Straight from the Heart: IMA Advertisements on Public Health

IMA is a duly registered association of doctors practicing modern system of medicine in all states/UTs of India. IMA has its own Memorandum, Rules and Bye-laws.

One of the objectives of IMA is to promote and advance medical and allied sciences in all their different branches and to promote the improvement of public health and medical education in India. Further, for the attainment of the said object, IMA can publish and circulate journal for the same.

In view of the above objective, IMA had published various advertisements in national newspapers thereby creating awareness among the public at large on various public health topics like Blood Pressure, Hypertension, etc. In the said advertisement, IMA is not promoting or endorsing any brand or company. Further, the said advertisement on public health published by IMA is not barred under the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics as the said Code of Ethics does not bar the publication of advertisement relating to public health awareness. In fact, as per the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics, the registered medical practitioner is allowed to  publish under his own name on matters of public health, hygienic living or to deliver public lectures, give talks on the radio/TV/internet chat for the same purpose and send announcement of the same to lay press. It is pertinent to mention herein that IMA does not fall under the jurisdiction of MCI but as IMA is an association of doctors practicing modern system of medicine, so IMA always ensures that its working is as per the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics.

Thus, there is no illegality in publishing the advertisement relating to public health awareness and education.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Ectopia cordisis a rare birth defect and affects five per million births globally

Ectopia cordisis a rare birth defect and affects five per million births globally

Women must take precautions and make certain lifestyle changes to prevent birth defects in babies

New Delhi, 20 December 2017: As per statistics, Ectopia cordis is a rare birth defect and is reported to happen in 5 per one million births globally. About 250 such cases have been reported globally and another 23 cases have been recorded in India. This condition is more common in male infants. Among the various types, abdominal ectopic cordis has a better prognosis while cervical and thoracic ectopia cordis are quite fatal within days.

Ectopia cordis is an extremely rare birth defect in which the heart is abnormally located either partially or totally outside the chest cavity. Normally, the heart is located in the chest cavity in between the lungs. However, in this rare condition, the heart forms either partly or totally outside the chest cavity. The ectopic heart may protrude through the neck, chest, or abdomen. In most cases, the heart protrudes outside the chest through a split breast bone [sternum].

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “This birth disorder is usually fatal and a new born with this condition rarely survives for more than a few hours or days. During a baby’s development in the mother’s womb, the chest wall does not fuse together as it normally should. This prevents the heart from developing in normally, leaving it exposed outside the chest wall. Ectopia cordis is also classified in two different ways according to its location: with reference to chest cavity and with reference to the vertebral column. As the heart may be positioned completely outside their body, itis unprotected and extremely vulnerable to injury and infection. This condition almost always involves additional problems with the structure of a child’s heart and can lead to difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, poor circulation, low blood pH, and electrolyte imbalance (dyselectrolytemia).”

Most of the infants born with ectopia cordis have other medical problems as well. This includes other abnormally developed organs.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Infants who survive birth with this condition require intensive care including incubation and use of a respirator. Experts may also use sterile dressings to cover the heart. Other supportive care, such as antibiotics to prevent infection, is also needed. There are cases in which it may be attempted to relocate the child’s heart inside their chest and close their thoracic cavity. However, this has many challenges, particularly if the child has severe defects.”

Although this is a condition that cannot be prevented, there are certain tips a woman can follow to prevent other birth defects in newborns.

• Consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the intake of processed or junk food.
• Quit smoking or drinking as both these habits can harm the fetus. Avoid any form of drugs as well.
• Some infections that a woman can get during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby and can even cause birth defects. Follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid these.
• Get all your pregnancy vaccinations on time and take any medications prescribed as per schedule. 

Only 27% Indians are covered by health insurance

Only 27% Indians are covered by health insurance

Urgent need to widen access to quality healthcare and insurance

New Delhi, 19 December 2017: As per a recent report, only 27% of Indians have health insurance coverage. The Indian healthcare sector is largely under penetrated with government expenditure constituting approximately 1.4% of the country’s GDP. The private sector expenditure constitutes 70% of the total healthcare expenditure. Of this, about 62% is out of pocket and only 8% is covered through pre-financed instruments.

