Disclosure of assets of members: NMC expresses its reservations to Health Ministry

Amid the rising pressure to make the details of the assets and liabilities of the NMC Chairman and members public, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has expressed its ‘reservations’ in this regard.

Writing to the Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Commission has mentioned about the reservations for uploading some of the personal information of the officers including the details of lands, jewellery, investments in banks/ financial institutions/ insurance policy i.e. numbers, addresses etc.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Disclosure Of Assets Of Members: NMC Expresses Its Reservations To Health Ministry

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AstraZeneca Gets CDSCO Panel Nod for Enhertu 100mg for additional indication of breast cancer

New Delhi: Noting an unmet medical need in the country, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved AstraZeneca’s Trastuzumab deruxtecan concentrate solution for infusion 100mg (Enhertu 100mg) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-Low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy.

This came after the firm presented the proposal for approval of additional indication for Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Powder for Concentrate for Solution for Infusion(Enhertu 100mg) i.e. “for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-Low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy.”

The firm continued that the proposal is for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who should additionally have received or be ineligible for endocrine therapy under the category of life-threatening and unmet needs in the country.

In addition to the above, the firm requested for a waiver of the local clinical trial.

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Trastuzumab binds to an extracellular domain of this receptor and inhibits HER2 homodimerization, thereby preventing HER2-mediated signaling.

Trastuzumab is a biologic agent primarily used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It may be used as adjuvant therapy for localized disease or as first-line therapy for metastatic disease. After trastuzumab deruxtecan binds to HER2 found on malignant cells, it is internalized and linker cleavage occurs through the actions of lysosomal enzymes. After it is released through cleavage, deruxtecan (DXd) causes targeted DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer cells, due to the ability to cross cell membranes.

In the recent SEC meeting for oncology and hematology held on 7th and 8th December 2023, the firm presented the results of clinical studies conducted in other countries.

The committee noted that the proposed indication of the drug is approved in other countries including the US, EU, and Canada and there is unmet medical need in the country for the proposed indication.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the approval of the proposed additional indication with a local clinical trial waiver.

Also Read: Roche gets CDSCO panel nod to study Crovalimab

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Patient Dies After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Private Hospital, Surgeon Held Negligent, Slapped Rs 5 Lakh Compensation

Panchkula: Holding a private hospital and its attending surgeon guilty of medical negligence during a laparoscopic surgery that resulted in the death of a patient, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) recently directed them to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to his wife.

The consumer court issued the order after relying on the expert committee inquiry report mentioning that there was an error on the part of the treating doctor while handling the complications, which resulted during the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Apart from this, the bench also directed the multi-speciality hospital to ensure the availability of a team of experts belonging to different medical field and noted, “Before parting with this order, we deem it proper to direct the OP No.1, who claims itself to be a multiple-specialty hospital, to ensure the availability of team of experts belonging to different medical field, in appropriate cases, prior to conducting of any surgical operation so as to tackle the emergent complications arising during the operation and accordingly, the OPs No.1 & 2 are directed to ensure that the team of an expert belonging to different medical field is arranged while conducting any surgical operation in future.”

The matter goes back to 2017 when the complainant’s husband was suffering from pain in the abdomen and after diagnosis, his gall bladder was found distended showing multiple calculi in his lumen measuring 3 mm to 4 mm in size. In this regard, a report was prepared by Jindal Diagnostic Centre, Ram Nagar, National Highway, Kalka.

Consequently, the patient was admitted to the treating hospital for Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and during the surgery, he suffered Biliovascular injury on the operation table, and the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was converted to open Cholecystectomy.

Since the treating facility was unable to manage the case, the patient was referred to PGI Chandigarh with an open abdomen with 7 vascular clamps in situ. The complainant alleged that the treating facility in a very casual and negligent manner referred the complainant’s husband of the complainant to PGI without providing proper medical facility. 

Allegedly, due to the deteriorating condition of the patient, he was re-operated in PGI Chandigarh on 28.05.2017 and after the operation, he was kept in the ICU as his condition was not stable and ultimately he expired on 30.07.2017 in PGI Chandigarh.

The complainant submitted that during the treatment at PGI, Chandigarh, the concerned doctors at the facility observed that the patient had sustained major Biliovascular injury and Duodenal Injury during his attempted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. The reason for the patient’s death was given by the PGI doctors as cardiac arrest and the Major Biliovascular injury with Duodenal injury status post attempted Laparoscopic converted open Cholecystectomy.

