Saturday 30 January 2016

Medical councils have the power to conduct an inquiry

Medical councils have the power to conduct an inquiry

Dr K K Aggarwal

Cases of medical negligence against a doctor are usually referred to the council, which has the power to conduct an inquiry. Negligence as defined in civil law differs from that defined under criminal law. In Martin F. D'Souza vs Mohd. Ishfaq, 3541 of 2002, dated 17.02.2009, the Supreme Court of India held “… simple negligence may result only in civil liability, but gross negligence or recklessness may result in criminal liability as well. For civil liability only damages can be imposed by the court but for criminal liability the doctor can also be sent to jail (apart from damages which may be imposed on him in a civil suit or by the consumer fora). Some administrative requirements that the council takes into consideration during an inquiry are as follows:

·         Is the complaint in the prescribed manner? Is it time-barred?
·         Is it a frivolous complaint?
·         Is the doctor registered under the council/other councils/MCI?
·         Has the complainant filed a case in other courts? If yes, has he submitted all the required details? Is the matter sub judice?
·         Is it a referred complaint (MCI, DGHS, Police, Courts)? If yes, what is the request: opinion or an Inquiry?
·         What is the allegation? Professional misconduct, unethical act, medical negligence, violation of IPC, deficiency of service or administrative lapse?
·         What is the actual complaint?
·         What is the remedy asked for? Compensation or action (asked by the complainant), Opinion, if any criminal negligence (asked by the police), any deficiency of service (asked by consumer fora).
·         Was the patient treated at a Government hospital or private hospital?
·         Is there a possibility of a compromise (arbitration, conciliation, mediation) and withdrawal of the complaint?
·         Was a post mortem done? If yes, is the report available?
·         When was the complaint filed? Was it after the bill was received? Was the bill paid?
·         Is the order/judgment that is being challenged a speaking order?  
·         Is the alleged doctor insured? Has the insurance lawyer involved in the case been informed?

In line with the World Cancer Day theme ‘We can, I can’, IMA to raise awareness about cancer prevention across its 1700 branches

In line with the World Cancer Day theme ‘We can, I can’, IMA to raise awareness about cancer prevention across its 1700 branches

New Delhi, January 30, 2016: This year, World Cancer Day is being observed on February 4. The theme is ‘We can. I can’. The three year campaign, 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – together or individually – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer and bring about a change. All people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities. As a step in this direction, IMA National has urged its local and state branch to do its bit to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) began the World Cancer Day to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. It is observed in almost the whole world as an annual event.  There were 14.1 million new cancer cases, 8.2 million cancer deaths and 32.6 million people living with cancer (within 5 years of diagnosis) in 2012 as per Globocon report. And, 19.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed each year by the year 2025.

In India, one million new cases occurred in 2012 with 6.8 lakh deaths. We have 17.9 million people living with cancer (within 5 years of diagnosis). The most common cancers worldwide were lung cancer, followed by breast, colorectal, prostate, stomach, liver and cervical cancers. Breast cancer was the commonest cancer in women, while in males; lung cancer was the most common cancer.

Speaking on the issue, Dr S S Agarwal, National President, IMA and Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA in a joint statement said, Cancer is a complex group of diseases that number more than 100. Cancer is a major public health problem that affects people in every nook and corner of every country of the world regardless of caste, creed or socioeconomic status. It’s not only the patient but the family suffers too. The economic cost of lost life years due to cancer exceeds that of any other disease.  We request all IMA Leaders/branches to observe World Cancer Day and help raise mass public health awareness on the subject of cancer prevention through lifestyle management.”



Smoking continues to be the biggest cancer risk factor. Tobacco use accounts for 5.4 million deaths every year, or 22% of all cancer deaths. Reducing the rates of tobacco use will significantly decrease the global burden of 13 different types of cancers, including lung, oral cavity etc. Alcohol use has also been linked to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, bowel, liver and breast. About 40% of cancers can be prevented, and one-third of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment. 

Zika virus infection: Another illness by the dengue mosquito

Zika virus infection: Another illness by the dengue mosquito
Dr KK Aggarwal

In view of the rapidly spreading Zika virus infection in the Americas, the WHO will convene an emergency meeting on Monday, 1st February, to determine if the Zika virus outbreak should be declared an international public health emergency. According to Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, the "level of alarm is extremely high as is the level of uncertainty." The rapidly spreading virus may infect as many as 3-4 million people within a year.

