30 COVID-19 patients discharged after Siddha treatment in Chennai

30 COVID-19 patients discharged after Siddha treatment in Chennai

“We will surely expand the use of Indian medicine in the coming days. This system has shown results in Kerala too,’’ Health Secretary Dr Radhakrishnan said.

Published: 12th June 2020 08:04 PM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 08:04 PM | A+A A-

Thirty COVID-19 patients in Chennai have been discharged so far after being treated by Siddha medicine at the Jawahar College Campus.

By Omjasvin MD

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Thirty COVID-19 patients in Chennai have been discharged so far after being treated by Siddha medicine at the Jawahar College Campus.

“Out of the 30, six people took an exit test and were found to be negative. The rest were all stable,’’ Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan told The New Indian Express.

He said they normally do not carry out exit tests for stable patients but these were done to highlight the efficacy of the Siddha treatment.

Currently, about 100 patients are still getting treated by Siddha in the city while other medicine systems like Ayurveda, homeopathy and naturopathy are also being experimented on patients across government hospitals and COVID care centres.

On May 29, the state government held a feasibility meeting on exploring the Indian system of medicine for treatment of COVID-19. Eight representatives from various systems participated and presented the treatment modalities which could reduce the viral load in patients.

In the meeting, State Development Policy Council (SDPC) Vice Chairman C Ponnaiyan suggested that the doctors go ahead with promoting the efficacy of the system and provide well documented clinical trials to establish it, according to sources.

Dr N Manavalan, Principal, Government Yoga and Naturopathic Medical College and Hospital, who was also the member of the panel, told Express that trials were going on at Stanley and Omandurar hospitals and the COVID care centres at Loyola and DG Vaishnav Colleges.

"Naturopathy treatment acts as a primary prevention method, helping in reducing the multiplication of the viral load. This method gives importance to the throat and nasal part of the body," he said.

Dr Manavala added that in COVID care centres, patients are taught yoga and pranayama and are made to do salt water gargling and steam inhalation. "Most of the patients are stable and are being continuously monitored," he said.

As of June 10, a total of 3146 COVID positive patients have been getting yoga and naturopathy treatment.

“We will surely expand the use of Indian medicine in the coming days. This system has shown results in Kerala too,’’ Dr Radhakrishnan said. He added that this system could work hand-in-hand with the allopathy treatment.

Panel members told Express that soon, outcomes of Indian medicine treatment for COVID patients will be published as a documented paper and presented to the government.

No e-pass, no entry to Chennai; police seal borders shut

No e-pass, no entry to Chennai; police seal borders shut

Chengalpattu SP Kannan told Express that checking will continue for the next few days until COVID-19 cases in the district comes down.

Published: 13th June 2020 06:37 AM | Last Updated: 13th June 2020 06:37 AM 

MKN road in Alandur and neighboring streets have been shut down for a week after it was found to be a Covid hotspot | Ashwin Prasath

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Even as the government ruled out a fresh phase of lockdown in Chennai, police personnel of bordering districts have intensified vehicle checks and only people with valid e-passes are allowed to enter Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur. Chengalpattu SP Kannan told Express that checking will continue for the next few days until COVID-19 cases in the district comes down.

“We have sent back at least 8,000 vehicles since morning,” he said. Kancheepuram SP D Samundeeswari said, “Owing to the weekend and the rumoured lockdown, many people wanted to reach Kancheepuram or cross the district. People who are working in Chennai said they had to come everyday and that they cannot get e-pass. We have asked them to contact the Collectorate for details.”

Social justice is not a concession: TN parties react to SC ruling on quota for OBCs in medical colleges

Social justice is not a concession: TN parties react to SC ruling on quota for OBCs in medical colleges

Stating that the petitioners just highlighted the discrimination shown between EWS and the OBCs in this regard, Ravikumar said the VCK would continue its legal battle in this regard.

Published: 12th June 2020 11:25 AM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 11:25 AM 

For representational purposes

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Political parties in Tamil Nadu have expressed their disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling that right to reservation is not a fundamental right while rejecting pleas challenging the Centre’s decision not to grant 50 percent reservation to OBCs in Tamil Nadu medical colleges.

K Thirunavukkarasu, historian of Dravidian Movement said: “It is unfortunate that the SC has shirked its responsibility to give a clear cut answer to the issue. They just passed the responsibility to the State courts. Social justice is not a concession. It is a birthright of the backward and oppressed classes.”

Thirunavukkarasu said reservation enables each community to progress ahead through education.

Reservation is there to give social status for the oppressed and backward classes and it helps ensure equality. 

As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, social justice issue was raised in the early 20th century. 1921, Communal G.O was issued.