There is a significant gap in the coverage offered by current products and the need for a comprehensive ecosystem of financed healthcare. Healthcare costs are increasing by the day primarily due to lifestyle diseases. The only way to bridge the gap between rising healthcare costs and affordability is through developing a sustainable and viable mechanism in the insurance sector.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Health insurance is essential not just for the physical health of a family but also for their financial well-being. It enables access to appropriate health care while reducing the impact of an untoward health event on a family's earning and payment capacity. Out-of-pocket expenses today account for nearly twice as much as institutional expenses. Thus, there is a need for an all-inclusive solution towards healthcare in the Indian market. The need of the hour is a centralized health savings scheme managed by a government-nominated body or privately managed by insurers with centralized fund management. This will ensure availability of funds for accessing healthcare services to more people, which will further go a long way in realizing the goal of providing healthcare to all.”

As per the Indian constitution, Article 14 and 21, health is the fundamental right of every Indian citizen. Under the Directive Principles of State Policy, the state governments are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring good health of their people. It is the state government’s responsibility to look after emergencies and primordial prevention.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Quality always comes at a price. Quality treatment is costlier but in the long-term, it is economical as it is associated with fewer hospital-acquired infections, complications, adverse drug reactions, re-hospitalization, as well as fewer system failures. Quality is always preferred but it may not always be feasible because quality care may increase the cost of treatment. This necessitates the need for insurance.”

Every hospital or health care establishment must try to improve and maximize quality within the resources that are available to them and with the best use of those resources. Poor quality service indicates poor utilization of resources. Both quality and affordability need to be balanced, especially in a country like ours, which has one of the highest out of expenditures on health in the world. 

Straight from the Heart: Will the powers-that-be sit up and take notice?

Straight from the Heart: Will the powers-that-be sit up and take notice?

Dr KK Aggarwal
National President IMA, Padma Shri Awardee

 The Union Cabinet recently rendered another blow to the medical profession with the approval of the draft National Medical Commission Bill, 2017. The NMC will "cripple" the democratic functioning of the medical profession by making it completely answerable to the bureaucracy.

It is time that the powers-that-be took urgent notice of this crisis and acted accordingly. The medical profession is currently facing the darkest hour. Not only are patients slowly losing faith in doctors and the profession as such, but are also becoming violent against doctors with the slightest provocation. This bill is only an addition to these existing woes and will exacerbate the situation for the medical fraternity and the students of medicine.

The structure of the NMC
The federal character of MCI is not found in the NMC. All the state governments have representation in MCI. Only five states in rotation will have representation in NMC as a result of which it will take two decades for a state to re-enter NMC. The Cabinet has cleared NMC Bill with a 25-member commission appointed by the central government. Of these members, 20 will be appointed by the search committee chaired by cabinet Secretary. Nomination will be done for 12 ex-officio and 6 part-time members. Three of these will be from disciplines such as management, law, medical ethics, health research, consumer or patient rights advocacy, science and technology, and economics. Only five will be elected by the registered medical practitioners from amongst themselves from such regional constituencies.

In effect, it would resemble a situation where the whole parliament is getting dissolved in favor of 25 nominated ministers by the President of India with only five elected members of parliament, one from each zone of the country with no powers to be re-elected.
The chairperson, secretary, and members shall hold office for a term not exceeding four years and shall not be eligible for any extension or reappointment and will retire by age 70. This will lead to a possible backdoor entry of bureaucrats after retirement.

In the MEDICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL, the Chairperson of the Commission shall be the ex-officio Chairperson of the Council and hence will have no autonomy. Every member of the Commission shall also be the ex-officio members of the Council. Each Board shall be an autonomous body and shall consist of a President and two Members, all nominated by the search committee. The commission will be more of an appellant body for aggrieved decision of an Autonomous Board within sixty days.

