Avoid food poisoning by thorough washing and proper cooking

Avoid food poisoning by thorough washing and proper cooking New Delhi, August 21, 2016: With thorough washing and proper cooking of fruits and vegetables one can eliminate most bacteria that cause food poisoning, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Food-borne illnesses or food poisoning usually comes from eating food tainted with bacteria or their toxins. Virus and parasites can also be behind the food poisoning. People have long known that raw meat, poultry and eggs can also harbor disease–causing microbes. But in recent years most outbreaks of food–borne illnesses are due to fresh fruits and vegetables. Food poisoning can cause abdominal pain, nausea, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Symptoms may appear several hours to several days after eating tainted food. For example, Salmonella bacteria will cause illness 12 hours to 3 days after ingestion lasting about 4–7 days. The most common way to treat food poisoning is to drink plenty of fluids. The sickness usually subsides within a few days. Ways to prevent food poisoning at home • Wash your hands, utensils and food surfaces often • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods • Cook foods to a safe temperature • Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly — within two hours of purchasing or preparing them. • Defrost food safely. ... • Throw food when in doubt of out when in doubt • Do not eat uncovered cut fruits and vegetables available on the streets • Do not drink water that is not boiled

Medical Council of India launches Digital Mission Mode Project

Medical Council of India launches Digital Mission Mode Project

                   The Medical Council of India today launched the Digital Mission Mode Project (DMMP).  The DMMP is an ambitious outreach by MCI aimed at creating a digital network facilitating data exchange across all medical colleges in the country and converting the Indian Medical Register in the digital mode. The DMMP solution shall enable online submission of applications for opening of new medical colleges or seat enhancement; creating a national data base of faculty in medical colleges which shall be linked with their Aadhar Card and have bio-metric verification.  Every faculty will be issued a RFID enabled identity card and the attendance, salary and work status of the faculty shall be submitted to the MCI on a real time basis by all medical colleges, besides other data and information required for regulatory compliance.

          The applicant medical college can also track the application processing status through this online application.  The existing records of MCI shall be completely digitalized and the Indian Medical Register shall be made a live Register.  The above referred solution shall be backed by a Robust Call Centre Support and “Samadhan” the Grievance Management System of MCI.

          Speaking on the inaugural ceremony which was attended by representatives of all State Medical Councils, various medical colleges and representatives of Central Vigilance Commission, Prof. Jayshree Mehta, President, Medical Council of India stated that the DMMP Project is a step towards achieving the Digital India project of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and this project further enhance the transparency and efficiency in the functioning of MCI.  President, MCI further stated that the long standing demand of the medical profession, civil society and Govt. of India about having a real time medical register shall be accomplished through this project in the next 6 months.  The status of  medical practitioners of the country shall be updated and the same could be tracked electronically, their current status especially about their Good Standing or any proceedings under the ethics regulations shall be available for view by general public in the online DMMP application at all times.  She further stated that this project shall take the medical profession closure to the Society at large and enhance the outreach of MCI with all its stakeholders.

          Dr. Ajay Kumar, Chairman, Administration & Grievance Committee, MCI highlighted that this project was envisaged in the year 2009 and it has taken years of sustained efforts by members of the Administration Committee taking inputs from State Medical Councils, various medical colleges, eminent IT Professionals and this project shall bring the functioning of MCI to the best of Global standards comparable to any other country in the developed World. Dr. Ajay Kumar dedicated this project to the country.

          Dr. Reena Nayyar, Secretary I/c, MCI stated that the electronic RFID registration card shall also be issued to all registered medical practitioners in the country by MCI and this shall enable the registered medical practitioners to have a documented proof of their registration at all times and facilitate working of medical practitioners across all the country – ‘One Country One Registration’.  Further, the availability of information on real time basis regarding pendency of penal proceedings against the medical practitioners on the Website shall be available which shall further enhance the strict enforcement of ethical code of conduct.  Dr. Reena Nayyar,  further stated that the submission of documents for various processes such as registration of Additional Qualification or Certificate of Good Standing shall be made online and there shall be no need of physical submission of documents to MCI office.  The processing of cases of Ethics Committee shall also be greatly facilitated through the DMMP Project. 

          The Project has been budgeted through internal resources of MCI on a budgetary allocation of 45 crores and implemented through open transparent bidding process M/s Bodhtree and M/s Techinfy are implementing this project under the monitoring of the Management Committee of MCI.  This project is a first of its kind to be implemented by a regulatory agency in the field of professional regulation and higher education.  The inaugural ceremony for the project was followed by a workshop for sensitizing of the State Medical Councils and key officers associated with the project.  Various members of the MCI, National Board of Examinations and medical colleges also attended the ceremony which was hosted at the head office of MCI at Dwarka, New Delhi.