VCK general secretary D Ravikumar pointed out that the question put forth before the SC was not whether reservation is a fundamental right or not.

It is about the legality of providing reservation to the OBCs. The Centre has given reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) while the same has been denied to OBCs. So, naturally, the question arises whether reservation is a fundamental right for EWS. 

Stating that the petitioners just highlighted the discrimination shown between EWS and the OBCs in this regard, Ravikumar said the VCK would continue its legal battle in this regard.

CPI state secretary R Muththarasan told Express: “The Supreme Court’s decision on these petitions is surprising.

The first amendment in the constitution took place to protect the reservation in Tamil Nadu. Reservation is being given to the underprivileged in the society.

Hence, it is the rights of those who were denied the opportunity for education and job opportunities for generations. We will fight for social justice till the end.”

CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan said: “We did not seek clarification from SC whether reservation is a fundamental right. Already reservation has got constitutional protection. Hence, we sought the direction from the SC to provide reservation to OBCs as per the Constitution. We will explore legal options to carry forward the case till getting the SC’s nod for reservation to OBCs”.

Why not lock Chennai down once again, Madras HC asks TN govt

Why not lock Chennai down once again, Madras HC asks TN govt

Being a policy decision, officials said a call has to be taken by CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and epidemiologists.

Published: 12th June 2020 02:57 AM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 02:57 AM 

Poonamallee Municipality staff spraying bleaching powder to prevent coronavirus on Monday in Chennai. (Photo | P Jawahar/EPS)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Amid rumours of Chennai heading towards another lockdown doing the rounds on social media, the Madras High Court on Thursday asked the government pleader why a complete lockdown can’t be implemented in the city to control the continuing rise in the number of cases.

Though messages on various social media fora claimed that the State was merely waiting for Class X and Class XI exams to end to announce a complete lockdown, officials dismissed them as mere rumours.

“Despite the steps taken by the government, the number of cases is steeply rising every day in the city and its outskirts making the situation alarming,” a bench comprising justices Vineet Kothari and R Suresh Kumar said during virtual court proceedings after concluding listed cases.

“This is not a suo motu proceeding and the court has not initiated any PIL petition either. We, as citizens of Tamil Nadu and residents of Chennai, and in the interest of the general public raise this question,” the bench said.

It also wanted to know whether the government had devised any special scheme, including a complete lockdown, to contain the spread of infection in Chennai and the surrounding areas for some time.

However, government pleader Jayaprakash Narayan said he had not received any such instruction and would inform the court if there is any fresh information on Friday.Being a policy decision, officials said a call has to be taken by CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and epidemiologists.

While health sources maintain that a lockdown is to build up the capacity to combat the spread, it can’t help in containing the disease. Interestingly, no medical expert has come out with any evidence stating that a lockdown will contain it. Virologist T Jacob John said a lockdown is not required if the government enforces 100 per cent wearing of masks.

“I am saying it based on an evidence-based study put forth in a recent publication by a UK journal. I suggest wearing masks even at home, if elderly live there,” he said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalain Peramaippu on Thursday declared that the members of the forum are ready to shut their establishments in Chennai for 15 days if the government wants it.

EPS names two-tier flyover in Salem after Jayalalithaa

EPS names two-tier flyover in Salem after Jayalalithaa

Chief Minister also lays foundation for Rs 286.14-cr worth works, says more coming up

Published: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at the inauguration of the two-tier flyover at Kuranguchavadi in Salem, the longest of its type in Tamil Nadu; He also inaugurated various completed projects

By Express News Service

SALEM: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday named the newly-inaugurated two-tier flyover at Kuranguchavadi in Salem, the longest of its type in Tamil Nadu, after 'Puratchi Thalaivi' J Jayalalithaa. After inaugurating another flyover constructed between Shevapet and Leigh Bazaar, Palaniswami laid the foundation for Rs 286.14-crore worth works, and inaugurated various projects completed at a cost of Rs 26.22 crore.

Referring to the two-tier flyover inauguration a 'historic' event, the CM told media persons that the dream of Salem residents has come true. "During my tenure as the Minister of Highways Department in 2011, I had requested former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to allow construction of this flyover to decongest traffic. A similar request was also made for a flyover each at A V R Roundana, Shevapet-Leigh Bazaar stretch, Manalmedu and Mulluvadi Gate. Considering the needs, she sanctioned funds for constructing flyovers in all these locations.

Already, the flyovers at A V R Roundana, Thiruvagoundanur and Steel Plant Junction have been thrown open. While the one at A V R Roundana was named after 'Puratchi Thalaivar' M G Ramachandran, the two-tier flyover is given the name of former Chief Minister 'Puratchi Thalaivi' J Jayalalithaa," he explained.