The four autonomous boards
The bill provides for the constitution of four autonomous boards entrusted with conducting undergraduate and postgraduate education, assessment and accreditation of medical institutions and registration of practitioners under the NMC.
UGME and PGME boards The UGME Board will grant recognition to a medical qualification at the undergraduate level and PGME Board shall grant recognition to the medical qualification at the postgraduate and super-specialty levels. Both boards may seek directions from, the Commission, as necessary. Any recommendations for UG and PG courses shall be made by the three-member committee under the control of the central government.

MAR board This Board shall grant permission for establishment of a new medical institution, carry out inspections of medical institutions for assessing and rating. It can also hire and authorize any other third-party agency or persons for carrying out inspections of medical institutions and for assessing and rating them, as required. It also has the power to impose monetary penalty (first time, second time, and third time in ascending order) against a medical institution for failure to maintain the minimum essential standards specified by the UGME Board or the PGME Board. All the three monetary penalties imposed shall not be less than one-half, and not more than ten times, the total amount charged. Such variation of 50% to 10 times will be the root cause of future corruption. It can also be used as a political action to favor or destroy someone. It will also become necessary to seek prior permission of the MAR Board to establish a new medical college.
 EMR board This board shall maintain a National Register and regulate professional conduct and promote medical ethics. The EMR Board or State Medical Council shall also give an opportunity of hearing to the medical practitioner or professional concerned before taking any action, including imposition of any monetary penalty against such person. There will also be a separate National Register for licensed AYUSH practitioner who qualifies the bridge course (Homeopathy or a practitioner of Indian medicine).

Plight of medical students
It has been proposed to conduct UG-NEET in English or other languages with common counselling. There will also be a uniform National Licentiate Examination operational within three years with no PG NEET and with common counselling. This makes it seem like there will be one common licentiate exam. The addition of another exam indicates the height of insensitivity to the plight of medical students who even otherwise undergo a long and tortuous academic career replete with highly competitive exams.
The NMC allows private medical colleges to charge at free will nullifying whatever solace NEET brought. The government can fix fee for only 40% of the seats in private medical colleges. No medical college will survive if there is state central dispute in the fee structure. Up to 40% will give a wide margin for corruption.

Determining who is a qualified medical professional
As per the bill, any person who qualifies the National Licentiate Examination shall have his name and qualifications enrolled in the National Register or a State Register, as the case may be (prospective). Foreign medical graduates shall also have to qualify the National Licentiate Examination only. The Commission, however, may permit a medical professional to perform surgery or practice medicine without qualifying the National Licentiate Examination, in such circumstances and for such period as may be specified by regulations. It also indicates that a foreign citizen who is enrolled in his country as a medical practitioner in accordance with the law regulating the registration of medical practitioners in that country may be permitted temporary registration in India for such period and in such manner as may be specified by regulations. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall be punished with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but which may extend to five lakh rupees. The Central Government can approve the grants of such sums of money as it may think fit.  This will be credited to a fund called the “National Medical Commission Fund" which shall form part of the public account of India.

The course structure
One a year, there will be a joint sitting of the Commission, the Central Council of Homoeopathy and the Central Council of Indian Medicine. This will decide on the approval of specific educational modules or programs that may be introduced in the UG and PG courses across medical systems. This discussion will also entail developing bridges across the various systems of medicine and promote medical pluralism.
Handing over power to administrators
The central government has the power to dissolve the commission if it has persistently defaulted in complying with any direction issued by them. The central government may, by notification, supersede the commission for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be specified in the notification. Anywhere else in the world, the medical profession is bestowed with reasonable autonomy with patient care and safety as the main benefits of such autonomy. Regulators need to have autonomy and be independent of the administrators. The NMC will be a regulator appointed by the administrators under their direct control.

In conclusion
It is not the first time that the government has made such a move. In 2005, the then Union health minister, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, tried unsuccessfully to bring about a legislation to dissolve the MCI and set up another council under the control of the Health Ministry, which was rejected. That scenario is repeating itself today, with the difference that the union cabinet has given its approval to the draft NMC. The Parliament has a larger role to play in protecting the interest of the medical profession of the country. It is time to act.

