Saturday 31 December 2016

Flu in children

Flu in children With the onset of winter, children become increasingly prone to influenza infections highlighting the importance of preventive measures and good hygiene practices. New Delhi, Dec 26, 2016: Influenza is a viral illness and it often manifests in a mild form in children. Influenza infections are most frequent in winter and children are especially susceptible to infection due to weaker immune system. The classical features of uncomplicated flu in children include abrupt onset of fever, headache, muscle pain and malaise affected by manifestation of respiratory tract illness – sore throat, sough and nasal discharge. Flu symptoms in children are usually very similar to the symptoms of a cold, or upper respiratory tract infection. It might also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea in occasional cases. Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K.K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and National President Elect Indian Medical Association (IMA), adds “ Flu is highly contagious, particularly when kids stay in close vicinities like they do in school classrooms. The spread of influenza occurs when children inhale droplets that are coughed up or sneezed by an infected person, or when they come in direct contact with mucus or spit from someone who has the disease. The best way to avoid flu in children is to get a yearly vaccination. Parents should consult a physician for the same. ” Ear discharge, development into asthma and pneumonia are common complications in children. Complicated pneumonia may be severe and rapidly fatal, especially if the bacterium is Staph. However, it is not necessary that all the mentioned symptoms be present in all children, individual variations do occur. Moreover, the duration of fever can also last from a week to upto ten days. “During winter, flu should be considered in all children with fever; children with fever and acute onset of respiratory illness; children with fever and exhilaration of underlying chest condition; children with pneumonia and children with fever of more than 100, with severe cough or sore throat. In 95% of the cases, more than 39oC fever is present and about 77% of the cases present with cough and nasal discharge. The treatment is often symptomatic. Paracetamol should be given in recommended doses upto 48 hours and encourage your child to rest and drink lots of fluids, preferably warm fluids. One important point to remember is that flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help and can even cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea.”, adds Dr. K.K Aggarwal.

Government of Karnataka, to Regulate/Prescribe the Rates Chargeable by Private Medical Establishments (and Professionals)