Brazil reported its first case of Zika virus disease in May 2015. Since then, the disease has spread to 24 other countries and territories in Central and South America and the Caribbean. As per CDC, limited outbreaks of Zika infections are expected in the US. The CDC has issued a travel alert for individuals traveling to areas and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women, especially, should especially avoid travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing because of a strong link between the virus and birth defects like microcephaly.

Women who have made such trips and develop Zika symptoms during or within 2 weeks of their travel should be tested for the virus. And, clinicians should report positive tests to the appropriate local or state health department. They should also schedule regular USGs to monitor fetal growth in Zika-positive pregnant women.

Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, a flavivirus, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, the same mosquitoes which spread the dengue virus. The infection is generally a mild illness in adults, the most frequent symptoms are mild fever, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection usually resolves by itself within 2-7 days. Only one in 5 individuals who catch the virus develops symptoms, which usually disappear within a week. However, in pregnant women, it may potentially cause premature birth, congenital defects and microcephaly. More than 1000 cases of microcephaly were reported among newborns born to Brazilian mothers with Zika virus infection as of December 2015. A possible link between the virus and Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome is also suspected.

Friday 29 January 2016

World Cancer Day… IMA joins global efforts to reduce cancer burden

World Cancer Day… IMA joins global efforts to reduce cancer burden

Dear Colleagues

This year, World Cancer Day is being observed on February 4. The theme is ‘We can. I can’.

The three year campaign, 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – together or individually – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer and bring about a change. All people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) began the World Cancer Day to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. It is observed in almost the whole world as an annual event.

There were 14.1 million new cancer cases, 8.2 million cancer deaths and 32.6 million people living with cancer (within 5 years of diagnosis) in 2012 as per Globocon report. And, 19.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed each year by the year 2025. In India, one million new cases occurred in 2012 with 6.8 lakh deaths. We have 17.9 million people living with cancer (within 5 years of diagnosis). The most common cancers worldwide were lung cancer, followed by breast, colorectal, prostate, stomach, liver and cervical cancers. Breast cancer was the commonest cancer in women, while in males, lung cancer was the most common cancer.

Cancer is a complex group of diseases that number more than 100. Cancer is a major public health problem that affects people in every nook and corner of every country of the world regardless of caste, creed or socioeconomic status. It’s not only the patient, the family too suffers. The economic cost of lost life years due to cancer exceed that of any other disease.

Smoking continues to be the biggest cancer risk factor. Tobacco use accounts for 5.4 million deaths every year, or 22% of all cancer deaths. Reducing the rates of tobacco use will significantly decrease the global burden of 13 different types of cancers, including lung, oral cavity etc. Alcohol use has also been linked to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast.

About 40% of cancers can be prevented, and one-third of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

We request all IMA Leaders/branches to observe World Cancer Day by arranging exhibitions, distribute pamphlets, giving Lectures, take out rallies, hold Press conference, and organize Cancer Detection Camps etc.

Please do email a report of the activity along with photographs to IMA Office at hsg@ima-india.org 

Dr SS Aggarwal             Dr KK Aggarwal          Dr Dilip K Acharya
National President, IMA          Hony Secy Gen IMA           Chairman IMA National Cancer & Tobacco Control Committee   

IMA ZIKA Update

IMA ZIKA update

WHO will convene an emergency meeting Monday to determine if the Zika virus outbreak should be declared a public health emergency?

WHO director Margaret Chan, speaking in Geneva, said the "level of alarm is extremely high."

And a vaccine for Zika is still a decade away. (BBC)

IMA alert: Pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is strongly suspected of causing microcephaly and possible Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The countries at risk are :
1.     Brazil,
2.     Colombia,
3.     El Salvador,
4.     French Guiana,
5.     Guatemala,
6.     Haiti,
7.     Honduras,
8.     Martinique,
9.     Mexico,
10.  Panama,
11.  Paraguay,
12.  Suriname,
13.  Venezuela
14.  Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
15.  Barbados,
16.  Bolivia,
17.  Ecuador,
18.  Guadeloupe,
19.  Saint Martin,
20.  Guyana
21.  Cape Verde
22.  Samoa
23.  U.S. Virgin Islands
24.  Dominican Republic