Referring to this, the complainant filed a consumer complaint and alleged that the doctor, who conducted the surgery, did not have the required qualifications to conduct the surgical operation through Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy method. It was alleged that it was the duty of the concerned doctor, who is also the management of the hospital, to arrange a team of experts having requisite qualifications, and wide experience so as to handle any complications, which might arise during the operation.

On the other hand, the doctor and the hospital referred to the wide experience of the treating doctor and submitted that after commencing the surgery, the treating doctor visualized a bunch of venous Plexus around the Cystic Duct and Common Bile Duct (CBD). 

It was also submitted that plexus are generally of two types i.e. Venous Plexous and Arterial Plexus and the walls of Arterial Plexus are strong and thick, whereas the walls of venous Plexus are very thin and can easily bleed. The bleeding from Arterial Plexus is in showers and one could see the source of bleeding and bleeding can be immediately stopped by surgical maneuvers i.e. by ligating, cauterizing, clamping etc. but bleeding from venous Plexus is diffused and, many a times, source of bleeding is uncertain. Plexus is a complex network of vessels and nerves and plexus may be normal or abnormal.

They submitted that in the patient’s case, the plexus was unusual and abnormal and the doctor saw such type of phlexus for the first time. They claimed that this type of plexus cannot be figured out pre-operatively through ultrasound in a routine investigation for Gall Bladder Stones. It was further submitted that when the doctor caught hold of Gall Bladder, a sudden spurt of profuse bleeding started. Therefore, he immediately stopped the laparoscopic procedure and the patient’s abdomen was opened instantly. However, since the bleeding was uncontrollable and the profused and source of bleeding could not be ascertained and the treating facility, the doctor did all the maneuvers to stop the bleeding i.e. sponging, suturing with pressure and arterial clamps were applied(metalled instruments), and the bleeding stopped.

After the bleeding stopped completely and the blood pressure started rising, the doctor kept the clamp, put gauge and referred him to PGI Chandigarh urgently in a stable condition for further management. 

They also pointed out that an inquiry was conducted by three doctors at the Civil Hospital, Panchkula and the concerned committee never opined that there was medical negligence or unfair trade practice by the doctor. The panel opined that the patient’s case was the rarest of rare cases and held that there was a mistake on the doctor’s and hospital’s part while handling complications during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

While considering the matter, the consumer court took note of the enquiry report and also the case summary issued by PGI Chandigarh and noted that these documents mentioned that the patient sustained the Major Biliovascular Injury with Duodental Injury, during his attempted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by treating doctor, on 27.05.2017.

“As per the said Enquiry Committee report dated 08.11.2017(Annexure C-5), the cause of death of Sh. Karam Chand(now deceased) was the Major Biliovascular Injury with Duodental Injury, which he had sustained during his attempted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by OP No.2, on 27.05.2017,” noted the Commission.

The consumer court noted that the inquiry committee gave its findings under the heading of “comments” in three paras. The Committee observed that it was a rarest of rare cases. 

“It was also observed in the first para that 5-6 complications had arisen simultaneously during the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy conducted at (OP No.1) on 27.05.2017. However, the Enquiry Committee, taking into consideration all the relevant factors, which were placed before it, has concluded in an unambiguous terms that there was an error on the part of OP No.2, while handling the complications, which had arisen during the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. As per said report of the Enquiry Committee, a surgeon having 30 years of experience was not expected to commit such kind of error/mistake, while handling complications. The Enquiry Committee in the last para of its findings has found that the services rendered by OPs No.1 & 2, while shifting Sh.Karam Chand(now deceased) from to PGI, Chandigarh were unsatisfactory,” the Commission observed.

Referring to the inquiry committee report, the Commission noted, “Pertinently, the Enquiry Committee has given its report dated 08.11.2017(Annexure C-5) after giving due consideration to the respective submissions made before it by the complainant as well as OP No.2; thus, the submissions made by the learned counsel for Ops No.1 & 2 in the present complaint are not tenable.”

