HC tells state govt to check treatment cost at pvt hospitals

HC tells state govt to check treatment cost at pvt hospitals

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021

Exorbitant Covid-19 treatment charges and overcharging by private hospitals have now come under the Madras high court scrutiny. Entertaining a PIL on the issue, the court has directed Tamil Nadu government to file a response by May 24, explaining the measures to regulate hospital fees.

“While the services rendered by doctors and nurses even in private medical facilities must be appreciated, there are reports of exorbitant amounts being demanded, whether at the time of admission or at the time of discharge,” said the first bench of chief justice Sanjib Banerjee and justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on Friday.

The petitioner, D I Natha, alleged that private nursing homes, poly-clinics and the likes were raising exorbitant bills on Covid-19 patients in some cases. Admitting the plea, the bench said the issue must be looked into by the state government as several complaints in such regard had been received, including letters addressed to the court. It directed the state to file its response by May 24.

According to the petitioner, private hospitals are charging a minimum of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh from all Covid patients who seek admission. Stressing on the need for the government to take immediate steps to regulate fee charged by such hospitals providing Covid-19 treatment, the petitioner said, “considering the current situation, the state must device a scheme to take over the management of all such private hospitals at least till the rapid spread of the infection is brought under control.”

Another plea was moved by A Anand, alleging collection of exorbitant fees by private hospitals in Puducherry, despite an assurance given by the government to reimburse expenses incurred by such hospitals in providing Covid-19 treatment. The bench directed the government of Puducherry to file its reply by June 3.

People are resisting vax due to wrong perception, says corpn

People are resisting vax due to wrong perception, says corpn

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:22.05.2021

Several people are not coming forward to get vaccinated against Covid-19 though slots are open, Greater Chennai Corporation officials have said.

Health workers say people are either sceptical about the vaccine’s efficacy or fear “side effects”, despite repeated assurances given by doctors.

On Thursday, for instance, the corporation held a vaccination drive at Sarvamangala colony in Ashok Nagar but only 32 of the 80 eligible people turned up. A fever surveillance worker went to an apartment complex there to encourage 22 people to take the vaccine, but only eight did. “The majority simply refused, saying they are afraid of its side effects,” she said.

These residents had many concerns. One of them asked, “Will my hypothyroidism worsen if I get the vaccine?” Another said, “I do not want to take Covishield because I was told that Covaxin is more effective”. “My relative died despite getting both shots of the vaccine, what is the guarantee that nothing would happen to me,” asked another. A few of them also asked the health worker to give it in writing that nothing would happen to them after getting the shot.

“I even tried to connect one of them to a doctor to answer queries, but they weren’t convinced. We cannot force anybody,” said the worker.

“Resistance will be there, but that will change as more start getting the shots,” said Dr P Kulandaisamy, former director of public health. He said officials must first vaccinate people who are willing, and the priority group, which includes people above 45 years of age, people with comorbid conditions, cab drivers, store workers, and those who have public interaction.

According to the corporation, of the 18 lakh people in the above 45 years age group, only 58.5% (10.86 lakh) have taken the first dose and 5.15 lakh have taken the second as of 12pm on Thursday. The daily vaccination target is about 34,000. The civic body has about a lakh doses with it.

Several resident welfare associations have been encouraging residents to get the shots. “We clearly told our residents that vaccination is the only way to avoid going to hospital,” said B Kannan, secretary of T Nagar residents’ welfare association. He said that almost all residents got their first doses in the special drive.

“People’s resistance is a real issue. But we want the public to understand the seriousness of the crisis and cooperate. We can only fight this together,” an official said.

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Black fungus: Six men with symptoms at Salem GH

Black fungus: Six men with symptoms at Salem GH

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Salem:22.05.2021

Six people have been admitted to the Salem government hospital with symptoms of black fungus (mucormycosis).

While two were admitted on Thursday, four people were brought to the hospital on Friday. Hospital authorities said that all six were male patients, living in and around Salem.

A separate isolation ward has been created and a special team of doctors has been deputed to treat them.

Doctors said the six have symptoms of black fungus such as redness in the eyes, swollen cheeks, headache and nasal congestion.

Dean of Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital Valli Sathyamoorthy, however, said they are yet to confirm if it was black fungal infection.

“They have symptoms. But we have to confirm if it is black fungus. We have to get an opinion from experts,’’ she said.

The patients are being administered antifungal drugs as part of the treatment. Most of them were diabetic and hence medication was being given to control diabetes.

“ENT specialists are also there taking care of them,’’ Valli Sathyamoorthy said.

Private lab barred from RT-PCR tests

Private lab barred from RT-PCR tests

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

The Directorate of Public Health has temporarily cancelled permission for Medall Laboratory to do RT-PCR tests after it added positive results of samples from outside Tamil Nadu into the state's account, besides tagging several negative samples from the state as positive. The lab functioned with a “vested interest” and a “negligent attitude” creating an unfavourable environment in the efforts against Covid-19, a notice issued by the directorate said on Friday.

The results of 919 swab samples received from Kolkata were uploaded as "received from Kallakurichi" on the centralised ICMR portal. Around 4,000 samples that tested negative for the viral infection were uploaded as positive on the ICMR portal between May 19 and 20, a two-page notice served to the lab by the director of public health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said.

“We found a mismatch and did not include these cases in the state registry or in media bulletins,” the DPH said.

“We suspect a nexus between the lab and hospitals,” he said.