WHO warned that the Zika virus, will likely spread to all but two countries in North, Central and South America. Transmission is probable because the Aedes mosquitoes, which spread the virus, populate the entire region except for Canada and continental Chile
Brazil has counted a surge of almost 4000 cases of microcephaly in new-borns since October 2015. The abnormally small heads of these babies often are accompanied by incomplete brain development, which can lead to a lifetime of health problems. In severe cases, newborns do not survive for long. Faced with these risks, Colombia and El Salvador have urged women to delay becoming pregnant — in the case of El Salvador, until 2018.
Women who have made such trips and develop Zika symptoms — fever, rash, muscle aches, and conjunctivitis — during or within 2 weeks of their travel should be tested for the virus. Clinicians should report positive tests to the appropriate local or state health department. In addition, they should schedule regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth in Zika-positive pregnant women.
For adults, a Zika infection is generally a mild illness. Only one in five individuals who catch the virus develops symptoms, which usually disappear within a week.


IMA to also observe February 10 as National Deworming Day

IMA to also observe February 10 as National Deworming Day

Dr SS Agarwal, Dr KK Aggarwal


National Deworming Day is a part of the initiative by the Govt. of India to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted parasitic infections in the country. Parasitic infections in children lead to anemia, malnourishment and hamper their mental and physical development.

Recent US studies investigating the impact of worm infections on literacy rates have shown that literacy levels are lowered by 13%, and there is a downward impact on earnings of 43% later in life. Research from Western Kenya has shown that school-based mass deworming programs reduced absenteeism by 25%.

‘Children in India,’ a 2012 report by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, Govt. of India, states that 19.8% of children under the age of five years are wasted, and 48% of them being malnourished, which showed malnourishment across half of the child population in the country.

On February 10, 2015, National Deworming Day was observed in 11 states and Union Territories including Haryana, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. This year it will cover the whole country. Last year, more than 100 million children at risk of parasitic worms were covered in the program. These children were given chewable Albendazole tablets over 3 days. The medicine was given to children up to the age of 5 years at Anganwadi centers, while children aged between 6 to 19 years were provided medication at all government schools.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is pitching in to help the government with the implementation of this program, and requests all its 2.5-lakh members to spread the message. This would mean individual healthcare facilities doing their bit to stem the worm infestation. Not only children in Govt. schools, but those in private schools should also be covered in the program. 

Under this initiative, children aged 1 – 2 years will be given half tablet of albendazole 400 mg, while those aged 2-19 years, will be given the full tablet of albendazole 400 mg.

Given that Albendazole is an inexpensive drug, total coverage without subsidy is a welcome step to curbing worm infections.

An increasingly obsolete affliction in developed settings, India must work tirelessly to control the spread of parasitic worms in vulnerable youth.

Kesari dal being reintroduced: Too early for IMA to call it 100% safe

Kesari dal being reintroduced: Too early for IMA to call it 100% safe 

New Delhi, January 29, 2016: Three new varieties of kesari dal, Ratan, Prateek and Mahateora, which have low p-N oxalyl- L-p-diaminopropionic acid (P-ODAP) content, have been released for general cultivation. Kesari dal or lathyrus sativus is commonly known as grass pea. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed these three new strains in collaboration with State agriculture universities. Kesari dal, a key Rabi pulse crop, is mainly cultivated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal. Arhar dal is expensive and often retailers mix the cheap khesari dal because of similarity in appearance

ODAP is found in the seeds of Kesari Dal at a constant concentration of 0.5%. While, the ODAP content in these varieties is in the range of 0.07-0.10%, which is safe for human consumption, it has been shown that the concentration of ODAP increases in plants grown under stressful conditions. It is learnt that the ICAR admitted that a research panel headed by India Council of Medical Research has proposed lifting the earlier ban on Kesari dal. According to them, in the new varieties of the dal, the toxicity is "negligible." The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is now considering the proposal.

Sharing IMA’s viewpoint, Dr S S Agarwal, National President, IMA and Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA in a joint statement said, “IMA would like to know more about the studies, animal studies and long term follow ups before our members can call it 100% safe for human consumption. The word negligible also needs clarification”.