“We find force and substance in the submissions of the complainant that the OP No.1, who claims to be a had failed to arrange the team of experts prior to the starting of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on 27.05.2017 so as to tackle the emergent health situation and complications, if any, arising out during the operation. The OP No.1, who claims itself to be a starting of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on, 27.05.2017, so as to tackle the emergent health situation and complications,” it further observed.

Therefore, the Commission directed the hospital and doctor to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the complainant. They were also directed to pay Rs 6,000 to the complainant along with interest @ 9% per annum(simple interest) w.e.f. 27.05.2017 i.e. the date of payment made by the complainant to the hospital till its realization. Further, they were slapped with Rs 7,500 as litigation charges.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/medical-negligence-j-n-shory-228008.pdf

Also Read: Delay in treatment of cancer patient leading to death: GTB hospital, doctors held negligent, slapped Rs 5 lakh compensation

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Omalizumab better treatment option for managing chronic spontaneous urticaria during pregnancy

Treating a pregnant patient with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be quite challenging. According to recent findings, most CSU treatments for pregnant patients involved the use of second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs), while information on the safety of Omalizumab is limited.

A study found Omalizumab to be a safe treatment option for pregnant women with a history of chronic spontaneous urticaria. This study was led by Cataldo Patruno and colleagues and was published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.

This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of Omalizumab for individuals with severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who are either pregnant during treatment or initiate the medication during pregnancy in a typical clinical practice setting.

A team of researchers performed a retrospective analysis on women who were 18 years old or older, pregnant, and had received one or more doses of Omalizumab at any point during their pregnancy or were taking Omalizumab at the time of conception or within the eight weeks before conception.

Key findings are:

  • Twenty-nine pregnant patients were evaluated. There were two groups, A and B.
  • In group A, 23 patients, constituting 79.31%, conceived during omalizumab therapy.
  • In group B, six patients, constituting 20.69%, initiated omalizumab therapy during pregnancy.
  • Among group A, 23 births and one miscarriage were reported.
  • 15/23 patients discontinued Omalizumab after discovering the pregnancy state, while 8/23 patients were exposed to Omalizumab during the entire pregnancy period.
  • In group B, Omalizumab was introduced at 10.83 ± 3.60 weeks of gestation. The patients in this group were exposed to it until the end of pregnancy. This group had seven live-born infants, including five singletons and one twin pair.
  • No adverse events, complications or congenital anomalies were reported.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Omalizumab in a cohort of 29 pregnant women who had severe chronic spontaneous urticaria and were resistant to second-generation H1-antihistamines.

They said Omalizumab for managing CSU before and during pregnancy does not negatively affect maternal and fetal outcomes.

Reference:

Cataldo Patruno et al. Safety of Omalizumab for chronic urticaria during pregnancy: a real-life study, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2023; llad386.

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Low-Dose Olanzapine Effectively Reduces chemotherapy induced vomiting in Cancer Patients

A recent study discovered that a lower dose of Olanzapine (OLZ) is just as effective as the standard dose for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), while it also significantly reduced daytime somnolence in cancer patients, The outcomes were presented in San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2023.

CINV poses a significant burden on cancer patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). The standard 10 mg dose of Olanzapine, when combined with triple antiemetics (TAE), has demonstrated it’s efficacy. However, the accompanying daytime somnolence has limited its widespread use. This prompted researchers to explore the potential of a lower dose of OLZ in conjunction with a single dose of steroids.

The randomized study included patients with solid tumors slated for anthracycline-cyclophosphamide and high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups as one receiving the standard 10mg OLZ (standard arm) and the other receiving a reduced 2.5mg dose (experimental arm) with TAE. Evaluating the Complete Control Rate (CCR), including the absence of emetic episodes, no use of rescue medications, and no or mild nausea were the primary objective.

The study comprised a total of 267 analyzable subjects who demonstrated that the 2.5mg dose was non-inferior to the 10mg dose in controlling CINV without the need for delayed steroids. The CCR in the overall phase was comparable between the two groups (44.7% vs. 43.7%). Also, the lower dose significantly reduced daytime somnolence, with 65.2% in the 2.5mg group compared to 89.6% in the 10mg group (p < 0.001).

The outcomes of this study conclude that a low dose of 2.5mg Olanzapine is effective as the standard 10mg dose in controlling CINV during highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Also, the reduced dosage regimen shows superiority in reducing daytime somnolence and offers an effective alternative for cancer patients. 