Government of Karnataka, to Regulate/Prescribe the Rates Chargeable by Private Medical Establishments (and Professionals) The Government of Karnataka​is is planning to introduce a bill (January 2017?) ​for price control ​in the private healthcare sector. Prices will be fixed for all medical procedures including that for the patients​ in the private wards. The government is unable to provide care to the citizens through their networks and it is​ ​the private healthcare providers​who are providing safe and quality healthcare to around 70 percent of the citizens. If this happens it will destroy the healthcare delivery system and the citizens of our state will have no access to the state of the art technology. If the GoK succeeds, other states will follow suit. Current Position Clinical Establishment Act: rule 9 (2) The clinical establishment shall charge the rates for each type of procedure and services within the range of rated determined and issued by the central government from time to tile in consultation with the state government Recommendations of inter-ministerial committee The committee recommends that the position of the rule 9 (2) of the CE rules can be considered to be changed to the extent that central government should specify the list of procedures and costing templates while actual determination of the range of rates could be left to the state governments who can take into consideration the relevant facts while deciding upon the range of rates for their respective states in consultation with relevant states holders including the Indian Medical Association. IMA Position 1. Challenge the rule 9 as ultra-wire as there is no provision of this in the parent act 2. No rates can be decided without involvement of Indian Medical Association 3. IMA is launching IMA costing department to decide templates and range of costing 4. Only in emergency and national calamities government has powers to regulate the rates under municipal acts not otherwise. Legal Position taken by AHPI and CAHO 1. The anticipated governmental action may arise in one of two ways—(a) legislative action, through the enactment of a fresh law, or the amendment of existing laws by the State Legislature; or (b) executive/administrative action, through the issuance of Rules/Regulations, or notifications/circulars, etc. under the existing laws or otherwise. 2. Legislative action by the State is subject to challenge on broadly the following parameters—(a) legislative incompetence [Whether the State Legislature has the right to legislate on that subject], and (b) other constitutional grounds, including violation of fundamental rights [right to equality and right to trade and profession etc.]. Administrative actions are subject to the same constitutional parameters, but can additionally be challenged on grounds that they do not derive authority from any statutory framework, or fall foul of the statutory framework from which they derive. 3. In particular, any legislative or administrative action to control or regulate rates applicable in private medical establishments (or charged by professionals) would predominantly be open to challenge on grounds that (a) the body taking action does not have the competence to do so, and (b) violation of the fundamental rights of medical practitioners/establishments, or other constitutional provisions. 4. In the absence of any details of the nature and mechanism of the anticipated action in Karnataka, the present Note restricts itself to a broad discussion on the feasibility of a challenge on grounds of violation of the right to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business, under Article 19(1)(g) read with Article 19(6) of the Constitution. The question centers around the power of the Government to control price of private enterprise. 5. At present, the statutory framework for private medical practice in Karnataka consists of (a) the Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961 and (b) the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007 (and Rules framed thereunder). These laws are enacted for (a) the registration of medical professionals and establishments, and (b) for regulation of the technical and professional standards to be followed in medical practice. 6. The existing framework in Karnataka requires private medical establishments and professionals to (a) conspicuously publish their charges, and (b) adhere to them. There is no restriction in the present framework on the quantum of rates/fee that may be charged by private establishments/professionals [See: Section 10, Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, and Section 15, Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961 read with the Code of Medical Ethics issued by the Medical Council of India in 2002]. 7. However, measures to regulate the quantum of rates chargeable by medical establishments/professionals do exist in territories outside the state of Karnataka. For example, the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, framed under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, mandate that all registered establishments (which includes individual doctors) in the territories to which the Act applies, shall charge for procedures/services within the range of rates determined and issued by the Central Government from time to time, in consultation with the State Governments [See: Rule 9(ii), Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012]. It is pertinent that the Act itself does not contain any provision related to the regulation of rates (and may therefore be subject to challenge on grounds of “excessive delegation”). 8. Under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, a National Council has been set up to oversee its implementation. A Sub-Committee to give recommendations on the range of charges was also formed, and appears to have submitted its report, but it is presently unclear what the status of implementation of this report is. 9. It is notable however that there is precedent to suggest that the State has no ability to introduce price control measures through Rules when the parent Act does not provide for the same. Notifications/Rules have been struck down in the past on grounds of "excessive delegation”. Whilst the constitutional validity of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 has been upheld by the Delhi High Court, the said Act and the Rules do not appear to have been tested before any court on the ground of excessive delegation (or even otherwise on the constitutionality of imposing rate regulation on private medical establishments/professionals). 10. It is worth cautioning that while there is no legal precedent specific to price regulation of medical establishments/professions, challenges to price/fee regulation in other fields have not met with considerable success in the past. The High Courts and Supreme Court have time and again upheld the competence of the Centre and States to regulate rates/fee as a “reasonable restriction” under Article 19(6) of the Constitution, if the same is found to be in greater public interest. 11. For example, the Supreme Court has categorically outlawed “commercialization” in the field of education, whilst holding the same to be predominantly “charitable” in nature. It has specifically prohibited the charging of “capitation fees” for admission into any educational institution (including private unaided educational institutions) and has upheld legislative/administrative action to fix and regulate the fees that may be charged. Such regulation has been held to be a “reasonable restriction” in “public interest” under Article 19(6) of the Constitution.Landmark judgments occupying this field include: a. TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002) 8 SCC 481 b. Islamic Academy v. State of Karnataka (2003) 6 SCC 697 c. PA Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra (2005) 6 SCC 537 d. Modern Dental College v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2016) 7 SCC 353 12. By way of another example, in Deepak Theatre v. State of Punjab 1992 Supp (1) SCC 684, the Supreme Court upheld Rules framed under various State legislations, which empowered the government to fix rates for admission to cinema theatres. Whilst repelling the challenge made by theatre owners under Article 19(1)(g), and holding such regulation to be “reasonable” and in “public interest” in terms of Article 19(6) of the Constitution, the Supreme Court observed that: “Witnessing a motion picture has become an amusement to every person; a reliever to the weary and fatigue; a reveler to the pleasure seeker; an importer of education and enlightenment enlivening to news and current events; disseminator of scientific knowledge; perpetrator of cultural and spiritual heritage, to the teeming illiterate majority of population. Thus, cinemas have become tools to promote welfare of the people to secure and protect as effectively as it may a social order as per directives of the State Policy enjoined under Article 38 of the Constitution. Mass media, through motion picture has thus become the vehicle of coverage to disseminate cultural heritage, knowledge, etc. The passage of time made manifest this growing imperative and the consequential need to provide easy access to all sections of the society to seek admission into theatre as per his paying capacity. Though the right to fix rates of admission is a business incident, the appellant having created an interest in the general public therein, it has become necessary for the State to step in and regulate the activity of fixation of maximum rates of admission to different classes, as a welfare weal. Thereby fixation of rates of admission became a legitimate ancillary or incidental power in furtherance of the regulation under the Act.” 13. It is notable that the governmental responsibility to improve public health finds place in the Directive Principles of State Policy set out in the Constitution (Article 47). It is furthermore notable that the Supreme Court/High Courts have upheld the right to health as a part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, and have observed that improvement to public health is one of the “primary duties” of the State. There is also language in the Code of Ethics framed by MCI as well as the Oath taken by all medical professionals that will go a long way in establishing the public nature and interest in these services. [See: Mukhtiar Chand v. State of Punjab (1998) 7 SCC 79, Rajasthan Pradesh VS Sardarshahar v. Union of India (2010) 12 SCC 609, Delhi Medical Association v. Principal Secretary, Health 229 (2016) DLT 322]. 14. We should challenge the Rules framed under the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, given the availability of other stronger legal grounds (including “excessive delegation”) for getting the provision related to rate regulation/price control struck off as ultra vires the parent Act. This will help us get audience in court, and will allow us to raise challenge based on Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution as well. If and when the Karnataka legislation is passed, it may be easier to club the challenge (based on the language used in the statute/notification etc.) to this.