Lathyrism, a disorder of spastic paraparesis occurs in association with increased dietary intake of food plants with neurotoxic potential. Neurolathyrism is associated with prolonged consumption of the grass pea. Exposed persons suffer a slowly developing spastic paraparesis with cramps, paresthesias and numbness, accompanied by bladder symptoms and impotence. Some patients have tremors and other involuntary movements in their arms. Pathologic studies have demonstrated a loss of myelinated fibers in the corticospinal and spinocerebellar tracts. The toxin appears to be the neuroexcitatory amino acid, beta-N-oxalylaminoalanine. There is no treatment.

Do not travel to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission if you are pregnant: IMA

Do not travel to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission if you are pregnant: IMA

New Delhi, January 28, 2016: Pregnant women should avoid travelling to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, which is strongly suspected of causing microcephaly. In hard-hit Brazil there is a possible link between the virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The list of countries in the travel alert issued by the CDC is as follows:

• The 14 countries and territories earlier identified in Central and South America and the Caribbean are Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

• The CDC added 8 countries and territories to the list; of these, six are in the Caribbean and South America: Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Guyana and the two Cape Verde and Samoa, break the geographic pattern. Cape Verde is off the coast of Africa while Samoa is in Polynesia.

Brazil has counted a surge of almost 4000 cases of microcephaly in newborns since October 2015. The abnormally small heads of these babies often are accompanied by incomplete brain development, which can lead to a lifetime of health problems. In severe cases, newborns do not survive for long.

Faced with these risks, Colombia and El Salvador have urged women to delay becoming pregnant, in the case of El Salvador, until 2018.

Speaking on the issue, Dr S S Agarwal, National President, IMA and Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA in a joint statement said, “Women who have made such trips and develop Zika symptoms — fever, rash, muscle aches and conjunctivitis — during or within 2 weeks of their travel should be tested for the virus. Clinicians should report positive tests to the appropriate local or state health department. In addition, they should schedule regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth in Zika-positive pregnant women”.

Zika infection is generally a mild illness in adults. Only one in 5 individuals who catch the virus develops symptoms, which usually disappear within a week. Zika alert. Zika has been isolated in human semen, and one case of possible person-to-person sexual transmission has been described.


There is currently no evidence of Zika being transmitted to babies through breast milk. The disease's rapid spread, to 21 countries and territories of the region since May 2015, is due to a lack of immunity among the population and the prevalence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the virus.

Thursday 28 January 2016

Do not travel if you are pregnant: IMA Alert

Do not travel if you are pregnant: IMA Alert Pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, which is strongly suspected of causing microcephaly. In hard-hit Brazil there is a possible link between the virus and Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome. The list of countries in the travel alert issued by the CDC is as follows: • The 14 countries and territories earlier identified in Central and South America and the Caribbean are Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. • The CDC added 8 countries and territories to the list; of these, six are in the Caribbean and South America: Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Guyana and the two Cape Verde and Samoa, break the geographic pattern. Cape Verde is off the coast of Africa while Samoa is in Polynesia. Brazil has counted a surge of almost 4000 cases of microcephaly in newborns since October 2015. The abnormally small heads of these babies often are accompanied by incomplete brain development, which can lead to a lifetime of health problems. In severe cases, newborns do not survive for long. Faced with these risks, Colombia and El Salvador have urged women to delay becoming pregnant, in the case of El Salvador, until 2018. Women who have made such trips and develop Zika symptoms — fever, rash, muscle aches and conjunctivitis — during or within 2 weeks of their travel should be tested for the virus. Clinicians should report positive tests to the appropriate local or state health department. In addition, they should schedule regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth in Zika-positive pregnant women. Zika infection is generally a mild illness in adults. Only one in 5 individuals who catch the virus develops symptoms, which usually disappear within a week. Zika alert • Zika has been isolated in human semen, and one case of possible person-to-person sexual transmission has been described. • There is currently no evidence of Zika being transmitted to babies through breast milk • The disease's rapid spread, to 21 countries and territories of the region since May 2015, is due to a lack of immunity among the population and the prevalence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the virus.