The lab’s managing director has been asked to submit an explanation within three working days.

In a releases, Medall said, “We deeply and unconditionally regret the encryption error that occurred while uploading to ICMR database. It must be clarified and placed on record that the report generated and shared with the customers who took the test is accurate. So the issue is not with the testing process or its quality or its accuracy. The issue has been an encryption error (technical).”

Stalin letter to Prez to free Rajiv convicts upsets TNCC chief

Stalin letter to Prez to free Rajiv convicts upsets TNCC chief

Chennai:22.05.2021

The Congress never opposed release of the seven convicts in former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, but applying undue political pressure for an issue that should be decided through legal course is not appropriate, said TNCC president K S Alagiri on Friday. “CM Stalin writing a letter to the President for the release of the seven convicts is not acceptable to us,” Alagiri said.

“If a convict has to be released, it is for the court to decide. The stand of Congress is that it should not be done by applying undue political pressure. Undue political pressure could create a situation that may lead to law and order issues,” Alagiri told reporters here, after paying floral tributes to former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s portrait on his 30th death anniversary at the TNCC headquarters.

He was reacting to questions from the media over chief minister M K Stalin writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking immediate release of the seven convicts. They have been in prison for about 30 years. Stalin’s move just a day ahead of the 30th anniversary has received adverse reactions from Congress cadres on social media.

Alagiri said 26 people were convicted in the case,19 of them were later released. “We did not oppose it. We accepted the court verdict and no Congressman opposed it. Our approach remains the same,” he said. “There are more than 100 convicts who have served more than 25 years in prisons across TN. If Tamils have to be released for languishing in prison for so many years, then all of them have to be released. Why only these seven,” Alagiri asked, while terming it an emotional issue. TNN

Not paid for 6 months, Thiruvalluvar univ guest lecturers demand dues

Not paid for 6 months, Thiruvalluvar univ guest lecturers demand dues

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

Around 25 guest lecturers working at Thiruvalluvar University’s Post Graduate Extension Centre in Villupuram are yet to receive the salary for six months from April to October 2020. They urged chief minister M K Stalin to direct the university officials to release the pending salary immediately.

The state government had issued orders to the universities and colleges to give salary to guest lecturers from April to October 2020. As per the order, the directorate of collegiate education and universities have released the pending salary for all the guest lecturers.

“Despite repeated pleas, the university is yet to disburse the salary for April. Some of the guest lecturers who are yet to receive April month’s salary are working as sales executives. The chief minister should direct the university officials to release our pending salary,” a guest lecturer from the college said.

The PG Extension Centre, which was started in 2010-11, was being run by the guest lecturers. At present, there are seven departments offering postgraduate courses and more than 200 students are pursuing the courses.

“The state government also increased the salary for guest lecturers from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 with effect from January 2020. When other guest lecturers are receiving their hiked salary and also got arrears, Thiruvalluvar University is yet to increase our pay,” another faculty member said.

Around 200 guest faculty members from six constituent colleges of Thiruvalluvar University also have two months salary dues for June and July 2020.

“These colleges were converted from constituent colleges to government colleges around two years ago. But the university continues to handle salaries. The guest faculty members are also complaining that the university officials are not responding to their demand,” said V Thangaraj, state president of Tamil Nadu All Government Colleges UGC Qualified Guest Lecturers Association.

Despite the attempts, officials from Thiruvalluvar University were not available for comment.

Pallavaram ward made red zone

Pallavaram ward made red zone

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

A single ward in Pallavaram has been declared a red zone by the municipality officials after more than 50 cases were reported in the past few days. At least five of those infected have died. Officials said Ward 29 is among the most affected in Pallavaram municipality during the second wave and have sealed entry and exit points.

The municipality, just outside GCC limits, falls under Chengalpet district and has 2.2 lakh people residing in its 42 wards. So far, more than 2,000 people have tested positive in the municipality this year.

“There are 36 streets and more than 1,400 households in the ward and our staff have been sanitising the streets thrice a day and are monitoring people movement. We have also set up additional fever camps in the ward to test symptomatic residents,” said a municipality official.

The municipality has also arranged for volunteers to help the residents if need be. “In fact, residents are not allowed to venture out of most wards after10am. Police are strict. We had to request officials to let in delivery agents alone,” said K Muralidharan, resident of of Kattabomman nagar.

Upload all Covid-19 related circulars, GOs, HC tells TN

Upload all Covid-19 related circulars, GOs, HC tells TN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021

All government orders, circulars and notifications issued in connection with Covid-19 should be uploaded in the state’s official website and in the ‘stopcorona’ website, Madras high court has said.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed an order to this effect on Friday, while closing a public interest writ petition on the issue.

According to the petitioner, all government orders have to be uploaded in the official website whether it is important or not. Since none of the state government departments has ensured uploading of such orders in their respective websites, including orders pertaining to Covid-19, he made a representation to the state on April 24.

As the officials failed to respond to the representation, the petitioner, Ramkumar Adityan, moved the high court. He wanted the court to direct the state to instruct all its departments to upload all the GOs in their official websites.

Responding to the plea, Tamil Nadu advocate-general R Shunmugasundaram submitted that the state has been uploading all such GOs promptly in the official website.

Recently, after a few of the staff in the department tested positive there was a delay and also the government was working only with 40% of staff, however, it was all addressed, and the site was updated till May 18, he added.

