Latest news with #Rughwani
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Mandatory sickle cell testing for students urged by Dr Vinky Rughwani
Nagpur: Dr. Vinky Rughwani, a paediatrician and President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society of India, called for mandatory Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) testing for all students enrolling in undergraduate programmes. Speaking ahead of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, Dr Rughwani emphasised the need for widespread screening to curb the spread of this debilitating genetic disorder, which causes severe pain and requires lifelong medical care. SCD, inherited when both parents carry the sickle cell trait, is prevalent in communities like Buddhist, Teli, Mahar, Kunbi, and tribal populations, particularly in regions like Vidarbha. Symptoms include chronic pain in the limbs, abdomen, and joints, low haemoglobin levels, and the need for frequent blood transfusions. Dr Rughwani highlighted that while a bone marrow transplant—costing Rs 14–15 lakh—is the only cure, it is expensive and risky, making prevention critical. The central govt's 'Sickle Cell Free India' campaign already screened lakhs of individuals, but Dr Rughwani advocates for mandatory testing at the university level to identify carriers early and prevent disease transmission. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "Early screening can save future generations from this preventable condition," he said. In a proactive step, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, in collaboration with Sankalp India Foundation, launched a screening programme across Maharashtra's govt hospitals and medical colleges. The initiative tests all pregnant women in their first trimester using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). If a woman is a carrier of the sickle cell trait or Thalassemia Minor, her partner is tested, he said. If both are carriers, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) at 12 weeks of pregnancy is recommended to prevent the birth of an affected child. This project, already operational in Vidarbha, is expanding statewide. Dr Rughwani also noted that SCD is now covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017, granting affected individuals educational reservations and access to govt schemes. Recent reforms in the Disability Certification Act simplified obtaining disability certificates, further supporting patients. To manage SCD, patients rely on lifelong medications like Hydroxyurea and Folic Acid, alongside regular blood tests and sonographies. Dr Rughwani stressed that testing before marriage is crucial, as carriers often lead normal lives unaware of their status. "A simple test can prevent a lifetime of suffering," he urged.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
MMC to fast-track disposal of medical negligence cases' backlog
PUNE: With over 650 complaints of medical negligence pending before it, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has decided to expedite efforts to clear the long-standing backlog beginning next week, officials said. The MMC – a quasi-judicial body which oversees licence- registration and renewal of over 2.05 lakh registered medical practitioners (RMPs) in the state –gets around 50 to 60 fresh complaints every year. The MMC also has powers to suspend or terminate the licence of a doctor found guilty of malpractice. However, given the number of pending cases and the increasing number of medical seats in the state, the current staff at the council is inadequate to clear the pending cases promptly, officials said. Dr Vinky Rughwani, administrator of MMC, informed that starting next week, disposal of cases will be fast-tracked to clear pendency. 'There are cases which are pending for several years and some of them are even 15-year-old cases. The pending cases are not new; they are cases that have accumulated in the past many years,' he said. Recently, as many as 150 doctors from both government and private hospitals have undergone training from the experts of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to handle cases of medical negligence. The MMC plans to utilise the expertise and help of these trained professionals to assist in complaint investigations and hearings. Dr Rughwani said, 'These doctors have been trained in legal and ethical aspects of medical negligence. Their support will help us review complaints faster and bring justice to affected patients and doctors.' Dr Rughwani said that the council is also considering using digital tools and streamlined processes to further improve efficiency. 'We are committed to ensuring that registered practitioners are held accountable when needed, while also protecting them from false allegations,' he said. According to officials, this is not the first time the MMC has tried to clear or reduce its backlog. Previously between 2017 and 2022, the council had brought down the number of pending cases from 1,500 to 800 by using a fast-track disposal method. Riding on its past success, the council is planning to adopt a similar strategy again, officials said. Furthermore, the rising number of medical seats in the state, along with growing patient awareness, is leading to more complaints. Also, several medical associations too are filing complaints with the council. Therefore, there is a greater need for timely and fair investigations. Citizens and healthcare professionals alike have welcomed the move. Patients' rights groups have long demanded quicker resolution of cases of medical negligence while doctors hope that timely handling will prevent prolonged uncertainty. Dr Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospitals, said, 'Timely and transparent resolution of complaints is in everybody's interest. It not only protects patient rights but also safeguards doctors from prolonged legal uncertainty. This initiative is a much-needed step toward restoring public trust.'