More than half of the allopathic doctors in India lack medical qualification

More than half of the allopathic doctors in India lack medical qualification
IMA urges people to beware of quacks and have faith in qualified doctors

New Delhi, 18 December 2017: As per a study published by the WHO, only 58.4% of doctors have a medical qualification in urban India. The condition is worse in rural areas with only 18.8% having a proper medical qualification. India has lakhs of quacks and about 60,000 work out of Delhi alone. Additionally, the study also indicates that 57.3% allopathic doctors do not have a medical qualification and another 31.4% are educated only up to the secondary school level.

A quack or charlatan, as defined by the Supreme Court in 1996,is anyone practicing modern medicine without proper training in the discipline. The large number of quacks in both the rural and urban areas of India are a threat to the people and society at large. What exacerbates the situation is that if anything goes wrong, only few have the resources to file a complaint against them. Many just accept it as fate, particularly in the rural areas.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “In many parts of India, the sick are first taken to the ‘so-called’ faith healers offering treatment in the garb of doctors, before they are brought in to a hospital for actual treatment. It is a settled law that quacks are untrained and cannot diagnose or treat routine and emergency situations. They will invariably miss diagnosis of acute heart attack, paralysis, meningitis, early cancer, early rheumatoid arthritis, appendicitis, acute abdomen, acute pregnancy situations, dissection of aorta, pulmonary embolism etc. leading to a high mortality and morbidity. Their modus operandi is based on referral practice to corporate set ups with a desire of getting commissions.”

The IMA has taken a strong stand against quackery. This was also one of the issues raised by the association in a movement called Dilli Chalo conducted in June this year.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “It takes over a decade for a modern medicine doctor to acquire sufficient knowledge to decide which antibiotic should be prescribed in a certain situation and which should be avoided. It’s not mathematics. One cannot learn medicine via Google or following the prescriptions of modern medicine doctors. Every case is different; hence, we say individualize treatment according to that particular patient. Most preventable deaths can be traced to ignoring warning signals or self-prescriptions or relying on medicines by quacks or chemists.”

IMA urges one and all to beware of quacks as they indulge in cuts and commissions, will never refer the patient in time, invariably give steroids in every case, and will over investigate the patient to appear genuine. On the other hand, people should have faith in registered and qualified doctors as they do not indulge in unethical practices, do not take or give commissions, work with the primary aim and dharma of healing and not financial gain, believe in Karma and not Kriya, and will always guide patients with the best of interest.

Straight from the Heart: Some more IMA Initiatives – A yearly roundup

Straight from the Heart: Some more IMA Initiatives – A yearly roundup

IMA Hour: Every Friday 4-5 PM, IMA started the concept of community service under IMA Swachh Bharat Swastha Bharat initiative. All members participate in cleanliness drive.

IMA Days: IMA stated the following two New IMA days:  24^th March IMA Telemedicine Day, 14^th November IMA Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Day, 1^st July: Blood Components Donation day

IMA Doctors Day: IMA started the concept of naming a theme for the Doctor’s Day.

Every Sunday, IMA Sunshine Day: IMA branches conduct CMEs in sunshine. Over 80% doctors are vitamin D deficient.

Dr A Marthanda Pillai became the first National President, who is a Padma Shri Awardee.

Dr K K Aggarwal became the first Honorary Secretary General and National President who is Padma Shri Awardee.

Both National President and Honorary Secretary General of IMA in 2015 were Padma Shri Awardee. 

Dr K K Aggarwal also became the first National President who is recipient of four National Awards Padma Shri, Vishwa Hindi Samman, National Science Communication & Dr B C Roy National Award.

Dr A Marthanda Pillai and Dr K K Aggarwal became the first National President and first Honorary Secretary General to have been Awarded Professor of Bio-ethics by SRM University while in office.

Dr. Ketan Desai became the first Past National President of IMA, who served as President WMA.