Recording the submissions, the bench said all future notifications and government orders should be published in chronological order on the websites and made available with the click of a button.

According to the petitioner, all government orders have to be uploaded in the official website whether it is important or not

UGC proposes 40% teaching online

UGC proposes 40% teaching online

Open-Book, On-Demand Group Exams Among Plans

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:22.05.2021

The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposes that higher educational institutions be allowed to teach up to 40% of the syllabus of every course through online mode even after the pandemic. However, the examinations for both 40% online (other than SWAYAM course) and 60% offline portions can be conducted offline. The proposals were contained in the draft concept note on guidelines for blended mode of teaching and learning put up on the UGC website.

Among other key recommendations were open-book examinations, oral examinations and on-demand examinations. There was also a proposal to introduce group examinations even for conventional theory exams to improve average performance of a class by sharing knowledge and to improve general understanding.

In the internal assessment, the UGC expert committee wanted to introduce e-portfolio, online quiz and proctored assessments. The e-portfolio would be a comprehensive tool in which students would be asked to compile their best assignments, activities, experiences and challenges faced while working on these assignments.

It also prescribes minimum basic facilities needed for online teaching including setting up virtual labs, smart classrooms, studios for recording lectures, learning management systems (LMS), internet with 1 Gbps bandwidth, Wi-Fi facility on campus and feedback systems. The online learning will include approaches such as face-to-face video lectures, internet-based learning and project-based learning, It also proposed that teachers who wish to implement the hybrid or blended system follow the IPSIT model -- Identify resources, learner-centred activities, Provide resources and announce activities on LMS; Scaffolding and support to learners; Identification of learning gaps and feedback; and Testing.

“There was a lot of resistance to the blended learning from the faculty, students and regulatory bodies. The resistance has evaporated due to the pandemic and national educational policy,” said Sandeep Sancheti, vice-chancellor of Marwadi University and member of the committee that drafted the concept note on blended teaching. “After the flooding of new technologies to the market, the cost of conducting online exams is less than pen-andpaper mode,” he said.

“The implementation must be done after analysing the learning outcome of existing 40% SWAYAM online courses allowed by UGC. However, this new concept will encourage building of internal capacity rather than relying on outsourced courses,” said S Vaidyasubramaniam, vice-chancellor of Sastra. Creative teaching, learning ecosystem by default necessitates a creative assessment, he added.

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

Srishti Ojha

20 May 2021 9:21 PM

Bombay High court has on Wednesday applauded the Mumbai Municipal Corporation's 'extraordinary vision' of establishing Medical colleges with Corporation hospitals stating that it has had a unique distinction and vision since ages.

The Bench further stated that if the same pattern was used by other corporations and hospitals too, there would have been availability of medical facilities today.

"Now if this pattern is to be employed by all hospitals, like Pune Corporation has also woken up and want to have a Medical College, look at the impact it would've had, and availability of beds and medical facilities. Its an extraordinary vision. And therefore they can bring all this in control. I don't think any other corporation in Maharashtra has had this vision. There are 5 medical colleges only in Bombay."

The Bench noted that while the core work of any Municipal Corporation is public health that itself is being neglected. "Public health is always the back seat" the Bench remarked.

During the hearing, the Bench also said to ASG Anil Singh there has to be some thought to relook the medical education policy.

"We can share our experience on this Bench. A candidate in a special category maybe Defence, or any other, is getting admission at 192 out of 700 NEET Score but one at 534 wasn't getting admission. We have hundred and lakhs of students who are from 400-500 who in system wouldn't be considered to be of worth to pursue medical education . Then now we say we don't have doctors!" Justice Kulkarni remarked.

"Justice Kulkarni added, "There has to be a relook at medical education now. The pandemic has been a real eye opener."

Justice Kulkarni further pointed out that students from our country, for lack of seats go to foreign countries like Russia, China,etc for medical education and when they come back, they again have to take a test here.

"Isn't it somewhere we should really really be thinking. We are such a big country we should be proud of resources.Their requirement is here. If you can provide medical education facilities here we will have more doctors here." Justice Kulkarni said%

ASG Singh agreed with the Bench states that it needs to be re-looked. However, he added that its very sensitive area.

Responding to the ASG's statement, Justice Kulkarni clarified that they are not bothered by any other consideration, but only the establishment of medical colleges

"No no Its not sensitive. What's sensitive in this? Establishments of colleges is sensitive? Can't be. We are not bothered about any other consideration." Justice Kulkarni clarified.

Bench further stated that these colleges should be made, and those with 90% of facilities should be allowed to start with 25-30 students, rather than waiting for a golden figure of 50 or 100.

"Private bodies who aren't competent where infrastructure facilities are not fulfilled can take a back seat. But Corporations, have established hospitals, government has civil hospitals but there will not be medical college." Justice Kulkarni said.

Justice Kulkarni added "We have to think about our future generation. They should not be in chaos that there aren't doctors to treat."

"Its high time for policy makers to sit down and for govt to apply their mind. We can only echo our sentiments." the Bench said.

The observations were made today, when a division Bench of CJ Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni was hearing a clutch of PILs on issues pertaining to Remdesivir, Oxygen, frequent hospital fires, etc. by awill take up the matter.

