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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cooper Hospital dean suspended over administrative irregularities
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered the removal of the dean of HBT Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Dr Sudhir Medhekar, from his position after receiving complaints of administrative irregularities. Dr Sudhir Medhekar has been asked to perform only his academic duties as the head of the department of dermatology, according to the BMC order. A letter issued by the deputy municipal commissioner (public health), Sharad Ughade, on Tuesday stated that all of Dr Medhekar's administrative and financial powers have been withdrawn until further orders. The BMC has also ordered an inquiry into 'various irregularities found at the administrative and other levels' at the civic hospital and medical college in Juhu, the order said. Following this, Neelam Andrade, director of major BMC hospitals, will, in coordination with Ughade, perform all the responsibilities and duties of the college dean. Dr Medhekar has been asked to perform only his academic duties as the head of the department of dermatology, according to the order. 'This matter is still under review. He is temporarily suspended from his duties as dean,' said a BMC official, requesting anonymity. Dr Medhekar did not respond to HT's messages and calls for comment. While the BMC order did not specify the alleged irregularities, according to several sources at Cooper Hospital, contractual workers, including cleaning and clerical staff members, were not paid their salaries for the last four months. The staff members repeatedly contacted the administration regarding this, but the dean allegedly did not respond. 'We suspected wrongdoing on contracts and tenders issued by him, due to which the hospital administration was suffering,' said a senior BMC official, requesting anonymity. 'He was not paying contractors, which led to them threatening a strike. The hospital's functioning had taken a hit. With it being one of the major hospitals in the western suburbs, it was causing a problem in medical work. He lacks administrative skills.' Senior resident doctors were also allegedly not paid according to the Maharashtra government's March 2024 order increasing their stipend by ₹10,000. This had led to severe frustration, with many doctors even writing to the state government and the BMC seeking help. Doctors who had cleared their Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in medicine and DNB diploma courses were also allegedly never handed their employment order to work as residents in the hospital. They were hired as contractual staff and worked over 12 hours, manning the shift timings of a full-time resident in the hospital, said a resident at the hospital, who requested anonymity, fearing backlash. 'They are paid extremely low salaries, even around ₹15,000, as they are contractual workers. They do not have any documentation, which has led to a problem as MDMS residents get paid at least six times more than them,' added the resident. These hurdles greatly affected regular functioning at the civic hospital, with an unhappy administration adding to the manpower shortage hurdles faced regularly. 'Many of the residents couldn't even threaten strikes because of the work they had to do owing to the manpower shortage,' said the resident. The residents then approached deputy municipal commissioner (public health) Ughade, additional municipal commissioner (public health) Vipin Sharma, and municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, seeking help in this regard.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Medical council in Kerala removes doctor's name from register for three months for using unregistered qualifications
The Kerala State Medical Council (Council of Modern Medicine) has decided to remove the name of a registered medical practitioner from the State Medical Register for a period of three months and has imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh, for practising with unrecognised and unregistered qualifications, ignoring prior warnings and repeated directives of the council. This is the second instance in recent times of the KSMC cracking the whip to ensure that all registered medical practitioners follow the ethical guidelines of professional conduct regulating the practice of medicine. The complaint that Collin Alphonse, a registered medical practitioner in Thiruvananthapuram, was displaying unrecognised and unregistered additional qualifications while in clinical practice was received by the council in 2022. The Ethics Committee of the Modern Medicine Council had summoned Dr. Alphonse on June 14, 2022 for a personal hearing. During the hearing, the doctor said that though he had appeared for the DNB (Medicine) examination after training from 2007 to 2010, the result was not declared. He claimed that he obtained an MD in Medicine in 2016 and a PhD in Medicine in 2019 from Nicaragua, Central America. He claimed to have applied for an equivalency certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and that the registration process had been initiated with the NMC. Dr. Alphonse said he had been practising at Jubilee Memorial Hospital since 2019 and asserted that he was unaware that unregistered qualifications should not be displayed for medical practice. He gave an undertaking to the council of