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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- 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.'
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nagpur doctors unite to raise awareness on thalassemia
1 2 3 Nagpur: An open forum was held on World Thalassemia Day. With a mission to unite communities and prioritise patients, leading city doctors came together to raise awareness about the genetic blood disorder that continues to affect thousands of children across Central Academy of Paediatrics (AOP) Nagpur, in collaboration with the Thalassaemia & Sickle Cell Centre and Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagpur, organised a public forum on the theme 'Together for Thalassemia – Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients' at IMA event witnessed active participation from medical professionals and families of patients. Among the dignitaries present were Dr Uday Bodhankar, patron of AOP Nagpur, Dr Vinky Rughwani, director of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre, Dr Rajesh Sawarbandhe, president of IMA Nagpur, Dr Shilpa Hazare, president of AOP Nagpur, and Dr Kailash Vaidya, secretary, AOP Nagpur." Thalassemia Major is preventable. A simple blood test before marriage can stop this suffering before it begins," emphasised Dr Vinky Rughwani, urging the govt to launch a Thalassemia Mission on the lines of the Sickle Cell Mission. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far "While we facilitated over 50 free bone marrow transplants and tested over 55,000 youths, our goal is to ensure no child is ever born with this condition," he Rughwani also highlighted a major policy breakthrough — a 5% reservation in education now available to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients after these disorders were recognised as disabilities. Dr Shilpa Hazare, president of AOP Nagpur, said, "As paediatricians, we strongly believe that awareness must begin early. If every school-going child is educated about genetic conditions like thalassemia, we can build a generation that makes informed marital and reproductive choices."Veteran paediatrician Dr Uday Bodhankar stressed the need for mandatory premarital screening and urged the govt to incorporate Thalassemia education into school curricula. "This is not just a medical issue — it's a social one. A few moments of testing can save families from decades of pain," he experts at the forum explained how Thalassemia Major requires lifelong blood transfusions, sometimes up to four units a month, along with expensive medication. While a bone marrow transplant remains the only curative option, its high cost (Rs15 lakh or more) keeps it out of reach for forum wasn't just about facts and figures — it had its emotional moments too. Several children battling thalassemia attended the event, their bright eyes and cheerful smiles lighting up the thalassemia patients are getting?* 5% educational reservation* Genetic Digital Blood Match App* Support for screening and counselling* Free blood transfusions and medicines* Disability certificates and benefits* Bone Marrow Transplant Surgery support