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court: Bombay High court has on Wednesday applauded the Mumbai MunicipalCorporation's 'extraordinary vi

'We Must Not Drop Our Guard And Say "Second Wave Is Gone", We Have To Plan For Future So We Are Not Caught Napping': Madras High Court

'We Must Not Drop Our Guard And Say "Second Wave Is Gone", We Have To Plan For Future So We Are Not Caught Napping': Madras High Court: In the course of its suo motu proceedings instituted to track Covid management in Tamil Nadu, Chi

Plea In Madras High Court Against Condition Requiring Candidate To Possess 2-Year LLM For Ph.D Application At TNDALU

Plea In Madras High Court Against Condition Requiring Candidate To Possess 2-Year LLM For Ph.D Application At TNDALU: A petition has been moved in the Madras High

Prof Rai given addl charge of SSU V-C

Prof Rai given addl charge of SSU V-C

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:21.05.2021

Lucknow University vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai was given additional charge of vice-chancellor, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU), Varanasi, by Governor Anandiben Patel, who is chancellor of all state universities, on Thursday.

Prof Rai will hold charge of SSU vice-chancellor till the appointment of a new vicechancellor or until next direction of the chancellor, whichever is earlier.

The tenure of present SSU vice-chancellor Prof Rajaram Shukla is till May 23.

According to a statement issued by Raj Bhawan, the governor has also extended the tenure of VC of Siddhartha University, Kapilvastu, Siddharthanagar, Prof Surendra Dubey till the appointment of a new incumbent.

Intern doctors to go on strike over stipend

Intern doctors to go on strike over stipend

Jaipur:21.05.2021

Over 1,300 intern doctors on Thursday decided to go on strike from Friday as they have been demanding from the government to increase stipend from Rs7,000 to Rs14,000.

An office-bearer of All Rajasthan Intern Doctors’ Association said that they have been demanding from the state government to increase their stipend, but it has not resolved the issue. “In October last year a committee formed under the principal and controller SMS Medical College, which had accepted their demands of increasing their monthly stipend. But the decision has not been implemented till date,”said the office-bearer.

A celebration erupted at the Sawai Man Singh Medical College on Monday, where the intern doctors have been protesting for the past five days, sitting on hunger strike. They called off the hunger strike, after a committee formed by the principal and controller SMS Medical College, accepted their demands of increasing their monthly stipend.

In October last year, too, the intern doctors had protested and they had sat on hunger strike on October15. Following which, a committee was formed by the SMS medical college and intern doctors called off the strike at that time. TNN

AMU VC blames vax hesitancy

AMU VC blames vax hesitancy

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

Agra:12.05.2021

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) vicechancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor on Thursday admitted that vaccine hesitancy had played a significant role in surge in Covid-19 cases among university employees and their families and the consequent deaths.

Till now, several employees, including 18 serving faculty members, a large number of retired professors and non-teaching staff, have died due to the virus.

In a letter to the members of AMU community, the VC appealed to all the deans, principals, chairpersons, provosts, heads of departments and teaching and non-teaching staff and alumni to motivate and make efforts that all of them and their family members as well as students get vaccinated against the virus.

Virus can spread through aerosols up to 10m: Govt

Virus can spread through aerosols up to 10m: Govt

Has Greater Risk Of Transmission Of Covid In Closed Spaces

Vishwa.Mohan@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:21.05.2021

Recent studies pointing to SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19, being transmitted through droplets and aerosols that can travel up to 10 metres in air have prompted the government to refine its advisory which calls for proper ventilation, among other things, to check the transmission of the disease.

Pitching for increased ventilation, the advisory, issued by the office of principal scientific advisor (PSA) to the government on Thursday, said droplets and aerosols become quickly concentrated and greatly increase the risk of transmission in "closed unventilated indoor" spaces.

“In closed indoor spaces, droplets, and aerosols become quickly concentrated, greatly increasing the risk of transmission to people in the area. Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, high concentrations of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in,” tweeted PSA K VijayRaghavan, on the guidelines which enlisted steps on how to stop the transmission of Covid-19 virus.

Raghavan, a developmental biologist, said, “One infected asymptomatic person can release enough aerosols to infect many. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear in an infected person, during which he may continue to shed the virus to infect others. Some people may never show symptoms and yet be spreaders.”

Besides underlining the importance of masks, physical distancing and sanitation, the advisory also lays equal emphasis on ventilation, noting how infection transmission risk is much lower in outdoor areas, as virus particles get quickly dispersed. It said, “Better the ventilation, lower the potential for transmission.”

Fresh evidence and advice on airborne Covid-19 spread had come a few months ago when scientists at two laboratories of the Centre of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) -- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh -- had studied the extent of transmission through air.

In closed indoor spaces aerosols become quickly concentrated, greatly increasing the risk of transmission to people in the area

Managements seek teachers’ discretion in awarding marks

CBSE XTH EXAMS

Managements seek teachers’ discretion in awarding marks

Kochi:21.05.2021

The Kerala CBSE Schools Management Association has written to the central education minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, requesting to rectify the alleged 'disparities and deficiencies' in the assessment formula for tabulating the marks of Class X students in the absence of annual board exams.

In the letter, they have said that a majority of the schools and the students are facing problems based on the guidelines issued by the CBSE.

Earlier in April, the CBSE said that the students will be assessed by respective schools out of a maximum of 100 marks for each subject. The 20 marks for internal assessment for each subject will be as per the existing policy but the CBSE stated that the remaining 80 marks in each subject should be divided across the Periodic Test/ Unit Test (10 Marks), Half Yearly/ Mid-term Examinations (30 Marks), and Pre-Board or Model Examinations (40 Marks).