Source:

Bajpai J, Kapu V, Rath S, et al. A randomized, open-label phase III trial evaluating low- dose vs standard-dose olanzapine with triple antiemetic therapy for prevention of highly emetogenic chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting in solid tumors (OLAnzaPiNE). Presented at SABCS 2023. December 5-9, 2023. San Antonio, TX. Abstract RF01-08

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Thiazolidinediones use reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis in type 2 diabetes patients

China: A study published in Arthritis Care & Research by a team led by Houyu Zhao, PhD from the School of Public Health, Peking University, concluded that T2DM patients who use thiazolidinediones have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have demonstrated a potential protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in preclinical studies. However, there needs to be more evidence from population-based studies.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TZD usage and RA incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Researchers assembled a retrospective cohort of T2DM patients who were recent users of TZDs or alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs). Using an IPTW Cox model, they estimated the HR of RA incidence associated with TZD use compared to AGIs.

The study included 56,796 new users of AGIs and 14,892 new users of TZDs. The incidence of RA was 187.4 and 135.2 per 100,000 person-years in AGI and TZD users, respectively. TZD use was associated with a lower RA incidence than AGI use, with an HR of 0.72. HRs for cumulative TZD use of 0.51-4.0 years and > four years were 0.55 and 0.74, respectively. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses supported the primary analysis.

The co-author, Xiaowei Chen BS from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said that in our study, we found the use of thiazolidinediones to be linked to reduced incidence of Rheumatoid arthritis in type 2 diabetes patients.

Reference:

Zhao, H., Chen, X., Sun, Y., Shen, P., Lin, H., Sun, F., & Zhan, S. (2023). Associations between thiazolidinediones use and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective population‐based cohort study. Arthritis Care & Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.25277

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No need to panic, need to remain alert: AIIMS on new COVID subvariant JN.1

After a surge in the cases of the new COVID subvariant JN.1, doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic but rather remain alert and vigilant.

“People are getting infected by the new sub-variant of COVID-JN.1 in many states of the country. The symptoms of the patients are mild. Therefore, there is no need to panic but the need to remain alert,” Doctor Neeraj Nischal said.

For more details, check out the link given below:

COVID Subvariant JN.1: AIIMS Delhi Advises Not To Panic, Need To Remain Alert

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Violence: Doctor of Forensic Science department at GSVM Medical College gets brutally attacked by group of miscreants, three arrested

Kanpur: In a shocking incident, a doctor of the Forensic Science Department at GSVM Medical College in Kanpur was subjected to an alleged brutal attack by a group of miscreants after his car collided with the miscreant’s vehicle near the Swaroop Nagar area of the city. 

The doctor sustained severe injuries to his head and right eye and was promptly admitted to Halat Hospital for urgent medical care. Presently, the doctor’s condition remains unknown.

Three miscreants have been arrested so far by the police after a complaint was filed by the doctor at Swaroop Nagar police station. 

The disturbing incident unfolded on Saturday night when the miscreants violently assaulted the doctor named Dr Piyush Gangwar. The sequence of events began when Dr Gangwar’s car collided with another vehicle near the Swaroop Nagar police station. 

Also read- Resident Doctor Safdarjung Hospital Gets Brutally Attacked By Pet Dog, FIR Registered Against Owner

The accused asked the doctor to stop the car as he was passing through the Swaroop Nagar police station. Nevertheless, Piyush Gangwar proceeded to drive his vehicle towards the medical college. Following this, a group of five to six accused from the other vehicle chased his car, forcibly pulled him out of his car and brutally attacked him, Dainik Bhaskar reports.

In an attempt to escape the assault, Dr Piyush managed to reach the safety of the medical college premises. However, the assailants allegedly followed him into the campus, escalating the violence. The commotion drew the attention of other doctors, staff, and students at the medical college.

Responding to the screams and chaos, the medical college community intervened to rescue Dr Piyush. The doctors retaliated against the attackers, resulting in a severe beating for the accused. The enraged students also vandalized the assailants’ car during the incident.

To avoid further harm, the attackers sought refuge at the Swaroop Nagar police station where they described their side of the incident. Moments later, the doctor clarified the incident to the police and filed a complaint against the miscreants. 