Controlling cholesterol levels can help regress heart disease

Controlling cholesterol levels can help regress heart disease

New Delhi, January 27, 2016: High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. In fact, the higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. When there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup causes "hardening of the arteries" so that arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. The blood carries oxygen to the heart, and if enough blood and oxygen cannot reach your heart, you may suffer chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, the result is a heart attack.
Typically if someone is diagnosed with cardiovascular ailments when they are below the age of 55 years (men) and 65 years (women) they are believed to be suffering from premature heart disease. “In such patients, the prevalence of dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by high cholesterol levels without any evident symptoms is about 75-85%”, said Dr. SS Agarwal, National President IMA & Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India and Honorary Secretary General IMA.
A few points, which each one of us must know about cholesterol, include:
  • High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms; so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.
  • Cholesterol lowering is important for everyone--younger, middle age, and older adults; women and men; and people with or without heart disease.
  • Lipid profile means measuring total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL and Non HDL Cholesterol. VLDL cholesterol is calculated by dividing value of triglycerides by five. LDL cholesterol is calculated by total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol – VLDL cholesterol
  • A standard serum lipid profile consists of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol and rest are calculated values.
  • Foods of plant in origin contain no cholesterol. Almonds and nuts contain no cholesterol.
  • Food liquid at room temperature contains unsaturated fat. Food solid at room temperature is either saturated or a transfat.
  • Transfat increases bad cholesterol and reduces good cholesterol. Saturated vanaspati ghee increases bad cholesterol but does not reduce good cholesterol levels in the body.
  • A 1% rise in cholesterol leves can raise the chances of heart attack by 2%. 1% reduction of good HDL cholesterol increases the chances of suffering from a heart attack by 3%.
  • One yellow of an egg contains cholesterol equivalent to 10 tea spoon full of butter.
  • Regular exercise can increase the levels of good cholesterol in your body
  • Keep your total cholesterol lower than 160mg%. LDL is bad cholesterol and should be kept as low as possible, keep it lower than 80 mg/dl. HDL is good cholesterol, keep it more than 40mg%
  • Lipid profile is done on 8 -12 hours fasting (no calories) to minimize the influence of postprandial hyperlipidemia. Fast for 12 hours to get accurate readings of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglyceride levels. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
  • Serum total and HDL-cholesterol can be measured in fasting or nonfasting individuals. There are only small clinically insignificant differences in these values when measured in the fasting or non-fasting state.  So for calculation of Non HDL cholesterol no fasting is required.
  • Having suffered from a flu or another illness shortly before the blood test can have a dramatic effect on ones cholesterol levels.
  • High levels of alcohol or carbohydrates taken in the last week can raise triglyceride
  • An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect cholesterol levels.
  • If there is a strong family history of heart disease, first Lipid profile should be done at the age of 5. If lipid profile is normal, is should be repeated every 5 years.
  • Blood lipid levels may exhibit mild seasonal variation with a peak in total cholesterol level in the winter and a trough in the summer.  Amplitude of seasonal variation of total cholesterol concentration is 3.9 mg/dL in men and 5.4 mg/dL in women.
  • The total cholesterol can vary by 4 to 11 percent within an individual due to multiple factors including stress, minor illness, and posture.

Wednesday 27 January 2016

Hypothermia and older adults

Hypothermia and older adults
The cold truth about hypothermia is that people aged 65 years and older face this danger every winter. 
Older adults are especially vulnerable to hypothermia because their body's response to cold can be diminished by underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, some medicines including over-the-counter cold remedies, and aging itself. As a result, hypothermia can develop in older adults after even relatively mild exposure to cold weather or a small drop in temperature.
Speaking about the issue, Dr SS Agarwal - National President IMA and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, "When the temperature gets too cold or the body's heat production decreases, hypothermia occurs. Hypothermia is defined as having a core body temperature below 95 degrees. Someone suffering from hypothermia may show one or more of the following signs: slowed or slurred speech, sleepiness or confusion, shivering or stiffness in the arms and legs, poor control over body movements or slow reactions, or a weak pulse."
Tips to avoid hypothermia:
  • When going outside in the cold, it is important to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens. 
  • Check the weather forecasts for windy and cold weather. Try to stay inside or in a warm place on cold and windy days. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes including a hat, scarf and gloves or mittens to prevent loss of body heat through your head and hands. A waterproof coat or jacket can help you stay warm if it's cold and snowy.
  • Carry a fully charged cellphone.  
  • A hat is particularly important because a large portion of body heat can be lost through the head. 
  • Wear several layers of loose clothing when it's cold. The layers will trap warm air between them. Don't wear tight clothing because it can keep your blood from flowing freely. This can lead to loss of body heat.
  • Check if any prescription or over-the-counter medications may increase your risk for hypothermia. Some medicines used by older people can increase the risk of accidental hypothermia. These include drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, or nausea. Some over-the-counter cold remedies can also cause problems.
  • When the temperature has dropped, drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.
  • Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to stay warm.