However, the overall average marks assessed in 2020-2021 for all the five main subjects should not exceed the overall average marks obtained by the school in the reference year — best of three previous years — that has to be taken as the benchmark.

“If this guideline is to be implemented, the brilliant and hardworking students will have to suffer the consequence of lesser marks and grades on the basis of average marks in the previous year for no fault of theirs. Hence the CBSE may be directed to amend the policy by providing discretion for the teachers who have been continuously assessing the students from the beginning of the academic year,” said the letter signed by president TPM Ibrahim Khan and general secretary P S Ramachandran Pillai. TNN

‘No merit in arguments over Shailaja’s exclusion’

‘No merit in arguments over Shailaja’s exclusion’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Thiruvananthapuram:21.05.2021

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury here on Thursday said there was no merit in the arguments that K K Shailaja was excluded from the second Pinarayi government for any ulterior reasons.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony, Yechury said the decision to induct all new faces into the new cabinet was the outcome of a principled stand taken by the CPM in Kerala.

Selection of candidates for ministerial berth is the prerogative of the respective state committees.

“They are the matters within the domain of the respective state committees. And that is the party structure. So, we have taken a principled decision and that decision I think would be good for the long-term interest, not only for the CPM and LDF, but also for the state of Kerala,” he said.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that the CPM collectively took all decisions regarding the government formation. He also turned down the reports that the central leadership was upset over the decision to drop Shailaja from the cabinet, despite her sterling performance as health minister in the first Pinarayi government.

CPM leaders claimed that the party decision to deny seats to all those had contested two elections consecutively and to drop all former ministers from the first Pinarayi government were taken to rejuvenate the party and nip the possibilities of certain leaders emerging as power centres.

A similar drastic change in the CPM’s organizational positions is also on the anvil is what they claims.

Higher education: A time for reforms and transformation

BY INVITATION

Higher education: A time for reforms and transformation

Kuncheria P Isaac  21.05.2021 

The all-India higher education survey paints a grim picture of the higher education sector in Kerala. Be it university, college, or the gross enrolment ratio (GER) ranking, we have nothing to cheer about. Kerala ranks 20th in the universities’ category, 11th in colleges’ category and 8th in GER. The new government would need the courage and resolve to make a course correction and salvage the ailing sector.

First, blind opposition to National Education Policy (NEP) should stop and government should use it as a springboard to scale new heights. Kerala should be open to structural changes to make higher education system more research intensive and academic oriented. Elimination of affiliation system, granting more autonomy through a process of accreditation, ranking and rating is the next step.

If we assume that the population of Kerala will be around 40 million by 2040 and if 10% of this population will be college students (18-23) at a GER of 50%, the college-going population in Kerala will be 2 million. Following NEP to its logical conclusion, these students should be enrolled in 60 universities, with an average enrolment of 30,000 students. Unless we are open to structural changes, such a target is impossible to achieve.

Can we reform the existing, affiliated universities to provide a quality education is the fundamental question before the government? Based on my experiences at KTU and the present governance structure, it may be an impossible task. It is better for the government to think of transforming the system, keep it aligned with NEP by separating the governance of affiliated system and university departments. The governance of university departments should be vested with the teachers and not the persons elected or nominated to the syndicate from affiliated colleges.

Digitalisation: Classroom in every home

In this era of MOOC, ‘distance education’ is obsolete. Priority should be on digitalisation to achieve a GER of 50% with quality education. All students cannot be on campus for education and hence the first task is to set up a classroom in every house with personal computers or laptops and internet facility. Government should provide this facility to those in BPL category.

Smart classrooms, inclusion of tablets, e-books enabled with educational software and applications, digital library, personalized learning, adaptive learning, project based learning are the features of digital transformation required for a student-centric learning.

Research

This culture is almost absent in our higher education institutions. Though one can sense some sort of awakening, the credit goes to NIRF and accreditation process. It is where government should step in and act as an enabler.

(The author is Director General XIME and former VC of KTU)

HC to govt: Are you making a mockery of edu system?

HC to govt: Are you making a mockery of edu system?

Rosy.Sequeira@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:21.05.2021

The Bombay high court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government for its decision not to hold SSC exams. The HC heard a PIL by Dhananjay Kulkarni, a retired teacher from Pune, which stated that cancelling of SSC exams can lead to problems for Class XI admissions as different boards declare results based on different formulae.

Government pleader Priyabhushan Kakade said the state is waiting for suggestions from the State Council of Educational Research and Training in a week, after which it will come up with a formula. “Are you making a mockery of the education system?” asked Justice Kathawalla. Kakade said the decision was taken due to the pandemic. “What are you talking? Pandemic. Pandemic,” said Justice Kathawalla, adding that on one hand, the state is saying Covid-19 cases are lessening. “In the name of the pandemic you cannot spoil the career and future of our children... It is not acceptable,” he said.

The judges questioned the discrimination in holding HSC exams for 14 lakh students and not SSC exams for 16 lakh students, adding that “things are done as per whims and fancies of so-called policy- makers.” Told by Kakade that it was a policy decision taken by the government not to hold the SSC exams, Justice Kathawalla remarked, “You are just destroying the system.”