Based on Dr Piyush’s complaint, the police registered a case against the unidentified group of 5-6 people. Following identification, the police filed a case specifically against three assailants—Jitendra Sharma, Udit Singh, and Pratham Sharma. Subsequently, these three accused have been arrested. 

As a consequence of the incident, four individuals got injured on both sides and were admitted to Halat Hospital.

Giving details of the incident, Swaroop Nagar Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shikhar told ETV Bharat “A doctor was struck by a car in front of the Medical College Gate in the Swaroop Nagar police station area on Saturday night and was also beaten up by the individuals. A case has been filed under the relevant sections based on the complaint, and three accused have also been taken into custody.”

Also read- Patna: Surgeon Brutally Assaulted After Patient Death, IMA Bihar Goes On State Wide Strike

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NEXT now Mandatory after BAMS, BSMS, BUMS courses Regulations released

New Delhi: After MBBS and BDS, the National Exit Test (NExT) has also been mandatory for AYUSH courses. This has been confirmed in the newly introduced National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (National Examinations for Indian System of Medicine) Regulations, 2023, which were published in the Gazette notification dated 20.12.2023.

The AYUSH NExT will be held for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and SowaRigpa courses, and without passing the exam, any graduate of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of SowaRigpa Medicine and Surgery, shall not be eligible for enrollment in the State Register or National Register, mentioned the Gazette notification.

As per the Gazette, the NExT exam for the AYUSH courses shall be conducted ordinarily in February and August of every year. However, following the pattern of MBBS and BDS courses, NExT is not going to replace the postgraduate entrance examination for the Ayush PG courses.

It has been mentioned in the notification that an All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test including aptitude test for respective disciplines of Indian Systems of Medicine shall be conducted by the designated authorities. The PG entrance exam for the AYUSH courses shall ordinarily be conducted in April every year or on the date specified by the Commission for that academic year.

The NCISM Regulations, 2023, have come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette i.e. 20.12.2023. The National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine has made these regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clause (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) of sub-section (2) of section 55 of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.

National Exit Test (NExT) for AYUSH:

According to the Gazette notification, a National Exit Test of each discipline such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and SowaRigpa of the Indian System of Medicine shall be conducted by the Commission through a designated authority.

It further mentioned that the NExT exam for AYUSH shall be held for granting license to practice as medical practitioner of respective discipline of the Indian System of Medicine and to get enrolled in the State Register or National Register as a registered medical practitioner of the Indian System of Medicine after completing the one-year internship.

“The examination shall be problem based to test the clinical competency, understanding of medical ethics and the ability to deal with medico-legal cases as a medical practitioner in the discipline Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be,” mentioned the Gazette. Further, it mentioned that the NExT exam shall be conducted ordinarily in the month of February and August of every year.

Eligibility to Appear in the National Exit Test: 

As per the Gazette, the eligibility to appear in the National Exit Test shall be as under:

(a) an intern who has completed minimum two hundred and seventy days of internship as on closing date of the submission of the application for National Exit Test; or

(b) graduates of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa who have completed one-year compulsory internship; or (c) Foreign nationals whose medical qualification has been recognized under section 36 of the Act.

The Gazette notification clarified that “Without qualifying National Exit Test, any graduate of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of SowaRigpa Medicine and Surgery, shall not be eligible for enrollment in the State Register or National Register, as the case may be.”

There shall not be any limit for attempts to appear in the National Exit Test and the candidates, securing fifty percent and above shall be declared as qualified in the National Exit Test and the list of qualified candidates shall be displayed on the website of the Commission.

Following this, the qualified candidates shall be eligible to get registered as medical practitioners only after completing the one-year compulsory rotatory internship subject to the fulfillment of the criteria specified by the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.

The Gazette mentioned that the graduation degree of the candidate who could not qualify the National Exit Test, shall be considered for all other job opportunities and other educational programs or courses where medical registration is not mandatory.

“Qualifying in National Exit Test and getting enrolled in a State Register and National Register, as the case may be, shall be the essential requirement for practicing as a registered medical practitioner or for any job where clinical work is involved or for any job where medical registration is mandatory or to pursue post graduate course in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa,” stated the notification.