Dr KK Aggarwal takes oath as IMA’s National President

Dr KK Aggarwal takes oath as IMA’s National President Promises to represent the best interests of over 2.8 lakh registered IMA doctors from across the country New Delhi December 28, 2016: Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal was today sworn in as the 88th President of Indian Medical Association today. Dr RN Tandon will support him as the association’s Honorary Secretary General. The Indian Medical Association is the largest representative organisation of doctors of modern scientific medicine in the world with over 2.8 lakh-registered members, 1700 local and 30 state branches. The installation of IMA’s new Governing Body took place at its 77th Central Council Meeting – NATCON’16 in the presence of Dr Ketan Desai – President World Medical Association, Dr Jayshree Ben Mehta – President MCI & Mr AR Kohli – Former Governor of Mizoram. Taking his oath as the new IMA National President, Dr K.K Aggarwal said, “It fills me with utmost pride and joy to take on the post of the IMA National President. I vow to take my work forward with dedication, integrity and honesty. I look forward to working with Team Digital IMA. The real strength of IMA lies in its unity and a collective commitment to the betterment of the medical profession, and it is for this reason that the theme for the coming year will be ‘IMA One Voice. The four A’s of universal healthcare- “Available”, “Accessible”, “Affordable”, and “Accountable” will be the guiding determinants of this our policies for the year 2017. Our fight against the unfair nature of the PCPNDT and Clinical Establishment Act, increasing violence against doctors, the undemocratic NMC Act will continue.” Adding to this, Dr Tandon, said that, “IMA has witnessed historic wins over the past two years. I assume this position with the promise to stay committed to the aim of restoring the nobility of the profession and working towards the best interest of the medical fraternity as a whole. This year, IMA will embrace the Digital India initiative by our honorable Prime Minister, and will work paperless from the forthcoming term”. Congratulating the new team, Dr Ketan Desai, President of the World Medical Association added that, “Team IMA 2017’s vision of becoming a digitally superior, cashless and transparent organisation is commendable and heralds a promising future for the medical fraternity. I congratulate the new team and as the World Medical Association’s President, promise my commitment to highlighting the key success and issues faced by the Indian medical fraternity at a global forum.” Mr AR Kohli, Former Governor of Mizoram said, “The medical profession is a noble one, and we must respect those who tirelessly work to help us stay healthy and alive. I congratulate Dr KK Aggarwal and look forward to a more efficient medical fraternity under his able leadership.” In 2017 IMA will continue to fight for its demand of capping the compensation provided in medical negligence cases, undemocratic National Commission Bill and a ban on non-MBBS and non-BDS doctors prescribing modern medicine drugs. Some key initiatives that will be launched this year include a mandatory request for organ donation under the ‘Poochna mat bhoolo’ initiative, auditing of preventable mortality and ‘think before you ink’ campaign in context of encouraging blood donations. Finally, ‘Jiska koi nahi uska IMA’ resonates the ideology that IMA holds above all- the greatest good is in helping those in need. With this vision, IMA plans to make affordable, quality and specialized healthcare available to all. This shift in IMA’s ideology from ‘What IMA can do’ to ‘What IMA should do’ will help foster more holistic and community directed goals and visions as IMA strives to touch new heights this year.

