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Kolkata Rape Case: IMA Revokes Membership of Sandip Ghosh, Former RG Kar Hospital Principal

August 28, 2024, 7:05 pm

There is a new development related to the ongoing Kolkata rape and murder investigation, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended the membership of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision was made by the IMA’s disciplinary committee, led by National President Dr. RV Asokan, in response to the serious allegations surrounding Dr. Ghosh.

The IMA’s official statement revealed that the committee’s action followed an extensive review of the rape and murder of a postgraduate resident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. “The undersigned along with the National President had also visited the parents of the victim in their home,” the statement noted. It added that the grievances voiced by the victim’s family regarding Dr. Ghosh’s handling of the situation, including perceived lack of empathy and sensitivity, were significant factors in the decision.

Calls for Action and Ongoing Probe

The suspension follows mounting pressure from the IMA Bengal state branch and various doctor associations, which had called for disciplinary measures against Dr. Ghosh. They cited the disrepute brought to the medical profession by his alleged actions. The IMA committee unanimously agreed to suspend Dr. Ghosh’s membership, emphasizing the gravity of the case and the need to uphold professional standards.

This disciplinary action comes as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its probe into the case. The agency recently conducted a polygraph test on Dr. Ghosh and executed raids at multiple locations linked to him as part of a corruption investigation.

IMA’s Response and Nationwide Strike

In response to the case, the IMA had also visited the victim’s family and expressed shock at their condition. The association launched a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the rape and murder case and has communicated its concerns and demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through an official letter.

The IMA’s actions underscore the seriousness with which it views the allegations and the association’s commitment to addressing issues that impact the integrity of the medical profession.

IMA welcomes SC’s decision to Form NTF for medical professionals

August 20, 2024, 8:09 pm

Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to establish a National Task Force (NTF) focused on ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals. While supporting this initiative, the IMA emphasized that its demand for a central law protecting medical professionals through an ordinance remains unresolved.

The IMA has scheduled a virtual meeting with state presidents and secretaries at 9 pm to discuss the development and plan further actions. “IMA HQs welcomes the intervention by the Honorable Supreme Court. IMA will work with the committee on safety and security. The Central Law against violence by an ordinance remains IMA’s demand. The struggle continues,” read the official IMA notice. The association also plans to meet with Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) in Delhi tomorrow.

The Supreme Court’s 10-member NTF, which includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin among others, was constituted to develop recommendations for preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring safe working environments. The task force has been directed to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The committee will also create an action plan to combat gender-based violence and ensure dignified conditions for interns, residents, and non-resident doctors.

This decision follows widespread protests triggered by the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. The Supreme Court, taking suo motu cognizance of the case, also instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on its probe into the incident. Additionally, the West Bengal government has been asked to provide a report on the mob attack at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 15.

Meanwhile, the CBI continued its investigation into the trainee doctor’s case, having secured permission to conduct a polygraph test on the accused. The CBI team has also conducted 3D laser mapping at the hospital’s emergency ward.

Public outcry over the incident has drawn support from prominent figures in the Bengali music and film industry, who took to the streets on Monday demanding justice for the victim.

IMA Calls For Five Demands To Protect Doctors: ‘Need Airport-Like Security In Hospitals’

August 16, 2024, 7:26 pm

In the wake of the shocking rape and murder of a postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has presented a series of urgent demands aimed at enhancing the safety of doctors and improving hospital conditions across the country.

Five Key Demands

The IMA’s demands include:

Central Legislation for Protection: The IMA calls for a Central Act to be introduced, integrating the recent amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the draft Hospital Protection Bill of 2019. This move is intended to strengthen the 25 existing state legislations and could involve an ordinance similar to those enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enhanced Security Protocols: The association advocates for hospital security measures to match those of airports. This includes designating hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security features such as CCTV surveillance and the presence of security personnel.
Overhaul of Working Conditions: The IMA highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the working conditions for resident doctors, emphasizing the 36-hour shifts and inadequate rest facilities. Improved living and working conditions are seen as essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of medical staff.
Timely and Professional Investigation: The IMA insists on a thorough and professional investigation into the crime, with a focus on swiftly identifying and punishing those responsible for vandalism and violence.
Fair Compensation for Victims’ Families: The association demands appropriate and dignified compensation for the families affected by such incidents, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.