According to the Gazette, the Technical Committee for the NExT shall consist of-

(i) Controller of Examinations – Chairperson;

(ii) Nominee from designated agency – Member;

(iii) Member, Board of Ayurveda – Member;

(iv) Member, Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa – Member;

(v) Member, Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian system of Medicine – Member;

(vi) Four Experts – one each from Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa– Member;

(vii) Health Education Technologist – Member; and

(viii) Deputy Controller of Examinations – Member Secretary.

Terms of reference:

(i) the term of the committee shall be for four successive examinations or re-constitution of the committee by the Commission, whichever is earlier;

(ii) the Committee shall meet as required;

(iii) the Committee can co-opt any expert member as per the requirement and with the approval of the President, Board of Ayurveda or President, Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be;

(iv) the Committee shall specify the syllabus and develop the ‘blue print’ of the question paper for every examination; (v) the Committee shall identify experts and moderators for question paper setting;

(vi) the Committee shall coordinate with the assigned agency for conducting examination;

(vii) the committee prepare required information brochure and guidelines; and

(viii) the Committee shall ensure the confidentiality of the matters connected with the examinations.

National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test for Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha:

The notification mentioned that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission in undergraduate courses of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) shall be conducted in each academic year by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine through the National Testing Agency or by any other agency designated by the Commission.

Eligibility Criteria:

The eligibility criteria for appearing National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test examination and admission in undergraduate courses of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha shall be, as specified in regulation National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Ayurveda Education) Regulations, 2022, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Unani Education) Regulations, 2022 and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Siddha Education) Regulations, 2022 respectively.

Further, the Gazette mentioned that the process of counseling and admissions to undergraduate courses of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha shall be as per the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Ayurveda Education) Regulations, 2022, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Unani Education) Regulations, 2022 and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Siddha Education) Regulations, 2022 and the guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time.

National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test to Sowa-Rigpa:

As per the Gazette notification, the Commission shall conduct an independent National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test to undergraduate course of Sowa-Rigpa. This entrance test shall be conducted every year through designated authority or agency or institute for the admission to the undergraduate course of Sowa-Rigpa in all SowaRigpa institutions. The examination shall be conducted offline or the mode as specified by the Commission from time to time. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

The eligibility criteria for appearing National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Sowa-Rigpa and admission to undergraduate courses of Sowa-Rigpa institution shall be as specified in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Sowa-Rigpa Education) Regulations, 2022.

“An All-India common merit list of the eligible candidates shall be prepared on the basis of the marks obtained in National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test for Sowa-Rigpa and the qualified candidates shall be considered for admission to undergraduate course as specified in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Sowa-Rigpa Education) Regulations, 2022 and such merit list shall be applicable for that particular academic session only,” mentioned the Gazette.

It further added that the process of counselling and admissions in the undergraduate courses of Sowa-Rigpa shall be as per the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Standards of Undergraduate Sowa-Rigpa Education) Regulations, 2022 and admission guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time.

As per the Gazette, the institution of Sowa-Rigpa shall submit the details of admitted students as per the Appendix-V of the Regulations or as may be specified by the Commission, on or before cut-off date for admission into Sowa-Rigpa institution for verification.

Technical Committee for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Sowa-Rigpa:

The panel shall consist of-

(i) Controller of Examinations – Chairperson;

(ii) Nominee from designated agency as Director, National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for SowaRigpa – Member;

(iii) Nominee from designated agency as Chief Co-ordinator, National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Sowa-Rigpa – Member;

(iv) Member, Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa – Member;

(v) Member, Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine – Member;

(vi) Three Experts of Sowa-Rigpa system – Member; and (vii) Deputy Controller of Examinations – Member Secretary 

Terms of reference:

(i) the term of the committee shall be for two successive examinations or re-constitution of the committee by the Commission, whichever is earlier;

(ii) the Committee shall meet as required;

(iii) the Committee can co-opt any expert member as per the requirement and with the approval of the President, Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa;

(iv) the Committee shall specify the syllabus and develop a ‘blue print’ of the question paper for every examination;

(v) the committee shall prepare the schedule of entire examination events;

(vi) the committee shall prepare the list of chief superintendent of exam centres, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine observers, experts and moderators for question paper setting and evaluators for evaluating answer scripts;

(vii) the Committee shall coordinate with the assigned agency for conducting examination;

(viii) the committee shall prepare information brochure and examination-counselling-admission guidelines; and

(ix) the Committee shall ensure the confidentiality of the matters connected with the examinations.