Kulkarni’s advocate Uday Warunjikar said that for Classes I-VIII, there were no exams and even for Class XI. “The complete batch is without any examinations,” he said. Advocate Madhaveshwari Mhase, for an intervenor Anubha Sahai, said Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu had cancelled SSC exams. She said the Madras HC had even dismissed a challenge to the decision. “It is not binding on us. We care about the future of our students, who are the future of the country. They cannot be promoted year after year,” said Justice Kathawalla.

The SSC board’s advocate Kiran Gandhi said it is awaiting a formula from the state. “You are not prepared with anything. Just cancel the exams and sit tight!” said Justice Kathawalla. The judges will pass an order on the matter.

No bail for vendor who laid iron rod on tracks

No bail for vendor who laid iron rod on tracks

Rebecca.Samervel@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:21.05.2021

Seven months after a 30-year-old flower vendor allegedly threw an iron rod on railway tracks as revenge after he was robbed of his sleep for several days due to ongoing work on an FOB at Charni Road, a sessions court this week rejected his bail plea. The accused, Anil Vaghela, lived on a footpath nearby.

Relying on CCTV footage, the court said that if any train were to pass, the possibility of an accident and loss of life could not be ruled out. “Fortunately, the train… stopped,” the court said.

It said that since Vaghela lived close to Charni Road railway station, if released on bail, he could commit such an offence again. “Therefore, considering the seriousness and prima facie evidence available on record (there is) no ground to release accused on bail,” the court said. Vaghela was booked for “mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees and upwards” under the IPC and offences under the Railways Act. The maximum possible sentence is three years’ imprisonment.

9am to 2pm: PU office new timings

9am to 2pm: PU office new timings

Chandigarh:21.05.2021 

In order to review the status of Covid-19 cases at Panjab University (PU) and to contain the spread, the PU authorities on Thursday decided the timings of the university office from 9 am to 2 pm with 50% staff till May 31. Officers at the level of office superintendent and above will attend the office daily. TNN

50% STAFF TO ATTEND PANJAB UNIVERSITY OFFICE FROM 9AM TO 2PM

 Times of India  Chandighar 

50% STAFF TO ATTEND PANJAB UNIVERSITY OFFICE FROM 9AM TO 2PM

Russian holiday vaccine seekers’ and travel industry’s best shot

ATTRACTIVE OFFERS

Russian holiday vaccine seekers’ and travel industry’s best shot

Shariq.Majeed@timesgroup.com

Ludhiana:21.05.2021

Vaccine tourists fly to Russia amid shortage at home, even as Sputnik lands. Booking queries for the combo package of Russian holiday and shots exceed the frequency of flights, so wait until May-end and hope for this second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic to subside.

Micro and small travel agent association president Gurpreet Chawla said: "The Russia package includes shots of Sputnik V for the 18-plus, with certificate, besides 24-night stay in a 4-star hotel with breakfast. The client can downgrade or upgrade, and add extra meals, sightseeing, and chauffer service. But the two weekly direct flights are full."

A prominent tour company’s sales head, Rakesh Sharma, said: “We hope it will be better after May. Besides Ludhiana, other cities are also calling in. Mostly, those are families and groups, as the sharing price is cheaper than the Rs 30,000-to-40,000 cost for singles.” There are also Rs 80,000 and Rs 1.25 lakh packages. Local facilitators in Russia have a tie-up with its government clinics but boarding the flight takes RTPCR negative report not more than 72 hours old.

Travel agent Sanjay Mehra said it was lockdown in almost all international destinations, while Russia was open. The package includes daily breakfast in hotel, airport-to-hotel transfer, two doses of Sputnik with certificate, two pre-vaccination medical check-ups, all transfers and doctor’s visit with English-speaking guide, invitation letter for tourist or medical visa (subject to approval), Russian Visa fee (also subject to approval). Extra meal costs Rs 950 and includes continental buffet and Indian food. Mehra launched the combo offer with seven bookings.

Since Sputnik V has arrived in India, many travel agents see their business opportunity waning.

A local travel agent said: “The Russian vaccine is expected to be available in India soon but since people haven’t been able to go out for long, they might prefer our package." Russian health and disease-control regulations since April 28 require all passengers from India to be tested for Covid-19 after passing immigration. They need no wait at the airport to get the result.

City man fails to get HC relief to fly to US over bank fraud

City man fails to get HC relief to fly to US over bank fraud

Court Seeks Reply From Union Govt

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad:21.05.2021

The Telangana high court on Thursday declined to give any interim relief to a city resident who sought permission to fly to the United States.

Refusing to accept the pleas of petitioner Kanumuri Venkata Subba Raju, Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili issued notices to the Centre, immigration officials and sought their replies within two weeks. The judge was hearing a petition of Subba Raju who said that the immigration officer at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport affixed a stamp on his passport indicating that it stood cancelled.

Stating that a person who defrauded a bank should not talk about rules and procedures when he was facing a lookout circular and was prevented from flying to the US, the judge said: “You cheat a bank and when the aggrieved bank writes to the Centre and got a lookout circular issued against you, you are now talking about rules and procedures. I cannot accept this.” The judge asked the petitioner to make UCO Bank a party.

Subba Raju’s counsel argued that there was no criminal case against him and that it was not right to stop him from going to the US as he had already acquired the US citizenship. “It is unlawful to prevent him to leave India,” he said, and added that all this was done at the behest of UCO Bank, Kolkata. The judge then asked the petitioner why did not he make the bank a party to his petition. Subba Raju is a resident of Kavuri Hills near Madhapur.