Nationwide Withdrawal of Services

In response to the ongoing issues and as a gesture of solidarity, the IMA has announced a 24-hour strike by modern medicine doctors nationwide. This strike will begin at 6 am on August 17 and end at 6 am on August 18. During this period, outpatient department (OPD) services and elective surgeries will be suspended, although emergency and casualty services will continue to operate.

The IMA’s action is aimed at garnering public support and highlighting the urgent need for justice and systemic changes to protect medical professionals and ensure their safety.

Doctor Rape-Murder: Nationwide Doctors’ Strike Called by IMA

August 16, 2024, 3:42 pm

Outrage continues to grow over the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, leading to a nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) starting Saturday morning. The strike is set to be one of the largest in over a decade, with most hospital departments across the country expected to shut down from 6 AM on August 17 to 6 AM on August 18.

The strike follows the tragic incident on August 9, when a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The medical community has since been holding widespread demonstrations and protests across India.

What’s Open and Closed During the Strike?

Timing: The nationwide strike will commence at 6 AM on Saturday, August 17, and will continue until 6 AM on Sunday, August 18.
Services Affected: Routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be shut down in both public and private hospitals.
Essential Services: Emergency care, critical treatments, and casualty services will remain operational to handle urgent medical needs.

Medical Fraternity Rallies in Support

Amritsar: The Resident Doctors Association at Government Medical College, Amritsar, has suspended all non-essential services, including OPDs, operating theaters, and wards, from August 16 until further notice.
Delhi: Resident Doctors’ Associations across Delhi will hold a joint protest march on August 16, beginning at 2 PM from Nirman Bhavan. The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) is organizing a candlelight march at India Gate at 5 PM the same day.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) will stage a protest at Azad Maidan on August 16.
Siliguri: The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called a 12-hour general strike in Siliguri on August 16, which has led to significant disruptions in the city, with most shops remaining closed since Thursday evening.

The nationwide strike reflects the medical fraternity’s deep anger and grief over the incident, calling for swift justice and heightened safety measures for healthcare professionals.

IMA Condemns Vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, Blames West Bengal Government

August 15, 2024, 1:26 pm

Following the recent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital by an unidentified mob, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a statement condemning the violence. The IMA has criticized the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for the collapse of public order, attributing the incident to the state’s failure to maintain law and order.

The IMA highlighted that RG Kar Medical College has been under national scrutiny due to the recent rape and murder of a Chest medicine PG student. They pointed out that the young medical students protesting this crime have been targeted, and accused the authorities of negligence both in preventing the crime and in failing to manage the resulting chaos effectively while the CBI investigates.

The IMA condemned the vandalism, calling it a sign of anarchy and expressing concern about the potential loss of crucial evidence. They announced an emergency meeting with all state branches to plan further actions.

In response to the violence, the newly appointed principal of RG Kar Medical College, Suhrita Pal, stated she has no information about the perpetrators of the vandalism, asking for any relevant details to be shared with her.

Nurses at the hospital have called for increased security following Wednesday’s mob violence, expressing concerns that such incidents could disrupt patient care. A hospital staff member, broke down in tears over the damage caused. He described arriving early in the morning to find extensive destruction, lamenting the impact on the hospital and its patients.

Supreme Court Orders IMA President to Publish Apologies for Misleading Advertisement Remarks

August 6, 2024, 6:29 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Dr. RV Asokan, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), to publish apologies in all prominent newspapers that carried his interview, following his controversial remarks about the hearing on misleading advertisements in the top court.

A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta stipulated that Asokan must cover the expenses for these apologies personally, without using IMA funds. The court then adjourned the matter.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the nature of Asokan’s previous apology, the court emphasized the need for a more appropriate gesture.

Asokan’s lawyer informed the court that an apology for his controversial remarks regarding the Patanjali hearing had already been published on various media platforms and the IMA website. A pop-up featuring the apology appears when the IMA website is accessed. The lawyer stated that Asokan had expressed regret and furnished an unconditional apology for his statements.

The published apology by Dr. RV Asokan, National President of the IMA, expressed regret to the Supreme Court, affirming that he had no intention to undermine the court’s majesty or dignity.

The court was addressing the Indian Medical Association’s plea seeking to establish guidelines prohibiting false and misleading advertisements related to Allopathy and Modern Medicine.