All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test:

Unlike MBBS and BDS courses, NExT exam is not going to replace the Postgraduate entrance examination for AYUSH courses as well. As per the Gazette, the Post-Graduate National Entrance Test as specified in the Act, is also known as All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test.

The All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test including aptitude test for respective disciplines of Indian Systems of Medicine shall be conducted by the designated authority. Ordinarily, the All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test shall be conducted in the month of April every year or on the date as specified by the Commission for that academic year.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Undergraduate Degree holders such as Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery and Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery who have completed their internship by 30th of April or as specified by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine from time to time shall be eligible for appearing All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test.

Further, the Gazette mentioned that at the time of admission, the candidate shall have enrolled or registered as a medical practitioner in State Register or Union Territory Register or National Register, as the case may be.

Results and Counselling: 

All India Ayush Postgraduate Entrance Test results shall be declared separately for each discipline such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani by the designated authority and the results thus declared shall be valid for that academic year only.

Regarding the process of counselling, the Gazette mentioned that the counselling and admissions to the PG courses of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani shall be as per the guidelines specified by the Commission from time to time.

Technical Committee for All India Ayush Post-Graduate Entrance Test:

The panel shall consist of-

(i) Controller of Examinations – Chairperson;

(ii) Nominee from designated agency – Member;

(iii) Member, Board of Ayurveda – Member;

(iv) Member, Board of Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa – Member;

(v) Member, Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine – Member;

(vi) Health Education Technologist – Member;

(vii) Three Experts – one each from Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani – Member; and

(viii) Deputy Controller of Examinations – Member Secretary.

Terms of reference:

(i) the term of the committee shall be for two successive examinations or re-constitution of the committee by the Commission, whichever is earlier;

(ii) the Committee shall meet as required;

(iii) the Committee can co-opt any expert member as per the requirement and with the approval of the President, Board of Ayurveda or President, Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be ;

(iv) the Committee shall specify the syllabus and develop a ‘blue print’ of the question paper for every examination;

(v) the Committee shall identify experts and moderators for question paper setting;

(vi) the Committee shall coordinate with the assigned agency for conducting examination;

(vii) the committee shall prepare required information brochures and guidelines; and

(viii) the Committee shall ensure the confidentiality of the matters connected with the examinations

Also Read: Soon: NExT exam for BDS, Bill Introduced in Parliament

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Health Bulletin 25/December/2023

Here are the top health stories for the day:

“No need to panic, need to remain alert”: AIIMS on new COVID subvariant JN.1

After a surge in the cases of the new COVID subvariant JN.1, doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic but rather remain alert and vigilant.

“People are getting infected by the new sub-variant of COVID-JN.1 in many states of the country. The symptoms of the patients are mild. Therefore, there is no need to panic but the need to remain alert,” Doctor Neeraj Nischal said.

For more details, check out the link given below:

COVID Subvariant JN.1: AIIMS Delhi Advises Not To Panic, Need To Remain Alert

Disclosure of assets of members: NMC expresses its reservations to Health Ministry

Amid the rising pressure to make the details of the assets and liabilities of the NMC Chairman and members public, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has expressed its ‘reservations’ in this regard.

Writing to the Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Commission has mentioned about the reservations for uploading some of the personal information of the officers including the details of lands, jewellery, investments in banks/ financial institutions/ insurance policy i.e. numbers, addresses etc.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Disclosure Of Assets Of Members: NMC Expresses Its Reservations To Health Ministry

Chinese doctor suspended for punching patient during surgery

Chinese authorities are investigating an incident where a surgeon is alleged to have punched a patient during an operation, as shown in a viral video without a specified date. The hospital’s parent company, Aier China, has suspended the surgeon, and the hospital’s CEO, where the 2019 incident occurred, has also been dismissed. The video appears to depict the surgeon, performing eye surgery, punching the patient’s head multiple times, with two others present in the operating room.

Aier China operates a chain of eye hospitals, confirmed the incident at its Guigang hospital, involving an 82-year-old woman who experienced discomfort during surgery due to local anesthesia. The patient, who spoke a local dialect, reportedly did not respond to warnings in Mandarin, leading the surgeon to act roughly in what was described as an emergency situation. Local authorities noted injuries to the patient’s forehead.

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