Tuesday 26 January 2016

IMA Congratulates all Padma Awardee Doctors of the year 2016

IMA Congratulates all Padma Awardee Doctors of the year 2016 Padma Awards 2016 Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. PADMA VIBHUSHAN 1. Dr. Viswanathan Shanta Medicine- Oncology Tamil Nadu Padma Bhushan 1. Prof. D. Nageshwar Reddy Medicine-Gastroenterology Telangana Padma Shri 1. Dr. Mannam Gopi Chand - Medicine-Cardio Thoracic Surgery Telangana 2. Prof. Ravi Kant Medicine - Surgery Uttar Pradesh 3. Prof. Ram Harsh Singh - Medicine- Ayurveda Uttar Pradesh 4. Prof. Shiv Narain Kureel - Medicine - Paediatric Surgery, Uttar Pradesh 5. Dr.Sabya Sachi Sarkar - Medicine –Radiology, Uttar Pradesh 6.Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale - Medicine - Cardiac Surgery - Andhra Pradesh 7. Prof. T.K. Lahiri - Medicine and Cardio Thoracic Surgery , Uttar Pradesh 8. Dr. Praveen Chandra - Medicine-Cardiology, Delhi 9. Prof. (Dr) Daljeet Singh Gambhir- Medicine-Cardiology, Uttar Pradesh 10. Dr.Chandrasekar Shesadri Thoguluva - Medicine - Gastroenterology, Tamil Nadu 11. Dr. (Mrs.) Anil Kumari Malhotra- Medicine-Homeopathy, Delhi 12. Prof. M.V. Padma Srivastava - Medicine-Neurology, Delhi 13. Dr. Sudhir V. Shah - Medicine-Neurology, Gujarat 14. Dr. M. M. Joshi - Medicine-Ophthalmology, Karnataka 15. Prof. (Dr) John Ebnezar, Medicine-Orthopaedic Surgery, Karnataka 16. Dr. Nayudamma Yarlagadda, Medicine-Paediatric Surgery, Andhra Pradesh

Monday 25 January 2016

IMA supports the recent amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act

IMA supports the recent amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act
Believes that judicial action must be continually reinforced to protect the rights and health of children and minors

New Delhi, January 25, 2016: The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 relates to children requiring protection and care, and was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and initiated on January 15, 2016.

An amendment has just been passed of the Act modifying section 77 and 78, relating to drugs and children. The amendment to section 77 clearly states that anyone giving or a child to receive any intoxicating liquor, psychotropic substance, narcotic drug, or tobacco products, unless on the explicit instructions of a qualified medical practitioner, will be punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years and would be liable to fines which may extend up to one lakh rupees.

Modifications to section 78 mention that anyone using a child for peddling, carrying, vending, smuggling, or supplying any intoxicating liquor, psychotropic substance, or narcotic drugs could be liable to similar punitive action.

The amendments reinforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Product (Proposition of Advertisement & Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 forbids cigarette or tobacco product sale to anyone below the age of 18 years in areas within a 100-meter radius of school areas. This act didn’t work as intended as the fine imposed was not significant at only Rs. 200.

Speaking on the issue, Dr S S Agarwal, National President, IMA and Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA in a joint statement said, “Minors are increasingly being found consuming tobacco, alcohol and even narcotic drugs in our country. The high stress levels faced by the 21st century teenager is to blame for this dangerous and worrying trend. Cigarettes are openly sold close to educational institutions due to the nominal fine it is associated with. It is the responsibility of parents, teachers and the medical fraternity to counsel children about the serious implications teenage smoking and drinking has on their future health and well being”.



Provision of drugs or psychotropic substances is an offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act. Overall it is critical that judicial action be continually reinforced to protect the rights and health of children and minors. The Amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act are a further step in this direction.

Sunday 24 January 2016

Dr. VK Monga takes over as the Dean of IMA CGP for the year 2016-17

Dr. VK Monga takes over as the Dean of IMA CGP for the year 2016-17
New Delhi, January 24, 2016: Dr. V K Monga, Former Chairman, MCD Health Committee took over as Dean, IMA College of General Practitioners in an Installation Ceremony organized by IMA HQs today.