          For any further query please contact Dr. Reena Nayyar, Secretary, Medical Council of India at e.mail: secy-mci@nic.in; phone no. 011-25365075

Whenever Dengue or Chikungunya Case is suspected: Do the followings:

Whenever Dengue or Chikungunya Case is suspected: Do the followings:

Dr K K Aggarwal

• SMS to the RWAs President & Secretary who in turn should send SMS to all RWA Members.
• SMS to be sent to the local IMA Branch President & Secretary who in turn should send a SMS to all the doctors of that respective pin code area.
• SMS to be sent to all the Pathologists of that area.
• Local Councillor/MLA/MP should be informed about the outbreak of dengue in a particular Pin Code area so that necessary Vector Control Programme is under taken by the respective Municipal body.
• All the doctors should make it a point that whenever they see their patients, they do talk about Dengue prevention

IMA and HCFI release guidelines on dengue and chikungunya management

IMA and HCFI release guidelines on dengue and chikungunya management

New Delhi, 18 August 2016: In an attempt to dispel myths and create awareness about the ongoing dengue and chikungunya outbreak in the city, IMA and HCFI today released a set of guidelines on the management of the disease.

Speaking about the issue, Padma Shri Awardee KK Aggarwal – President HCFI and Honorary Secretary General IMA said,” The incidence of dengue and chikungunya will continue to exist this month and instead of creating unnecessary chaos and panic, it is essential that awareness is created about its prevention and timely steps are taken towards disease management. One must remember that only 1% of the dengue cases are life-threatening. Most dengue cases can be handled on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization. Chikungunya is not fatal and does not require hospitalization. Wearing long sleeved clothes, wearing mosquito repellent with permethrin and checking for breeding in and outside one’s house is key“

Whenever Dengue or Chikungunya Case is suspected: do the followings:

• RWA should come into action and inform everyone in their colony to check for breeding in and around their houses
• Treating doctor of the dengue or chikungunya patient should inform the local IMA President and Secretary about the disease incidence so that they can send a message to all doctors in that area to stay alert
• The local MLA/MP should be informed about the outbreak of dengue in a particular area so that the necessary Vector Control Programme is put to action by the respective Municipal body.

                                                                                                                              

Dengue pointers released:

• Over ninety five percent people suffer from simple dengue fever, which is not as threatening as severe dengue fever.
• In simple dengue fever there is no capillary leakage, the person requires only oral fluids, 100 ml per hour, and is advised to visit local doctor. Additionally, the patient is recommended to drink 500 ml water at the time of diagnosis
• Only those patients with dengue fever who have vomiting should consume intravenous fluids
• Those suffering from severe dengue develop capillary leakage and intra-vascular dehydration.  Also, they suffer from a rapid fall in the platelet count along with rapid rise in their hematocrit levels
• They will have rapid fall in platelets along with rapid rise in hematocrit levels
• Persistent vomiting, nausea, extreme exhaustion and lethargy are some of the symptoms of dengue. Along with these symptoms, a victim might suffer unrelieved abdominal pain and mental irritability and confusion.
• These people require close daily observation
• Dengue patients are kept under close observation and are recommended to consume 1500 ml fluids (20 ml per kg) immediately
• And in case, when they cannot consume liquids orally, then intra venous fluids are a must

Chikungunya pointers released:

• Chikungunya fever is a non fatal debilitating viral illness
• Common symptoms of Chikungunya develop 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito include fever and joint pain.
• Classical triad is skin rash, joint pains and high fever.
• Most patients will recover within a week. 
• At present, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Chikungunya virus.\
• Patients are advised to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. 
• It is important to note that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should not be taken until dengue is ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding since both the ailments present similar symptoms.
• Joint involvement seen with Chikungunya fever usually subsides in one to two weeks’ time.
• In 20% cases joint involvement may persist for weeks and in less than 10% cases, they tend to persist for months. 
• In about 10 % cases, the swelling disappears; the pain subsides, but only to reappear with every other febrile illness for many months. 
• Each time the same joints get swollen, with mild effusion and symptoms persist for a week or two after subsidence of the fever. 
• Cold compression may easy pain.
• Non weight bearing exercises may be suggested. e. g. slowly touching the occiput (back of the head) with the palm, slow ankle exercises, pulley assisted exercises, milder forms of yoga etc.

Opt for medical treatment for heart blockages with low left heart functions

Opt for medical treatment for heart blockages with low left heart functions New Delhi, August 18, 2016: For most patients with systolic left heart pumping function (LVEF) of 35 percent or less and coronary heart blockages amenable to bypass surgery one should first initiate optimal medical therapy alone rather than medical therapy plus bypass surgery, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Earlier view had been that compared with medical therapy, surgical bypass of viable heart muscle improves both survival and left heart function. This view was based on the fact that up to 50 percent of patients with left heart pumping dysfunction due to coronary heart blockages have a significant amount of viable heart muscles. The results of Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH), a randomized trial have shown that compared with optimal medical therapy alone, optimal medical therapy plus bypass surgery resulted in no significant improvement in the primary outcome of all–cause mortality at a median follow–up of 56. The current recommendation that one should initiate optimal medical therapy alone rather than optimal medical therapy plus bypass surgery is based upon the significant morbidity associated with bypass surgery. Bypass surgery, however, is preferred by patients with ongoing anginal symptoms despite optimal medical therapy