Dr K K Aggarwal National President IMA

Dear Colleague Big Thank You I thank all my mentors and colleagues for the confidence shown in me. I am both happy and tense so the responsibility given to me is huge and the time is only one year. But with the help of you all I am sure Team Digital IMA will be able to deliver. Our mission for the year is IMA 1 Voice. Let us all take IMA to a great height. Dr K K Aggarwal Following are the links 1. Website link : http://kkaggarwal.com/Presidential-speech.php 2. Presidential-speech- https://youtu.be/dxo7_Oi_l0E 3. ebook - http://kkaggarwal.com/28speech/index.html 4. HSG ACTIVITY REPORT IMA: http://module.ima-india.org/Natcon2016/hsgreport/ 5. 'Medico-legal Insights -IMA Legal Success Stories & White Papers’ : http://module.ima-india.org/Natcon2016/success_story/ 6. ‘STOP NMC - AMEND IMC ACT IMA Satyagraha 2016’ : http://module.ima-india.org/Natcon2016/stopnmc/ 7. Dr. KK Aggarwal taking over as National President of IMA: https://www.facebook.com/drkkaggarwal/ 8. IMA Natcon 2016 - Sister Shivani Verma On Self Motivation: https://youtu.be/qoDA0qjg2k0 9. Dr K K Aggarwal takes over as the National President of The Indian Medical Association: https://youtu.be/8gSq5fAgmrg

‘Walk with Doc’: IMA’s new National President launches programme aimed at encouraging doctors to go for morning walks with their patients

‘Walk with Doc’: IMA’s new National President launches programme aimed at encouraging doctors to go for morning walks with their patients
Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal was sworn in as the 88th President of Indian Medical Association yesterday New Delhi, Dec 29, 2016: Indian Medical Association (IMA) represents over 2.7 lakhs doctors practicing modern medicine spread across its 31 State branches and 1700 local Chapters. In an innovative step, the association has launched a campaign urging its doctors to ask their patients to join them in their morning walk routine. The move is a step towards encouraging patients and doctors to indulge in a more active lifestyle. Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and National President Indian Medical Association (IMA), stated that, “Sedentary way of life is slowly but surely killing us. We advise our patients to remain active and exercise everyday but seldom do they heed our advices. By asking them to join their doctors for a morning walk can be an encouraging step in encouragement. I request all doctors to invite their patients for a walk along with them in the park. This will enable the collective benefit of the doctor as well as the patient. Moreover, it will help foster an open and friendly relationship between the doctors and their patients.” According to WHO, approximately 2 million deaths per year are attributed to physical inactivity, making it the leading cause of disease and disability worldwide. It is also the leading cause behind cardiovascular diseases especially, in the younger population. “Earlier the focus was on heavy exercises and intense routines like running or cardio. Now, owing to the increasingly sedentary way of living, especially in the corporate world; the focus has shifted to ‘being on the move’. You should always find opportunities to keep moving, make it a habit to not sit still for more than half hour at a time. While at work take a walk often or get up from your desk now and then. 30 minutes of physical activity is essential everyday”, added Dr R N Tandon Honorary Secretary General IMA. Following are some tips to remain active throughout the day: 1. When there is a choice, always choose stairs over escalators and lifts. 2. Walk to your workplace if it is within a short distance. 3. Get up from your desk every few hours for a quick walk. 4. While at a lunch/dinner buffet, sit far away from the serving table. This way you will have to walk every time you need a refill 5. Do regular chores around your house; it is a good way to keep moving. 6. Move while talking on the phone. 7. Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance.