corrective action and also tendered an apology. Ethics Committee stance The Ethics Committee, however, found that the claim that Dr. Alphonse had applied for an equivalency certificate was misleading, as the NMC does not issue such a certificate. The degrees displayed by Dr. Alphonse were not listed as NMC's recognised qualifications and he had practised for three years using these qualifications. The council imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on Dr. Alphonse and directed him to remove the unregistered qualifications from his name board, official seal, and prescription pads, and to submit documentary proof to the council. However, except for paying the fine of ₹50,000, Dr. Alphonse refused to comply with the rest of the directives, even after a reminder was sent to him. On February 22 this year, the KSMC, during a surprise inspection at Jubilee Memorial Hospital, found that Dr. Alphonse was continuing to practice, displaying the qualifications, MD (Medicine), PG in Diabetology, and FCCM (Critical Care in FC). The council then issued a show cause notice to him, directing him to appear before the council. In his appearance on June 21, Dr. Alphonse blamed the hospital administration for including the qualifications on the board placed outside his consulting room. Doctor's stance He said that upon receiving the show cause notice he had instructed the hospital authorities to remove the unregistered qualifications from the name board. Dr. Alphonse, however, admitted that he was using the same qualifications in other areas where he had clinical practice, 'thinking that the instructions by the council applied only to the practice at Jubilee Memorial Hospital'. The council, however, held Dr. Alphonse accountable for repeatedly ignoring its directives and continuing his unauthorised practice even though he had paid a penalty for the same offence in 2022. 'Not a specialist' The KSMC on July 3, decided to remove his name from the State Medical Register for three months, noting that he had neglected his professional responsibility to ensure accurate and lawful public representation. Dr. Alphonse was also directed to implement corrective measures; not to display unregistered qualifications and not to claim to be a specialist till he was duly qualified to do so. The doctor has the right to appeal before the Ethics and Medical Registration Board of the National Medical Commission as per Section 30(3) of the NMC Act, 2019, and as per Clause 8.8 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to host Smart City Expo KL 2025 in September
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) this September, marking its first international event focused on smart cities and positioning the country as a key regional hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven urban development. Scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the expo is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates and over 10,000 visitors. SCEKL25 will be the first South-East Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. It is spearheaded by the Digital Ministry through its agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the event will serve as a strategic platform for technology providers and AI-driven smart city solution players, reinforcing Malaysia's leadership in regional digital innovation. "At its core, SCEKL25 is about accelerating a new urban vision - one that is green, efficient, and inclusive, with the rakyat at the heart of every innovation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 15). According to Gobind, the expo supports Malaysia's aspirations under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, aligns with regional efforts through the Asean Smart Cities Network, and complements the country's ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040. MDEC, under the Digital Ministry, is currently spearheading AI Cities initiatives through targeted pilot projects in selected areas across the country. Meanwhile MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil in the statement said the expo will showcase Malaysia's transformation into a digitally connected society, highlighting projects such as predictive traffic systems in Penang, smart traffic optimisation in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial solutions in Sabah. "Our smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious, delivering faster and more adaptive public services. With robust digital infrastructure to drive inclusive growth, startups and SMEs will be able to scale beyond borders,' he said. DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail added that hosting the event would bring strategic benefits to Malaysia, including boosting economic growth through business tourism and attracting foreign investment. "SCEKL25 will elevate Malaysia's global profile in smart city innovation, while driving economic growth through business tourism and strategic foreign investment,' he said. Held under the theme 'AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future', the expo will feature cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure solutions, and future-ready mobility systems aimed at building inclusive and resilient urban centres. For more information, visit - Bernama
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘This is the kind of momentum healthcare needs': Are Gen Z doctors a breath of fresh air in clinical settings?