Shopkeepers booked for selling pulse oximeters at higher prices

Shopkeepers booked for selling pulse oximeters at higher prices

Mungara.Sunil@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:21.05.2021

Exploiting the precarious situation, several medical shops are making a killing by jacking up the prices of pulse oximeters and sanitizers. Instead of selling them at MRP, the shopkeepers are hiding the price by sticking blank labels on them.

Confirming these violations, assistant controller of legal metrology department Shivanand said that raids are being conducted on several medical shops. “Our special teams have raided several shops and found that a few are violating norms. We have raided 110 medical shops so far and imposed penalties. A reputed medical shop was fined Rs 25,000 for selling pulse oximeters and sanitizers at higher prices,” said Shivanand, adding that cases were booked for violating the compulsory mask rule.

“So far 12 cases were booked and Rs 23,000 fined was imposed for violating the compulsory mask rule,” he added.

The official made it clear that they have no intention to harass the shopkeepers.

“Our intention is not to harass the shopkeepers by imposing penalties and booking cases. We are coming hard on those greedy who are exploiting the rush because of the pandemic situation and the lockdown. Some shops are illegally hiking the price of oximeters by about 95 to 120%.

Officials conduct a raid at a medical shop

Singapore tells Twitter, FB to carry correction notice on strain of virus

Singapore tells Twitter, FB to carry correction notice on strain of virus

Singapore:21.05.2021 

Singapore on Thursday ordered Facebook and Twitter to carry a correction notice to users of the social media platforms in the country over what it says is a false statement about a new virus variant originating in Singapore.

The ministry of health said it was aware of the statement circulating online on media outlets and social media platforms, which implied that a new, previously unknown variant of Covid-19 originated in Singapore and risked spreading to India from the city-state.

The move came after chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a Twitter post this week that a new form of the virus that was particularly harmful to children had come to Singapore, and urged for a ban on flights.

Both the Singapore and Indian governments have criticised the opposition politician, saying his comments were not based on facts and were “irresponsible”.

The correction orders were issued under Singapore’s fake news law, or the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.

Facebook and Twitter confirmed receipt of the order and said they complied as per the local law.

A prompt on users’ Facebook news feeds linked to a government website that said there was no new “Singapore” variant of Covid-19. Neither is there evidence of any Covid variant that is “extremely dangerous for kids”, the health ministry said. It said the B16172 strain found in many new Covid-19 cases in Singapore was first detected in India.

Twitter sent notifications to its account holders based in Singapore, which included a tweet from the Singapore government’s official account @POFMA_Notice. REUTERS

‘2nd wave a humanitarian crisis’

NOMURA REPORT

‘2nd wave a humanitarian crisis’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:21.05.2021 

Japanese investment bank and brokerage firm Nomura has said the second wave of Covid is a humanitarian crisis in India rather than an economic one and expects the impact of localised lockdowns to be less severe than last year.

“The hit to mobility due to the state-wide lockdowns has been steep, and the economic impact is likely to be most severe in May. However, we expect the overall hit to sequential growth in Q2 (April-June) to be much less severe than last year and less than what the drop in mobility suggests, as lockdowns are more nuanced this time and consumers and businesses

have adapted, a view supported by international evidence,” Nomura said in its Asia special report.

“Stronger global growth is also currently a tailwind, which was not the case last year. We expect lockdowns to last for around six weeks and be followed by selective reopening in June, which should result in better sequential growth,” the report said.

The RBI is also of the view that the impact of the second wave on the economy is likely to be less severe this year compared to last year when there was strict lockdown across the country.

Nomura said it expects the pace of vaccinations to accelerate after June. “We expect half of the population to be fully vaccinated by end-2021 and India to reach its vaccine pivot point in Q3, which should boost domestic consumption,” the report said.

French investment bank Societe Generale said that the second wave would have a disproportionately high impact on demand than on supply, which might linger for a few quarters more.

It said this had forced them to revise down their growth forecast for FY22 to 8.5% from 9.5%.

‘Dogs can sniff Covid almost as well as PCR tests’

‘Dogs can sniff Covid almost as well as PCR tests’

21.05.2021 TOI 

Dogs are able to detect Covid-19 in humans, a new study showed, paving the way for the broader use of sniffing canines in a global effort to contain the pandemic. The dogs’ detection reached 97% sensitivity in the French study, meaning that’s how well the canines could identify positive samples. The sniffing was also 91% specific, which rates the dogs’ ability to identify negatives. The sensitivity rating beats that of many 15-minute antigen tests, which tend to be better at ruling out infection than at finding it. The results mean that dogs could be more widely deployed in airports or stations to screen people. Using dogs also means Covid could be identified at just a fraction of a second in a non-invasive manner, and at a low cost. The trial was conducted at National Veterinary School in Maisons Alfort near Paris. There were 335 people tested, of which 109 were positive in a PCR test that served as a control. Nine dogs participated. BLOOMBERG

MBBS graduate on Covid duty gets into IIM-Bangalore

MBBS graduate on Covid duty gets into IIM-Bangalore

Bharat.Yagnik@timesgroup.com

Ahmedabad:21.05.2021

Dr Nuhad Bardai’s joys knew no bounds when she received her admission letter from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, one of the top 100 business schools in the world as per Financial Times’ Global MBA Ranking 2021. The letter came on the day of Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims across the world fast from dawn to dusk.

Dr Bardai, who completed her MBBS from BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, was in Covid duty as a part of her medical internship, when the final results for the Common Admission Test (CAT), 2021, came in.