Opt for medical treatment for heart blockages with low left heart functions

Opt for medical treatment for heart blockages with low left heart functions New Delhi, August 18, 2016: For most patients with systolic left heart pumping function (LVEF) of 35 percent or less and coronary heart blockages amenable to bypass surgery one should first initiate optimal medical therapy alone rather than medical therapy plus bypass surgery, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Earlier view had been that compared with medical therapy, surgical bypass of viable heart muscle improves both survival and left heart function. This view was based on the fact that up to 50 percent of patients with left heart pumping dysfunction due to coronary heart blockages have a significant amount of viable heart muscles. The results of Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH), a randomized trial have shown that compared with optimal medical therapy alone, optimal medical therapy plus bypass surgery resulted in no significant improvement in the primary outcome of all–cause mortality at a median follow–up of 56. The current recommendation that one should initiate optimal medical therapy alone rather than optimal medical therapy plus bypass surgery is based upon the significant morbidity associated with bypass surgery. Bypass surgery, however, is preferred by patients with ongoing anginal symptoms despite optimal medical therapy

Suicide among Indian doctors – High Incidence

Suicide among Indian doctors – High Incidence One of the major public health problems worldwide today is suicide. Every year, there are about 1million suicides and 10 to 20 million attempted suicides. In the USA, suicide is the third-largest cause of death in the age group of 10 to 24 years. The suicide index in India is the highest in the world, as about 21% of the total suicides committed around the world happen in India! This has only increased in the last two decades. At the rate it is increasing, there will come a day when suicide will become the number one killer in India. It is a well-known fact that doctors often do shifts that sometimes last 24 hours without any break or time to eat in between. Practicing physicians and medical students sometimes have to bear punishing workloads. They may also end up taking the blame if something goes wrong or even become frustrated with the changing work culture. There is another fact that is no longer a secret for many in the medical community - the high suicide rate amongst professionals and medical students. According to evidence, doctors are about 1.87 times as likely to commit suicide than those in other areas of work. There has recently been an increase in the rate of suicides among medical professionals (students and doctors). In India, about 37.8% suicides happen in the age group of 15 to 29 years and 51% of these are committed by students and young professionals, the future of our country. In a study conducted in 1996, and again in 2005, it was found that the rate of committing suicide is more likely in female physicians than the males. Medical professionals are also not very comfortable seeking help for the fear of losing licenses or simply because of the feeling that patients may not trust them with their life. A look at the factors leading to suicide Medical students often suffer from depression. Their training is extremely taxing and can take a toll on their mental and physical health. A student may have been a topper in school but things change when they enter medical college. Not being able to score as well can also lead to depression after a point. It is estimated that about 15% to 30% of the medical students and residents suffer from depression. In a study, it was found that a large number of students either contemplated suicide or actually attempted it! Many students resort to non-prescription drug use such as eating painkillers or antidepressants. This could be another factor. Here is a look at some of the risk factors in various groups. 1) Students: lack of competence, poor performance and failing repeatedly in exams, problems with the medium of instruction, use of drugs and painkillers, inability to cope with the stress of studies or practical work. 2) Residents: stress due to long working hours of residency, ragging and harassment by seniors, not getting their choice of subjects, use of drugs and painkillers 3) Senior Doctors: stress of professional life, reputation at stake, self-medication, and inability to recognize the symptoms of depression or fatigue Some warning signs It is possible to avert many a suicide attempt if the warning signs are recognized at the onset. Here are some signs to watch out for. 1) Extreme anxiety or depression, insomnia, agitation, loss of interest in activities, a feeling of hopelessness, persistent negative thoughts, etc. 2) Isolation, self-criticism, self-hatred, despair, and no desire to live 3) Desire to make a will, sudden purchase of things like a gun, rope, pills, or anything else signifying suicidal tendencies. What can be done? It is important to address the concerns of students and healthcare professionals and identify the signs of depression, etc. in the early stages if suicides are to be prevented. 1) Time for rest and recreation: Stress and long working hours can cause burnout. This is one of the main reasons for physical and mental attrition. There should be adequate manpower for staff to work in shifts and get enough rest and recreation. 2) Medical students and patients should take care to indulge in physical activities in order to keep fit. They should take care to eat healthy and accept support and help from peers and family. They should also not feel hesitant in asking for professional help if they suffer from depression. 3) Small groups can be made in colleges, which can meet regularly to discuss the issues that students or seniors face in their day-to-day life. Picnics can be organized to have some time off from the heavy schedule. 4) Colleges and hospitals can have Suicide Hotline / Counseling Services 5) Doctors are aware of what medications to take and this use of non-prescription drugs should be regulated through appropriate measures. Every medical professional is different. Most doctors usually will have a below-average likelihood of committing suicide. This is because they take good care of their physical and mental health, being in the profession that they are. Having said this, it is still important for the medical students and professionals to feel empowered to voice their doubts and fears. It is good to vent feelings: be it about the sadness that engulfed you while signing a death certificate, or about an incorrect prescription made, or the embarrassment of not knowing an answer in class. Dr K.K Aggarwal and Nilesh Aggarwal