choice but pay a local and send all the proof with him to buy the drug. “One of us is admitted to hospital and requires this drug. None of us can go and stand in line for the whole day.”

V Rama Rao, a social activist, said he got about five calls on Friday alone from elderly people who wanted the drug but couldn’t get it. “So, we are seeking help of some volunteers and known persons to stand in queue for us in return for some money.”

At the two counters at KMCH, about 500 people are able to get the drug daily, but more than 2,000 people come. The lines begin at 5am and the counters open only at 9am. “Every day at 5pm, there is a struggle to close the counters as public are enraged; many threaten road rokos,” said a public health official.

A directorate of medical services official said hospitals were told to only prescribe the drug based on WHO guidelines. “A panic has been created due to shortage of supply. The government has placed orders for about 4.5 lakh vials. Many doctors are prescribing it out of fear so that the patients don’t question them,” said the official.

Rama Rao said one of his friends waited in the queue from 8am to 5pm but returned empty handed. “Two in the four-member family have mild symptoms, while the others have tested positive and require the drug. There is nobody to stand in the queue. The government should distribute the drug only to government approved hospitals and empanelled hospitals to ensure patients don’t struggle.”

Senior public health officials said authorities were using it judiciously at government hospitals. “We have instructed private hospitals to use it only when required,” said an official.

(*name changed)

THREAT IN ITSELF: People waiting outside Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital to buy Remdesivir from the counters set up by the state

Two in a friend’s four-member family have mild symptoms, while the others have tested positive and require the drug. There is nobody to stand in the queue

RAMA RAO | Chennai resident