IMA started the first UNESCO Chair on Bioethics. The first four on the chairs are Dr A Marthanda Pillai, Dr K K Aggarwal, Dr S S Agarwal and Dr Russell D'Souza.

Digital IMA: For the first time 23 CMEs were held on 26^th July 2015, at one time, at multiple locations linked through video conferencing.

All India Press Meets on the Same Day: For the first time 30 Press Conferences were organized on Doctor’s Day 1^st July at all state IMA locations on a common subject Violence against Doctors. Also, for the first time, in 23 cities press releases were sent on one day, 23^rd May 2015, with Alkem on Mission Clean India.

All India Events on the same day: First time, 35 cities, Doctors’ Rally and cleanliness drive were organized on 23^rd May with Alkem on Mission Clean India.

IMA Family Clinic Model: IMA standardized a first aid box and a model IMA family medicine practice clinic concept. IMA also came out with model prescription format, IMA e-prescription guidelines.

IMA CME model: includes Standard Video CME, 10 % of the contents on mental health as per new MCI requirements; 10 % on legal and ethics and a session on soft skills. IMA also started the concept of "short SMS CMEs".

IMA Guidelines: IMA finalized the statements, declarations and guidelines on various subjects

IMA e courses: IMA started an e course on vitamin D

IMA Key 10 Point Messages: IMA standardized key 10 points on vitamin D, safe water, TB care, dengue and Child Sexual Abuse.

IMA Formulas: IMA adopted the following formulas: Formula of 10 for CPR, Formula of 80 for heart prevention, formula of 20 for dengue management

IMA Centenary Year: IMA announced the year 2016-17 as the year of IMA Centenary conference year.

Delhi First City to have all PCR van staff trained in CPR 10: IMA in association with Heart Care Foundation of India trained 8000 police staff of all PCR Police personnel between 1^st July and 14^th August. IMA submitted the same to Limca Book of records. IMA also trained its entire staff in CPR 10.

IMA Financial Health: All IMA branches have been asked to have their own pan numbers.

IMA e Connect: All state and local branches activities are now covered in e IMA news. Daily eIMA News is being sent to 2 lakh doctors. JIMA: e JIMA started in August 2015. Daily SMS sent to all central, state and Branch IMA Leadership at 8 AM.  Daily communication between IMA Leaders in https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/team-ima. Regular emails to IMA Leaders (Central, state and Branch IMA Level).

IMA Connect:  IMA News is being sent to IMA Leaders on monthly basis. Print JIMA re-stated in 2015.

IMA Social Media Connect: IMA Face book accounts:  https://www.facebook.com/ima.national, https://www.facebook.com/imayoungdoctorswing and https://www.facebook.com/imsaindia; IMA twitter account: https://twitter.com/IndianMedAssn and IMA official Blog: http://imahq.blogspot.in/

IMA Social Connect: IMA resolved that charges for elderly and for every girl child born will be 10% less by IMA members.

IMA finalized and got a copyright of an emblem for medical profession.

IMA started the first Jan Aushadhi Drug Store at IMA (HQs.) on 5^th June, 2015. It also started IMA Free Drug Bank and free OPD at HQs

 IMA started Mediation, Conciliation & Grievances Redresser Cell at Headquarters

Polio Free India: During the year no Polio case was detected in India. IMA also came out with a white paper on the role of IMA in polio eradication. IMA also made its own IMA end polio strategy. IMA made sure that health services remain out of the preview of the service tax.

IMA started IMA Book of Medical records

IMA stated the concept of officially nominating members for Dr B C Roy Awards, DST Science Communication Awards, Padma Awards and other National and International Awards

IMA standards: IMA standardized designs for IMA Colour (blue), IMA Pin, IMA cap, IMA T shirt

Child Sexual Abuse: IMA UNICEF Initiative:

IMA stand on online pharmacy: IMA does not support online pharmacy (Representation given to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, DCGI & Stake Holders Committee appointed by DCGI and headed by FICCI.)

IMA stand on can chemists substitute brands: IMA successfully stopped an amendment in Drug and Cosmetic Act proposing that Chemist can substitute brand.