'Fun, relaxed, empathetic' –– these are just some of the words used to describe Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). But how does that translate into hospital corridors, where they've now begun overseeing your health? Delhi-based Pranay Aggarwal said, 'Gen Z doctors are far more approachable and willing to engage in conversation,' recalling how previous generations often had a stoic, distant, even condescending approach. 'These younger doctors explain things, they listen. It's refreshing.' Even social media users believe Gen Z doctors are there to listen, talk, and answer questions, unapologetically. On TikToker @sabocat's viral video, one user shared: 'I had one in urgent care once. My brain went, 'holy crap, they're young!' But she listened to me, answered every question, and even joked when I was embarrassed I hadn't shaved my legs—she lifted her pant leg and said, 'girl, same!'' Another user recalled being treated by a Gen Z obstetrician-gynecologist nurse practitioner who openly joked about her own sex life and handed out Halloween candy and lube samples. Yet another described how their Gen Z dentist extracted wisdom teeth painlessly while humming songs. 'I registered with him for all future treatments,' they wrote. A millennial nurse, too, shared her perspective: 'The way Gen Z has empowered me to be more relaxed with patients deserves an award. Still professional, but in a fun way.' Many of the comments pointed to 'Gen Z holding the keys to bringing humanity back to the forefront.' So is this generation really changing how care feels and works? We spoke to Gen Z doctors, seasoned clinicians and healthcare experts to find out. 'Less command, more compassion' Dr Sanket Umale, founder of Esperanza Healthcare and born in 1998, said Gen Z doctors are bringing something fresh to healthcare: presence, not just knowledge. 'We talk to patients like real people, not just case files,' he said. 'It's less 'I'm the expert, sit quietly', and more 'Hey, let's figure this out together'.' He believes this approach accelerates healing. 'The first five minutes set the tone. A Gen Z doctor will smile, ask how your day is, maybe reference a previous chat –– that breaks the fear instantly. Healing happens faster when patients feel seen,' he said. 'Less command, more compassion,' is the guiding principle, according to Dr Umale. 'We don't want to act superior. We want to be useful. That's the kind of care we're building,' he said. A digital-native shift Dr Harmandeep Kaur Randhawa, 25, a DNB medicine trainee from Amritsar, said she believes Gen Z doctors bring a new energy and a mindset rooted in empathy, technology, and collaboration. 'We have grown up with instant access to information and that shapes how we practice. For example, we are more likely to utilise digital technology such as electronic medical records (EMR), AI tools for diagnosis, wearables, and virtual consultations. This isn't only because it is efficient, but because it allows us to maintain virtuous relationships with our patients and offer more individualised care,' said Dr Randhawa. Aggarwal, the patient, agreed: 'Gen Z doctors know their patients are more informed today. They don't feel threatened. They see patients as partners.' Dr Tushar Tayal, internal medicine consultant at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, said unlike previous generations who accepted long hours, rigid hierarchies, and had a self-sacrificing approach, Gen Z doctors work smarter. 'They embrace tech quickly, but with awareness. They don't blindly depend on it,' he noted. According to Dr Jaykishan Tripathi, associate, consultant-pediatric critical care, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, Gen Z doctors' learning style is also more collaborative. 'They question outdated practices not to rebel, but to improve outcomes,' he said. 'They value transparency and voice their thoughts, even as newcomers.' Emphasis on everyone's mental health Dr Randhawa said the shift is from a treatment model to a conversation model. 'I believe I create a setting for patients to feel heard, an environment that permits disclosure and vulnerability without feeling judgment. Patients, especially millennials and Gen Z themselves, really appreciate when you walk them through the 'why' behind a diagnosis or course of treatment, providing the patient the opportunity for agency and gratitude, and patient trust-compliance.' There's also a greater sensitivity to identity and social context. 'Respecting pronouns, screening for feelings, these are integral, not add-ons,' said Dr Randhawa. Dr Prerana Mukhopadhyay, 25, a radiodiagnosis student in Bengaluru, said that Gen Z's deeper understanding of mental health, especially in LGBTQIA+ contexts, helps them distinguish between organic and functional disorders. 