Addressing the audience during the instillation ceremony Dr S S Agarwal, National President, IMA and Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA said, “Dr. Monga will be an asset to the work being done by the Indian Medical Association towards promoting family physicians in our country. The number of family physicians is slowly reducing as time passes and there is an urgent need to protect the interests of established family physicians in our country and encouraging others to join the league.”

During the function, for the first time ever, a special award was given to the oldest practicing and non-practicing medical professionals in India, Dr. Prakash aged 103 from New Delhi and Dr. J.S. Rastogi aged 99 from Moradabad were honored for their contribution to the society. It is commendable how at the age of 99 years, Dr. Rastogi continues to consult and patients regularly.

A panel discussion was also organized on problems faced by General Practitioners.  The Panel included: Dr. S.Arulrhaj & Dr. E. Prabhavati. IMA also deliberated upon launching a retainership concept for family physicians.
In his statement, Mr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament and the Guest of Honour for the event congratulated the two awardees and said that following a healthy lifestyle is key for a long and happy life. Family physicians play a crucial role in maintaining the over-all health of a family.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Surender Khanna and Mr. Vijay Dahiya, renowned Cricketers and Chief Guests for the event in a joint statement said, “We congratulate the new IMA CGP team. Family physicians are key to the over-all health and well-being of a family and it is important that their rights and requirements are duly addressed.”
Before the installation, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA also hosted a dialogue with Shri Harsh Deep Malhotra, Hon’ble Mayor, East Delhi Municipal Corporation over tea.

A CME was also be organized on point of care diagnostics in general practice.
IMA also launched several new schemes including

  • Encouraging all members to car pool for official meetings and ceremonies to help reduce the increasing pollution in the city
  • IMA’s Anti-Tobacco Policy according to which all IMA buildings and meetings will be smoke free (Ban on smoking both cigarettes and e-cigarettes)

Indian Medical Association to honor the oldest practicing and non-practicing doctor in the country

Indian Medical Association to honor the oldest practicing and non-practicing doctor in the country

New Delhi, January 23, 2016: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced today at a press conference that it will be honoring the “Oldest Practicing and Non Practising Doctor” in India. Dr. Prakash from Jor Bagh, New Delhi aged 103 years and Dr. J.S. Rastogi from Moradabad aged 99 will be honoured during the installation of Team IMA-CGP for the year 2016-17 on Sunday, 24th January, 2016. At the event, Dr.V.K. Monga will take over as Dean, IMA CGP.
Mr. Surender Khanna and Mr. Vijay Dahiya, renowned Cricketers will be the chief guests for the event and Mr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament will be the Guest of Honour. Before the installation, Dr K K Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, IMA will host a dialogue with Shri Harsh Deep Malhotra, Hon’ble Mayor, East Delhi Municipal Corporation over tea.
A CME will also be organized on point of care diagnostics in general practice.

Addressing the press, Dr. K K Aggarwal Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “It is indeed a historic moment for each one of us at IMA to announce two awards which will be given out during the instillation of Team IMA-CGP for the present year. The first award will be given to the oldest practicing doctor in our country, Dr. J.S. Rastogi from Moradabad who continues to see patients at the age of 99 years. The other award will be handed over to Dr. Prakash from New Delhi who at 103 years is the oldest non-practicing doctor of our country. This is a proof that doctors too can lead a long and healthy life if the right lifestyle is adopted. In additon to this, my colleague, Dr. VK Monga will take over as the new Dean of IMA CGP during the instillation. I congratulate him and welcome him to the team.”
  
Adding to this, Dr. V K Monga, Former Chairman, MCD Health Committee and Dean elect, IMA College of General Practitioners said, “I congratulate Dr. JS Rastogi and Dr. Prakash for this award. They are truly an inspiration for each one of us.”

A Panel discussion will also be organized on problems faced by General Practitioners.  The Panel will include Dr. S.Arulrhaj and Dr. E. Prabhavati.

IMA will also launched several new schemes including

  • Encouraging all members to car pool for official meetings and ceremonies to help reduce the increasing pollution in the city
  • IMA’s Anti-Tobacco Policy according to which all IMA buildings and meetings will be smoke free (Ban on smoking both cigarettes and e-cigarettes)