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Otago Daily Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Hospo industry recognised
The best of Queenstown hospo will find out next month if they're the best in the country. Three hotels, a restaurant, cafe, bar, two suppliers and a manager have been named as finalists in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, being announced during the HNZ25 conference, in Wellington, on June 10 and 11. Crowne Plaza Queenstown general manager Stewart Manson's a finalist in the accommodation industry leader of the year, alongside Rajeev Sharma (Sarin Hotels) and Alexander Siebentritt (Rutherford Hotel, Nelson), while in the supplier of the year, it's a Queenstown battle, with the only finalists resort-based IT business Both Brains going up against local Jill Polson (Lion). Future Hospitality Group's (FHG) Little Blackwood is once again a finalist in the best bar category — other finalists are Madame Social (Napier), Moon Under Water and Rambler at Drifter, both in Christchurch, Sprig & Fern Tawa (Wellington), The Freeport with Cleaver & Co (Mount Maunganui) and Tipsy Oyster (Paihia) — while odd saint, also owned by FHG, is in the mix for best cafe. It's going up against Christchurch's Brigittes Merivale and Hello Sunday, Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar (Monowai), Peekaboo Backyard Eatery (Kaitaia) and The Pantry (Auckland). In the best restaurant category, Sherwood has been named as a finalist, as has Metita — SkyCity Auckland, Esther Restaurant and TALA, both also in Auckland, Craggy Range Restaurant (Havelock North), Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar (Mount Maunganui), Madame Social and Pio Pio Restaurant by Milford Sound Lodge. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Rees Hotel and The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi are all in the running for the best hotel, as are Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Park Hyatt Auckland, QT Auckland and The George (Christchurch). HNZ boss Steve Armitage says the calibre of this year's finalists "speaks volumes about the talent and tenacity driving our industry". "Each one reflects the energy, care, and creativity that hospitality in Aotearoa is known for. "The Awards for Excellence are our opportunity to acknowledge those individuals and businesses who are raising the bar through their commitment to excellence, and we're proud to recognise their impact and celebrate their success." 'Future Fest' launches Queenstown's Future Hospitality Group's hosting its first 'Future Fest' next month, beginning with Little Blackwood's 10th birthday party from 7pm this Sunday. Co-owners Bert Haines and James Ace say Queenstown in June can prove to be a "holding pattern" for some businesses and locals as the resort waits for snow to fall, ski areas to open and visitors to arrive. Future Fest's been designed to connect the community, showcase the group's offerings and "have a bit of fun", Haines says. Events next month include 'Dragged to Brunch' at Margo's, featuring Yuri Guaii and Rosa Violeta from Ru Paul's Drag Race, Sip & Paint, cocktail-making masterclasses, a long lunch collab between Little Blackwood and odd saint, and a Matariki celebration with a starry night theme. Additionally, Future Hospitality's launching its loyalty programme — a random draw on July 1 will see one person win a $20,000 prize pack by signing up. For more info, or tickets to events, visit
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Won't tolerate discrimination against DGEHS patients: Delhi govt to hospitals
The Delhi government's health department has issued a stern directive to private hospitals empanelled under schemes such as the Delhi Government Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS), warning them against discriminatory practices in treating scheme beneficiaries, according to an order seen by HT. The order, issued on May 22, follows a string of complaints about delayed admissions, restricted consultations, and refusals to treat critically ill patients referred by government departments to private hospitals, officials aware of the matter said. Calling these practices a violation of agreed terms, the order noted that some hospitals were assigning specific doctors exclusively to DGEHS cardholders and limiting consultation timings—restrictions not imposed on other patients. 'Several health care organisations empanelled under DGEHS are not complying with the terms and conditions… Certain hospitals are reportedly assigning specific doctors exclusively for DGEHS card holders. This practice is discriminatory and undermines the intent of equitable healthcare access,' it stated. Additionally, the order said, that instances have been reported where empanelled hospitals have refused to admit seriously ill patients referred by government departments. The health department has asked all private hospitals on the empanelled list to confirm their compliance. The government, officials said, is likely to take strong action against hospitals that fail to honour the terms of the MoUs signed under the schemes. Under DGEHS and the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment at empanelled private hospitals, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, officials who asked not to be identified, said many hospitals have routinely failed to comply, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket despite being eligible for government-funded care. The order directs all empanelled hospitals to stop assigning limited time slots or restricted doctors to DGEHS patients. 'Refrain from imposing consultation or hospital visit timings not applicable to other patients,' the order said, warning of 'appropriate action' in case of non-compliance. Beneficiaries said such practices are common. Chaitali Mitra, a 34-year-old CGHS cardholder, said she experienced severe pain and rushed to a well-known private hospital empanelled under the scheme. 'They told me treatment was only available at certain times for CGHS patients. I had to proceed without using my card and pay the full amount,' she said. Another CGHS beneficiary said hospitals often discourage admissions for cardholders. 'They deny cashless treatment, saying it can only be reimbursed later, which makes the process extremely difficult,' he said. Some also claim hospitals cite unavailability of beds for CGHS patients while admitting others who pay out of pocket. Rajeev Sharma, also a CGHS beneficiary, said, 'It's become routine for hospitals to say no beds are available for cardholders. They prefer patients who aren't part of these schemes because they can charge more.' The health department has asked all private hospitals on the empanelled list to confirm their compliance. The government, officials said, is likely to take strong action against hospitals that fail to honour the terms of the MoUs signed under the schemes.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bureau of Indian Standards holds convention for partnering institutions in Puducherry
The Bureau of Indian Standards organised a two-day convention for its partnering institutions in Puducherry. It was attended by 30 delegates from 15 institutions with which the BIS had entered into Memoranda of Understanding for fostering collaboration in standardisation. According to a release here, Director General of BIS Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Director General (Standardisation) Rajeev Sharma and Deputy Director General (Southern Region) Praveen Khanna attended the inaugural. In his address, the Director General said the BIS was collaborating at present with around 100 institutions in the country. The initiative represents a collective national mission to cultivate a culture of quality and standardisation with academia, the release noted. He stressed on the need to develop more synergies with academic institutions to make Indian standards a global benchmark as envisaged by the Prime Minister.