More on the cards

About projects in the pipeline, the CM said, "The flyover construction at Kandampatti bypass is nearing completion. Those at Ariyanoor and Magudanchavadi along the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway are under construction. On Thrusday, foundation stone was laid for two flyovers — one near JSW Industry and another at Muthunaickenpatti.

Steps are being taken to build new flyovers at Vazhapadi and Ayothiyapattinam. Besides, the first phase of service road-laying works has been initiated at Seelanaickenpatti."Palaniswami informed that the Centre has granted permission for the construction of a flyover at Mamangam on the Salem-Bengaluru NH. "Soon, we are expecting their nod for another flyover at Selliyampalayam junction near Attur on Salem-Chennai NH," he added.

DMK moves HC after SC observes reservation is not fundamental right

DMK moves HC after SC observes reservation is not fundamental right

Accordingly, DMK press relations officer TKS Elangovan filed a writ petition on Thursday.

Published: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM |

Madras High Court (File photo| EPS)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Acting on the liberty made known by the Supreme Court to the political parties of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, the DMK filed a writ petition before Madras High Court, seeking 50 per cent reservation for OBC in the matter of admission of students belonging to the OBC community in medical and dental courses under the State-surrendered seats in All India Quota. After observing that reservation is not a fundamental right, a bench of the apex court, directed the parties to approach the Madras HC with its plea.

Accordingly, DMK press relations officer TKS Elangovan filed a writ petition on Thursday.Meanwhile, General Secretary of Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) GR Ravindranath opposed the apex court’s refusal to grant 50 per cent reservation for OBCs in medical colleges, stating that 27 per cent of reservations should initially be implemented, adding the 27 per cent of all India quota should have been implemented in 2008 itself.

K Veeramani, president of DK, said Supreme Court’s observation was only an interpretation. On interpretations to the constitutional provisions, Veeramani pointed to an excerpt in the report of Havanur, who headed the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission. “Havanur said that language of the Constitution insofar as it relates to backward classes, is simple and unambiguous. But the language of the Judiciary in interpreting the Constitutional provisions is highly ambiguous and complicated.”

G Karunanidhy, general secretary of the All India OBC Federation said, “Reservation is indeed a constitutional right which was guaranteed under various provisions. In fact, those provisions were earlier upheld by the apex court on various occasions.”

K Thirunavukkarasu, historian of Dravidian Movement said, “It is unfortunate that the SC has shirked its responsibility to give a clear cut answer. They just passed the responsibility to the State courts. Social justice is not a concession. It is a birthright of the backward and oppressed classes.”

VCK general secretary D Ravikumar pointed out that the question put forth was not whether reservation is a fundamental right or not. It is about the legality of providing reservation to the OBCs. The Centre has given reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) while the same has been denied to OBCs. So, naturally, the question arises whether reservation is a fundamental right for EWS.

CPI state secretary R Muththarasan and CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan expressed shock over the SC and echoed similar view as the aforementioned leaders.

Tamil Nadu institutions slip in ranking

Tamil Nadu institutions slip in ranking

Nothing to cheer despite 18 varsities, colleges from TN finding a spot in NIRF report card

Published: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM | Last Updated: 12th June 2020 06:04 AM 

Anna University 

By Sushmitha Ramakrishnan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Eighteen colleges and universities from Tamil Nadu are featured among the top-100 higher education institutions in the country, as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released by the Ministry of Human Resources Development on Thursday. The IIT-Madras tops the list.

The ranking did not bring cheer for many institutions in the State. The famous Anna University, for instance, slipped from rank-14 in the overall category to 20. It is still ranked 12 among universities in the country, and 14 among engineering institutions. The University of Madras, again, slumped from rank-33 to as low as 41.

The Madras University scored almost the same in all categories except Peer Perception — which is calculated based on a survey conducted among employers, professionals, and academics. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, has secured rank-13 in the overall category and fourth in the universities category. 

For the first time the Madras Medical College has figured among the top medical colleges and is ranked at 12. Christian Medical College in Vellore has been ranked third in the country. Among the top 10 colleges are Presidency College, Loyola College and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women. The Presidency College’s ranking has, however, fallen from the third to the fifth position this year.

Madras Christian College has secured the 17th rank. Ethiraj College for Women has slid by 10 positions this year — rank 46 compared to rank 36 in 2019. A total of 32 colleges from the State have been listed in the top 100 colleges list. While 20 colleges have been ranked under the category of Law, no institute from Tamil Nadu is on it.