Unveiling the Story of Tobacco in India: From Colonial Encounter to Modern Dilemmas

July 6, 2024, 1:01 pm

Tobacco in its modern shape was first introduced to India during the British colonial era in the 17th century. Rapid colonization led to the widespread adoption of tobacco, merging with existing smoking practices to give rise to cigarettes, beedis, and other variants. Today, tobacco is deeply entrenched in Indian society, with millions dependent on the industry for their livelihood.

The strong smell of smoke drifting through busy streets and public areas is a troubling reminder of India’s enduring addiction to tobacco. This harmful habit has now become a serious public health crisis.

The statistics are nothing short of staggering – every hour, 154 precious lives are tragically cut short due to tobacco’s unrelenting grip. This preventable scourge accounts for a staggering 1.35 million deaths annually, a sobering reality that demands urgent and decisive action.

The economic ramifications of this crisis are equally catastrophic, with the total costs attributed to tobacco-related diseases amounting to a jaw-dropping Rs. 177,341 crore ($27.5 billion) in 2017-18 alone for Indians aged 35 and above. As the world’s second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco, India shoulders an immense burden, one that threatens to undermine its social and economic progress.

At the crux of this epidemic lies a startling revelation – nearly 30% of Indian adults, a staggering 267 million individuals, are ensnared in the clutches of tobacco addiction. The diverse array of tobacco products, ranging from smokeless varieties like khaini, gutkha, and zarda to smoked forms such as bidis, cigarettes, and hookahs, cater to a seemingly insatiable demand.

The crisis extends far beyond the realms of adult usage, as a distressing 8.5% of Indian youth aged 13-15 have succumbed to tobacco’s allure, painting a grim picture for the nation’s future. Alarmingly, a staggering 22.4% of men aged 15-54 are smokers, with one in two consuming over five cigarettes or bidis daily, a habit that often takes root at a tender age, with 65.5% of smokers igniting their first cigarette by the age of 20.

The tobacco industry’s predatory tactics and blatant disregard for ethics have only intensified this crisis. Former gutkha manufacturer and cancer survivor Vijay Tiwari has lifted the veil on the industry’s sinister practices, revealing the use of non-food grade additives like magnesium carbonate as cheap substitutes for authentic spices and flavors. Such unethical conduct underscores the industry’s moral bankruptcy and its relentless pursuit of profits at the expense of human lives.

The consequences of tobacco addiction extend far beyond the primary user, casting a pernicious shadow over innocent bystanders. A staggering 54.3% of Indian teenagers face the insidious threat of secondhand smoke exposure at home or in public spaces. Women in states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura bear the brunt of this invisible killer, with alarmingly high exposure rates. Even the most vulnerable among us, the unborn and nonsmokers, face a 20-30% increased risk of cancer due to passive smoking, a sobering reminder that no one is truly safe from tobacco’s toxic embrace.

While the Indian government has taken steps to address this crisis, including the introduction of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in 2003, aimed at curbing tobacco advertising and sales near educational institutions, the industry’s ingenuity in circumventing regulations has proven formidable. Surrogate advertising, a cunning ploy where tobacco products are marketed under the guise of innocuous goods like soda, music CDs, and golf accessories, continues to undermine the law’s spirit and intent.

Furthermore, the taxation regime on tobacco products remains woefully inadequate, falling far short of the World Health Organization’s recommended 75% of retail price. The 2022 Budget disappointingly maintained cigarette taxes at the previous year’s levels, while smokeless tobacco like the ubiquitous bidi is subject to a mere 22% tax, a paltry figure that fails to deter consumption through reduced affordability.

The path forward is fraught with challenges, but inaction is simply not an option. Bold legislation, stringent enforcement, and fervent public awareness campaigns spearheaded by authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) alike are crucial to stemming the tide of this preventable epidemic. A culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and social responsibility within the tobacco industry itself would aid this cause immensely, though such a paradigm shift may seem like a distant dream.

As India grapples with this crisis, the stark reality remains – tobacco’s astronomical health and economic tolls demand concerted and unwavering efforts to protect the nation’s people and secure its future. Only then can the country overcome this insidious epidemic that robs millions of lives and livelihoods each year, casting a dark shadow over the nation’s progress and potential.

In the annals of public health crises, few have proven as pervasive and pernicious as India’s tobacco addiction. It is a battle that must be waged on multiple fronts, with an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations. The path may be arduous, but the consequences of inaction are simply too grave to contemplate. India’s true greatness lies not only in its economic prowess but in its ability to confront and conquer the demons that threaten its most precious resource – its people.

FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride: SC

April 23, 2024, 12:43 pm

While hearing the Patanjali misleading ads case, the Supreme Court opined that these days FMCGs too are publishing misleading advertisements. Thus, making a fool out of the public. ”FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride” SC directs.

Patanjali’s misleading advertisements case | Supreme Court saying that FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride, in particular, affecting health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens who have been consuming their products. Court asks licensing…

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2024

Further talking about the effects of misleading ads, the Supreme Court has further declared that as a result, the health of people is under threat. Especially the vulnerable like babies, school-going children and senior citizens. Who are the customers of these products. “In particular, affecting health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens who have been consuming their products.”

To deal with this malady, the apex court had given directions to central ministries, to file affidavits in regard to the actions taken by on these misleading advertisements in the last three years. Further it has also asked the licensed authorities of the state and Union territories, to be impleaded in this case as parties.

Meanwhile further attacking the petitioner, The IMA, that with regard to the unethical practices, it needs to set its house on order. Especially those acts where prescribed medicines are expensive and unnecessary.

Later opining that it is not here to promote any party. It is here in the largest interest of the consumers or public on how they are being misled. And their entitlement to know the truth and what steps they can take on their behalf.

What is the Root of this Case?

The Supreme court is hearing on a contempt of court case involving Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna on the misleading ads disseminated by the Patanjali ayurved on 23rd April 2024.

The petitioner Indian Medical association has accused the ayurved company for the propagation of smear campaign against modern medicines and Covid-19 vaccination drives. One of the biggest allegations made by the IMA was the during its promotion, the Patanjali claimed that they can cure diseases like Covid-19 without giving any evidence.

Which violates the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Which prohibits the advertising of magical & miraculous properties that claim to cure diseases and disorders. It’s punishment is the imprisonment up to 1 year or fine or both.

Kerala doctor death: Doctors continue protest demanding workplace safety

May 11, 2023, 3:53 pm

The Kerala doctors continued their protest on Thursday over the incident of a woman doctor’s death by stabbing while on duty by a patient.Hospitals across the state have seen doctors only attending emergency services. IMA said they would continue their strike till 8 am on Friday. They will decide their future course of action after wide consultation among the doctor community in the state.

The doctor, Vandana Das (23), on Wednesday, was on duty at a government hospital in Kerala’s Kollam district when she was stabbed to death by a school teacher who was brought to the medical facility for a medical examination by the police.

IMA also demanded that the government declare hospitals as protection zones. These two demands will be raised in a meeting on Thursday that they will have with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, said IMA Kerala President Dr. Sulfi.IMA also demanded that Vandana’s murder should be investigated by a special investigation team.Kerala’s Kottarakkara magistrate court on Wednesday remanded accused G Sandeep for 14 days in the Dr Vandana Das murder case & also suspended from his position.

Wearing masks made mandatory in Karnataka’s restaurants, pubs, theatre halls, schools, colleges

December 26, 2022, 4:13 pm

In several countries wearing masks has been made compulsory and now Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory inside restaurants, pubs, theatre halls, schools, and colleges. “There’s no need to panic. But we have to take precautions from now on,” said Health Minister of Karnataka K. Sudhakar. Ahead of New Year celebrations government said Covid protocols have to be followed strictly. Meanwhile, at 4 pm Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will hold a virtual meeting with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on the Covid-19 preparedness, situation.

Mansukh Mandaviya to hold meeting with Indian Medical Association

December 26, 2022, 12:25 pm

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) will hold a virtual meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday.

Meanwhile, regarding the Covid-19 situation and preparedness, the meeting with IMA will be held at 4 pm.

Earlier on Saturday, Mandaviya urged people to wear masks and follow covid appropriate behavior.

“We are working on alert mode to control the spread of Covid-19 and are conducting environmental, sewage, and human surveillance. Virus RNA was found in the sewage samples in Delhi and Mumbai,” Mandaviya said.

Moreover, Mandaviya has also urged people to avoid crowded places and also requested people wear a mask.

In the wake of the COVID alarm, mock drills will be held on 27 December at all health facilities across the country.

However, on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Furthermore, the meeting was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Miniter Mansukh Mandaviya, and NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer Parameswaran Iyer.