“I felt as if my prayers were answered. I was doing Covid duty for about a year and found time only between two shifts or during the mandatory quarantine period to study for CAT. Yes, there were apprehensions, but I am happy to make the cut in the end,” Dr Bardai said.

Hailing from Rajkot, where she completed her schooling, Bardai belongs to a family of businessmen.

“I think it is quite out of the box for medical professionals to go on to do an MBA. However, I believe there is a dire need for such people and the pandemic may have shown us why we need better management in healthcare and the medical field," she said. Her goal is to eventually go into healthcare consulting and then start a venture of her own. “So, in all, I will always remain a doctor, but I will utilize my skills a bit differently.”

Dr Bardai has been a bright student, always making it among the Top 10 students at BJ Medical college, considered as one of the top medical colleges of Gujarat.

Dr Bardai served nearly seven term duties in the Covid-19 centre as part of her studies. Her stellar performance in academics continued as she scored 96 percentile to not only crack CAT 2021 but get interview calls from top B-schools of the country including IIM-Kozhikode, nine new IIMs, FMS Delhi, and NMIMS, Mumbai. “As a medical science student, I was used to studying for ten long hours. So, it was not a big challenge to study six hours a day for CAT. The bigger challenge was when Covid-19 cases began to rise and we had to step up our efforts and work relentlessly," Dr Bardai said.

Dr Nuhad Bardai studied between shifts while serving nearly seven term duties at a Covid centre

‘Covaxin protection after 1st dose not high as Covishield’

‘Covaxin protection after 1st dose not high as Covishield’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:21.05.2021

The interval between the two doses of Covishield has been increased to 12-18 weeks as the first dose developed strong immunity but the four week gap for Covaxin is unchanged as the immunity after the initial shot is not as high.

Explaining the government decision to make a three month interval mandatory for Covishield, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, Indian Council of Medical Research head Dr Balram Bhargava said the immunity post the first shot was found to be quite strong. He said a three month gap will give the best results.

“On the other hand, the immunity level after the first shot of Covaxin is not as high and this means the second dose should be taken after four weeks to ensure the full level of efficacy,” Dr Bhargava said.

He also said the recommendation that those who had contracted Covid or persons who came down with after the first does wait three months for their vaccination was based on the assessment that patients who recover from the disease have sufficient anti-bodies.

“It is not clear how long the anti-bodies last...six or seven months. So it is advised that vaccination be done or completed after a three month interval,” Dr Bhargava said.

The four-week gap between two doses of Covaxin remains unchanged

Mucormycosis found in 23-year-old Covid-cured Surat patient’s brain

Mucormycosis found in 23-year-old Covid-cured Surat patient’s brain

Jay.Pachchigar@timesgroup.com

Surat:21.05.2021

After getting discharged from hospital following recovery from Covid-19, there’s still a few things that one must look out for — redness in eyes, headache, coughing, bloody vomit among others. These may be a precursor to the dreaded mucormycosis.

Along with MM treatment, doctors advise getting an MRI scan of the brain done. For, condition of brain mucormycosis may go unnoticed until a patient suffers from epilepsy or becomes unconscious.

Surat doctors recently came across a rare case of MM infection in the brain of a 23-year-old patient from Kosamba while his sinus, eyes and lungs, which are usually found infected in MM patients, were completely unaffected. In fact, it was a case study for the doctors too who learnt about MM infection in the brain after conducting a surgery and biopsy.

“The patient started having fits and hence got MRI scans done. It showed brain edema which gradually increased, and his body movements were also slowing down. He was, therefore, brought to Surat,” said Dr Hitesh Chitroda, a neurosurgeon.

The surgeon further said that after CT scans showed that there was midline shift due to pressure, they conducted a brain surgery to decrease pressure. The surgery was done by Dr Chitroda along with Dr Maulik Patel and Dr Rakesh Bharodiya, a biopsy of brain tissues. “Biopsy report suggested mucormycosis infection in the brain, which surprised us as his sinus was unaffected. In usual case, the sinus gets infected first and then brain is affected,” he said.

Doctors suspect that the patient may have dissemminated mucormycosis in which the infection spreads through blood streams and most commonly affects the brain.

“I have never come across or heard of post-Covid isolated brain MM infection. Hence, this could be the first such reported case,” Dr Chitroda told TOI.

Advisory issued by Indian Council of Medical Research for screening, diagnosis and management of mucormycosis does not mention about symptoms like fits and brain edema.

Patient's CT scan image showing brain edema and mid-line shift

Doc to work in govt hosp as bail condition

Doc to work in govt hosp as bail condition

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Vadodara:21.05.2021

A homeopathy doctor who was held in connection with pilferage of rapid antigen testing (RAT) Covid testing kits in Limdi town in Dahod district has been asked to serve in government healthcare facilities as a bail condition. The accused had allegedly taken the kits from a Jhalod taluka health officer.

The homeopath Dr Karan Devda had allegedly obtained the kits from Dr Dharmesh Chauhan. Some of these kits were used for testing his relatives by Devda while the rest were used for testing some patients.

Jhalod police arrested Devda in connection with the pilferage of kits. Devda told the police that he had obtained the kits from Chauhan. After his name cropped up, Chauhan has been on the run and the police is looking for him.

Devda meanwhile applied for bail. He was asked to work 8 hours in a government hospital or health centre from Monday to Thursday as bail condition.