IMA stand on Green Corridor Lanes: IMA proposed the concept of green corridor for all emergency victims (Delhi Govt. adopted it).

IMA successfully raised the issue of sudden decision of the ESI to close all ESI Medical Colleges with Parliamentary health committee, PMO, Press.  The colleges are now being run by ESI.

IMA stand on more forensic labs in India: IMA raised the issue that India should have more forensic labs (in response to Sunanda Pushkar case).

IMA stand on national calamities: IMA wants the central and state governments to have separate allocated budget for national calamities. (Issue raise with the government). And during all national calamities private hospital should be reimbursed at CGHS rates for any cost incurred in treating these patients.

IMA also raised the issue that platelets count is not reliable during Dengue epidemic.

IMA raised the issue that during Swine Flu epidemic there should be a capping of charging for flu diagnostics. The charges by DGHS were reduced from Rs.9000/- to Rs.2400/- in 2015.

IMA stand on TPAs and Mediclaim: IMA raised a series of issues with IRDA. TPAs should not insist for IV treatment in Mediclaim cases; TPAs should reimburse for breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer mastectomy. TPAs cannot insist on getting concessions and rebates.

IMA stand on movies showing fiction and non-scientific issues: IMA sent legal Notices to Producer, Director, Actor and film Censor Board regarding showing medical profession in bad taste in the movie Gabbar is Back.

IMA stand on who pays for emergency care: IMA policy is to provide free of cost treatment by any medical establishments for any emergency. But the same should be reimbursed by State Government.

IMA stand on AYUSH being hired in modern medicine set ups: IMA resolved that modern medicine doctors should not hire Ayush doctors for helping in modern medicine practice. Also Modern Medicine establishments should not hire Ayush doctors for helping in modern medicine practice.

IMA ways of protest: IMA believes in Satyagraha and unique ways of protest. During Delhi election as a mark of protest, ESI IMA member students exercised NOTA option. IMA also released its stand on strike.

IMA stand on headline based journalism: IMA objected and wrote to MCI regarding second opinion story which appeared in Times of India, Mumbai Edition mentioning that most doctors go for unnecessary investigations

IMA stand on Nationality and treatment options: IMA raised the issue that in the Human Organ Transplant Act, there is violation of MCI, Human rights and Article 14 of the constitution. Under the act, foreigners are given last preference

IMA stand on sterilization consent: IMA raised the issue of Ministry of Health guidelines where consent of husband is not required for sterilization which is a violation of MCI Act.

IMA stand on lawyers representing in state medical councils: IMA raised the issue that Delhi Medical Council should allow lawyers to appear in disciplinary Enquiry Committee.

IMA stand on AYUSH doing MTPs: IMA opposed the amendment that Ayush should be allowed to do MTPs ultimately Health Ministry dropped the amendment.

IMA is with health ministry at the time of national crises: The ministry of Health & FW took help of IMA in coming out with flu vaccine guidelines during vaccine shortage.

IMA Cure in India: Project outlines guidelines for medical tourism

Arogya Nidhi and Arogya Kosh: IMA came out with a position paper on treatment options for poor people

International Issues: IMA raised the issue with WMA regarding ketamine

IMA health policy: Everyone has a right to receive emergency care and preventive care. If he or she cannot afford, the state government shall supply it

IMA stand on MTP Amendments: MTP can be extended from 20 to 24 weeks, Consent of only doctor is sufficient, > 24 weeks MTP can be done under special situations and MTP can be done by MBBS doctors.