'We're trained to see the whole person, not just a set of symptoms,' he said. Dr Tayal agreed: 'For Gen Z doctors, it's not just about treating disease, but seeing the human behind it. They care about how patients feel, and they're open about their own burnout, stress and emotional strain, and not because they're weaker, but because they believe strength lies in honesty and support, not silence.' This is supported by an April 2025 report, Gen Z: Calling for Healthcare Connection and Change, by communications agency Burson, which found that 67 per cent of Indian Gen Zs prioritise physical health and 63 per cent rank mental health as a top concern. Dr Pavitra Shankar, associate psychiatry consultant at Aakash Healthcare, said, 'They're the first generation of doctors openly advocating for mental health days, therapy, and structured breaks, and all of these not as weaknesses, but as strengths. It's not 'cool' anymore to work till you collapse. It's about quality over quantity.' Aggarwal said, 'They're as passionate and committed as ever, but they're not willing to sacrifice everything. They will consciously avoid burnout or excessively long working hours, and strive to strike that right work-life balance.' While Dr Mukhopadhyay agreed that Gen Zs have a lot to learn from the previous generation's experience and clinical skills even with limited means, she attributes the change to Gen Z doctors getting into their specialisation at a much earlier age owing to the fast paced-world coupled with the availability of internet and so much database, and the willingness to make choices. Career paths aren't linear anymore Gen Z doctors are exploring non-traditional avenues: digital health, wellness coaching, policy-making, even social media health education. 'Earlier, a doctor's career meant hospital duty, private practice, maybe a teaching post. Now, it's a fluid space. And they're not apologising for it,' said Dr Pavitra. Aggarwal said, 'They're more money-minded, and not in a bad way. They know their worth. Given the cost of medical education, it's natural.' Dr Tayal emphasised that doctors need to stay 'curious and open-minded', and be brave enough to speak up for what's right, and to always treat patients with empathy, not just efficiency. 'The hope is that tomorrow's doctors will think big, not just about the human body, but also about the environment, inequality, and the deeper causes of illness. Most of all, they want the future of medicine to stay human.' 'At times, Gen Z's approach may seem bold or unconventional. But maybe this is exactly the kind of momentum healthcare needs,' said Dr Tripathi. Gen Z doctors aren't running away from responsibilities. 'They're just rethinking how to carry it without losing themselves. They value skill and soul along with authenticity and evidence, and perhaps, that's what the future of medicine needs most,' said Dr Pavitra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Shaping India's future: Unite against myopia
In recent times, many of us have encountered the term ' Progressive Myopia '. But what exactly is it? Progressive Myopia is a form of nearsightedness where the correction needed to clear vision increases by more than -0.5 dioptre within a year. This condition predominantly affects children and teenagers. The earlier Myopia develops, the faster it progresses. Consequently, children who develop Myopia early in life are more susceptible to Progressive Myopia and eventually high Myopia. "Vision screening in children is mandatory to detect, treat and prevent myopia at the earliest. Not all children complain about blurry vision; some assume the blurry vision to be the norm. All children from 3 years of age will need vision screening to be mandatory, even without any complaints, to rule out myopia and other refractive errors. Children born preterm or with birth-associated complications, squint will need vision screening even as early as 3 months of age." Dr Padma Priya G K, MBBS, DO, DNB, FPOS, FAICO Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmology Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai. Children represent the future of our nation. Ensuring their vision is well-cared for today will profoundly impact their well-being in the future, and by extension, the nation's prosperity. India, with its vast young population, must prioritise early detection and timely treatment of Myopia. "Myopia or Near-sightedness is an important cause of visual impairment in children. Increase in screen time and reduction in outdoor activity has accounted for global myopia rise. Half of the world population is predicted to be myopic by the year 2050. To detect, treat and prevent myopia progression, recognition of symptoms, regular eye examination, wearing correct power glasses, encouraging outdoor activities, and reduction in near activities like excessive screen use is necessary. The common myth that wearing glasses worsens myopia needs immediate elimination. Today, measures to control myopia progression include special glasses, contact lenses and eye drops. A country-wide