Final Clarification regarding PC&PNDT registration of a person having done MBBS & other PG Degrees

Final Clarification regarding PC&PNDT registration of a person having done MBBS & other PG Degrees Withdrawal of earlier circular with error dated 23rd December and circulation of corrected circular An e-circular dated 23rd December, 2016 was mailed to IMA members on the above said subject. This circular inadvertently carried a factual error. In a line in the e-circular as follows: “This affidavit needs to be submitted with the application for PNDT Registration. However, they may NOT be permitted to carry out ANC Ultrasound”, the word ‘NOT’ had been missed out, which completely altered the meaning of the sentence. The final and corrected version may kindly be noted. This circular was published in All IMA Google Groups and eIMA. The error and confusion caused is sincerely regretted. The corrected notification is as below. Corrected Circular Govt. of NCT of Delhi Office for the Chief District Medical Officer South East District Directorate of Health Services Govt. of NCT of Delhi Delhi govt. Dispensary building PVR Complex, Saket, New Delhi – 110 0017 Email: cdmosoutheast@gmail.com F.No.13(07)CDMO/SED/PNDT/Misc/Part II/2268 Date 19-9-16 To All Medical Directors/Medical Superintendent/Directors/Owners PNDT Registered Centres South East District Govt. of NCT of Delhi Sub: Clarification regarding registration of a person having done MBBS and other PG Degree Sir/Madam, A letter from SPO, PC & PNDT, Directorate Family Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi dated 11/8/16 vide letter no. F9/7/1/PNDT/DFW/o3/Pt. File II/4943-53 has been enclosed for “Clarification regarding registration of a person having done MBBS and other PG Degrees”. Under the PNDT Act, it is hereby clarified that all the specialties other than MD/DNB in Radio/Obstetric should be allowed to undertake ultrasound & can use Ultrasound equipments/Echo Machines in their concerned specialized fields if the Ultrasound equipment / Echocardiology Machine is required in that specialized field. The concerned Doctors are strictly directed to: 1. Do Ultrasound/Echocardiography only in their own field of specialization. 2. Do not conduct any ANC Ultrasound (Submit affidavit) 3. Will be allowed to do USG/Echo cardiology only at the centre for which they have been registered under PNDT Act with PNDT Cell, South East District. They however need to be registered with the PNDT & submit a self explanatory affidavit specifying the use of Ultrasound would be for so & so purposes and not for ANC check-ups. This affidavit needs to be submitted with the application for PNDT Registration. However, they may NOT be permitted to carry out ANC Ultrasound. This is with prior approval of Competent Authority. Copy to: 1. PA to District Magistrate cum District Appropriate Authority SED 2. SPO, PNDT, DFW, Vikas Bhawan II, Civil Lines, Delhi 3. DNO, PNDT, PVR Complex, Saket, ND – 17 4. Office Copy PDF copy of the department circular is also attached herewith

IMA’s new governing body led by Dr KK Aggarwal as the National President & Dr RN Tandon as Hony. Secretary General HO pledges to work towards an affordable and ethical medical practice