IMA New Online Initiatives: IMA Rare Blood Group Online Blood Bank Directory ima-india.org/Rare; IMA Online TB Notification initiative
ima-india.org/tbnotify; IMA Online Events Reporting initiative
http://www.ima-india.org/ima/left-side-bar.php?scid=228; Proforma for Hypertension Screening http://module.ima-india.org/; IMA Online Sentinel Events Reporting Initiative ima-india.org/sentinel; IMA Disease Notification
http://disnotif.ima-india.org/ IMA RISE and SHINE
http://imariseandshine.com/; IMA Blood Donation Initiative
http://www.ima-india.org/ima/left-side-bar.php?scid=289

IMA Flag Salutation and IMA Prayer:  http://www.ima-india.org/ima/left-side-bar.php?scid=14

International Organization collaborations: IMA signed MOU with Clinton Foundation for working in TB diagnosis; Clinton Foundation financial dispute was settled; Series of meeting held with WHO regarding collaboration with WHO on various projects; Meeting held with WHO in end Polio campaign; UNICEF Child Sexual Abuse project is continued; Global Fund TB project is continued. IMA had meetings with Bill Gate Malinda Foundation.

Social advertisements: Released on Doctors day on safe water and elderly eye care initiatives.

Recognition of IMA by Government: Government recognised the work of IMA in its advertisements: call for action for TB free India released on 23^rd April and on World TB day released on 24^th March.

TB Harega IMA Jitega: Campaign was signed and released by DGHS, Dr Ketan Desai, MCI President, Padma Awardee Doctors, Padma Awardee Non doctors

IMA Disaster Cell: IMA donated drugs over Rs. 42 lakhs (Nepalese currency) to Nepal Medical Association for Nepal Earthquake victims. Both NP and HSG ; Met Shri Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal; Met Dr Senendra Upreti, Director General Health Sciences; Sh Shanta Badure Shrestha, Health Secretary and Shri Khagraj Adhikari, Minister of Health & Population, Govt. of Nepal.  Team of 3 doctors visited Nepal and saw 1700 patients.

IMA acquired an Innova Van at headquarters.

Increasing incidence of spurious medicines supply in developing countries

Fake drugs can not only prolong an illness but also cause associated harm

New Delhi, 17 December 2017: About 11% of medicines in the developing countries are counterfeit, if recent reports are anything to go by. These fake medicines are also responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of children from diseases like malaria and pneumonia. About 65% of the fake medicines are those used for treating malaria and bacterial infections, says the research. What is alarming is that the number of children dying from pneumonia after receiving bad drugs is between 72,000 and 169,000.

Most of these counterfeit fake drugs are manufactured in an extremely polluted atmosphere. There is demand for these drugs all around the world — from South Africa and Russia to India’s neighbours such as Myanmar and Nepal. Among the various ways in which fake medication is manufactured include sticking fraudulent labels on expired products, filling vials with water, stuffing small amounts of real ingredients in packages of popular licensed brands, and putting chalk power in medicine packets.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Though efforts have been made to arrest the manufacture of such spurious drugs, the fact that they are still available at large is alarming. Some factors that contribute to this include lack of adequate regulations, shortage of drug inspectors, and a lack of lab facilities to check purity of drugs. Additionally, weaknesses in drug distribution system and lack of awareness among consumers exacerbate this situation further. Fake and substandard drugs are less effective and cause a disease to run longer. They can even lead to the need for a new prescription during treatment. These substandard drugs are also why there has been an increase in antibacterial resistance in India.”

A report by ASSOCHAM has also indicated that fake drugs constitute US$4.25 billion of the total US$14 to $17 billion of the domestic drugs market. If this market grows at the rate of 25%, it will cross the US$10 billion mark by 2017.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Spurious drugs are mainly the products which are deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled and manufactured to mislead and misrepresent the patients by concealing their identity, source of manufacture and its content to profiteer on the popularity of fast moving branded or generic medicines. It may or may not contain the active ingredients in the manner mentioned on the label.”

The following points can indicate if a drug is fake or spurious.

Law: Drug shall seem to be spurious if it falls within the definition as per Chapter IV, Sec. 17B of the D&C Act:

    If it is manufactured under a name which belongs to another drug; or
    If it is imitation of or is a substitute for another drug or resembles another drug in a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the name of another drug unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its true character and its lack of identity with such other drug; or
    If the label or container bears the name of an individual or company purporting to be manufacturer of the drug; which individual or company is fictitious or does not exist; or
    If it has been substituted wholly or in part by another drug or substance; or

    If it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product.