myopia control strategy including both education and health sectors, government policy reforms, schools participation and parent awareness is a need of the hour." Dr. M. Muthumeena MBBS, MS, Pediatric Ophthalmology Narayan Nethralaya, Bangalore Myopia has become a global concern, with a significant rise in cases. It is estimated that by 2050, half of the world's population will be Myopic. According to a 2023 study, Myopia is the most prevalent refractive condition globally, affecting millions. The prevalence of Myopia in children varies across regions and countries, being notably high in urban East Asian countries, and India is not far behind. Studies indicate that over 40% of the younger Indian population is at risk of developing Myopia "India, now the world's most populous nation, has seen a sharp rise in myopia among children, driven by excessive screen time. Smartphones, laptops, and TVs have become a part of daily life, reducing outdoor play and increasing near-work. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend. Blue light from digital devices, which has high energy and short wavelengths, is harmful, especially to children's eyes, which absorb more of it. Myopic children reportedly use twice as much smartphone data as their non-myopic peers. Studies show a doubling of myopia cases in Indian schoolchildren in the last decade. Early detection and outdoor activity are key preventive measures." Dr. Suma Ganesh Consultant in Paediatric Ophthalmology Dr Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital Myopia is not merely a simple refractive error but a vision-threatening disorder and has become a leading cause of blindness in Asia. High Myopia can lead to irreversible vision complications such as retinal detachment, cataract, glaucoma, and macular atrophy.(1) "Parents should ensure that young children get enough daylight exposure so that they develop good eyesight. Parents should also note that excessive reading, while being useful for acquiring knowledge and developing vocabulary, can also contribute to progressive myopia. Reading with adequate breaks and balancing with enough outdoor time will go a long way in preventing repeated increases in spectacle power." Dr Siddharth Kesarwani Pediatric Ophthalmologist JNR Eye Clinic, Mumbai Simple lifestyle interventions have shown promising results in delaying the onset of myopia in children. Encouraging outdoor activities for at least 1–2 hours a day has been linked to a lower risk of developing myopia, as natural light and distant focusing help reduce eye strain. Additionally, managing the duration of near work—such as reading, screen time, and using digital devices—by introducing regular breaks and maintaining proper posture can help ease the stress on young eyes. (2) These measures are easy to implement and can go a long way in supporting healthy visual development. "Myopia was mostly seen in teens a decade ago. But, in the post-COVID era, we are increasingly detecting myopia in very young children, as early as 2 or 3 years old. Since myopia is a progressive condition, these children are likely to end up with very high power and risk-related complications in future. I would like to caution all parents from exposing children to any screentime, even during mealtimes, in children younger than 5 years. Also, a comprehensive eye testing with cycloplegic refraction is mandatory for all preschool children to help detect "PRE-MYOPIA" and take necessary precautions or treatment to slow down or prevent progression to "frank myopia." Dr Sumita Muthu Senior Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmology Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore However, to create a lasting impact and significantly reduce the rising number of myopia cases, more coordinated and consistent efforts are needed. Parents and teachers must stay alert to early signs and encourage eye-friendly habits, while schools can integrate eye health awareness into daily routines. At a broader level, eye health organisations and healthcare providers should collaborate on awareness campaigns, routine vision screenings in schools, and accessible eye care services. Together, these efforts can ensure timely diagnosis, effective management, and improved visual outcomes for children across the country.(3) References : 1. World Health Organisation (WHO). The Impact of Myopia and High Myopia: Report of the Joint World Health Organisation–Brien Holden Vision Institute Global Scientific Meeting on Myopia, 2015. 2. Holden BA et al. (2016). Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5):1036-1042. 3. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (2023). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Myopia in Indian Schoolchildren: A Multicity Cross-sectional Study. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the doctors/experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of Sun Pharma by Times Internet's Spotlight team