IMA’s new governing body led by Dr KK Aggarwal as the National President & Dr RN Tandon as Hony. Secretary General HO pledges to work towards an affordable and ethical medical practice New Delhi, December 30, 2016: The new governing body of the Indian Medical Association – Team Digital IMA 2016-2017 was sworn in recently in Amritsar led by Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, as it’s 88th National President. Dr RN Tandon will support him as the association’s Honorary Secretary General. Together they will represent the best interests of over 2.8 lakh registered IMA doctors from across the country The Indian Medical Association is the largest representative organisation of doctors of modern scientific medicine in the world with over 1700 local and 30 state branches. In 2017 IMA will continue to fight for its demand of capping the compensation provided in medical negligence cases, undemocratic National Commission Bill and a ban on non-MMBS and non-BDS doctors prescribing modern medicine drugs. They also stand united against the increasing violence against doctors and feel that a Central Act to protect doctors is the need of the hour. Awareness campaigns aimed at highlighting the unfair nature of the PCPNDT and Clinical Establishment Act will be launched. The real strength of IMA lies in its unity and a collective commitment to the betterment of the medical profession, and it is for this reason that the theme for the coming year will be ‘IMA One Voice. The four A’s of universal healthcare- “Available”, “Accessible”, “Affordable”, and “Accountable” will be the guiding determinants of the new team’s policies for the year 2017. Discussing the goals and visions of IMA for the forthcoming term, IMA’s National President Dr KK Aggarwal said, “I thank each one of you for entrusting me with this great responsibility and on behalf of the entire team I assure you transparent, efficient and effective governance. The year 2017 will be about embracing our Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless and digital economy. We will launch several training modules for doctors detailing ways in which they can ethically maximize their practice and work in the best interest of the public by going digital. We will ensure open communication between all IMA members and help them move towards a cashless practice. Several important programs aimed at providing affordable and quality healthcare will be launched. The best practices of the Indian Medical Sector will also be highlighted at a global stage through our representation in the World Medical Association and CMAAO.” Adding to this, Dr RN Tandon, the new Honorary Secretary General said, “We are committed to making 2017 a promising year for the medical fraternity and promise to work in the best interest of all IMA members and the general public. The medical profession is a noble one and we must all restore faith in it by being transparent and accountable”. Some new initiatives that will be launched in 2017 include: • Mandatory request for organ donation under the ‘ Poochna mat bhoolo' initiative. • For Vector Control, IMA will be launching the campaigns “Apkeghar me machhar to nahi” and “Katwaiga to nahi”. Community participation is a must for vector control. No house should be left unattended. The IMA campaign against mosquito breeding, especially Aedes, will be called ‘DENGwar’. • Hygiene: A large number of diseases can be controlled by teaching and practicing hygiene. The components will include personal, food, water, sleep, hand, sexual, pet, kitchen, cough, respiratory, and mobile hygiene. The campaign slogan will be “Kahinmeingandagi to nahifelaraha”. • “Aao School Chalen” will be a project dedicated to hygiene, vector control, and cardiac first aid(CPR). Thousands of lectures will be organized in schools at the same time on the same date acrossthe country. • IMA will start a Campaign 950 with the intention of bringing the female-to-male ratio back tonormal. • A Blood Donation Cell will create awareness about 100% voluntary blood donations. 1st July will be IMA Voluntary Blood Donation Day. Every state will have a Blood Donation Cell and chairmen of all states will meet regularly to promote blood donations in the country. • . With regard to the elderly and the oldest, IMA will start campaigns “Abhi to main jawanhoon” and “Forget me not”. • . To control non-communicable diseases, IMA supports high alcohol tax, 85% pictorial warning on tobacco packs and high tobacco taxes and introduction of sugar tax. The campaigns will be “White sugar is a slow poison”, “Move Move and Move” and “Glow Red Campaign”. • To help document and control preventable mortality, every preventable death will be duly audited. • The concept of ALERT- Acknowledge, Listen, explain, Revise and Thanks is being advocated as a routine practice in a clinical setting. Dr Anil Goel, Dr Vinod Khetrapal & Dr Ashwani Dalmia the new Joint Secretary were also present in the press meet

A year gone by: Much more needs to be done

A year gone by: Much more needs to be done

Dr K K Aggarwal
National President IMA
Today is the last day of the year 2016 and as we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s usual to take stock of the year gone by and reflect upon what we have been able to achieve. It’s also a time when we look ahead to the New Year, full of hope and determination to further achieve our goals. My journey with the IMA has been more than two decades long. And, over these years, I have taken on progressing roles in the Association culminating in my role as the National President. It’s a role that brings with it huge responsibilities and challenges and as I embark on this new journey, I do so with your support and contributions. The strength of IMA lies in our unity and common commitment for the betterment of our profession, regarded perhaps the most noble of all professions. True to the theme ‘IMA 1 Voice’, I am sure that we can all speak as ‘one’ for the best interests of the medical community and also give it a global platform. IMA is the largest and a recognized association of professional doctors and one of the biggest medical NGOs in the world and is therefore a stakeholder in national health related issues and policies. Mattie Stepanek, an American poet and peace activist, who died at a young age of 13, said, “Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” Let’s together take IMA to even greater heights... My best wishes to you for a healthy, happy and successful new year 2017…