Latest news with #KASP
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Committee suggests easing of purchase procedures at MCH
The four-member committee instituted by the government to look into the systemic issues raised by the Head of Urology department at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), which had led to the postponement of surgical procedures in the department, has suggested that the procedures for institutional local purchase of equipment/accessories of machines may be simplified so that the procurement is not delayed, it is learnt. The report was submitted by the committee, led by B. Padmakumar, Principal of Alappuzha Medical College, to the DME-in-charge, K.V. Viswanathan, on Wednesday evening. Dr. Viswanathan said that the report could not be submitted to Health Minister Veena George on Thursday as she had been attending the zonal review meeting of the government at Kottayam in the morning, after which she was busy handling the crisis at the Kottayam MCH following a building collapse. The report was apparently a 'mixed bag', with the committee pointing out that while some of the issues that led to the face-off involving Urology HoD Haris Chirackal could have been prevented, there were many aspects relating to the purchase processes in MCHs which could be improved. 'Doctor violates rules' The committee has, however, pointed out that by going public with his grievances and his commentary on the bureaucracy Dr. Chirackal violated provisions of the Kerala Service Rules which prohibits government servants from publicly discussing or criticising the policies or actions of the government. The committee had taken statements from other heads of departments too on the manner of equipment/accessories purchase, process delays they encountered, and how the systemic issues were affecting patient care and service delivery. It had also gone through the purchase files at the Thiruvananthapuram MCH over the past one year. Faculty members who gave their statements before the committee had spoken about how the government's failure to reimburse public hospitals for free treatment provided under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati was impoverishing the hospital development committees that were responsible for enabling the free treatment under KASP. More wear and tear Also, because of the huge demand on the diagnostic and interventional procedures offered by the superspecialty departments in the hospital, machines were often run round-the-clock. This led to increased wear and tear and frequent requirement for the purchase of accessories. The committee is thus learnt to have recommended smoothening out several purchase process hurdles so that service delivery was never affected. The report is likely to be submitted to the Health Minister on Friday.
Leader Live
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Music fans flock to popular Live on the Square event in Mold
Live on the Square, organised by volunteers Cllr. Pete Dando and Jim Evans with the help of Mold Town Council, began at 12.30pm on Sunday at Daniel Owen Square in the town - with acts planned up until 9.30pm. As well as food and drinks, the programme includes a full afternoon and evening of live performances comprising six bands and solo singers. Live on the Square (Image: Newsquest) From left: Toby and Debra Peers, Sam and Nick Williams (Image: Newsquest) Cllr Pete Dando told the Leader: "I'm so happy with the turnout - it's fantastic - but even more so with the weather. "We have a capacity of 800 people at the event, and we have sold out tickets! "Everyone's having a great time and it's just brilliant to see. Cllr Pete Dando at Live on the Square (Image: Newsquest) Nadine King, left, and Emma Stacey (Image: Newsquest) Gordon Wilson and his daughter, Rachel Wilson (Image: Newsquest) "There is a great atmosphere and it's bringing people together in the community." Outgoing Mayor Cllr Brian Lloyd said: "This is my last event as Mayor, and it's looking very good. "The weather is fantastic and that really makes a difference. From left: Vikki Milsted, Danielle Butler, Adam Butler of the band KASP, and Dawn Butler (Image: Newsquest) Dawn and Graeme Ashton (Image: Newsquest) "The event is sold-out which is great; it seems to sell itself out now." Mayor elect Cllr Paul Beacher, who will officially enter the role on Wednesday, said: "This is a great event, and it's always well attended. "It's an affordable, social day out which brings people in the community together."
