NMC withdraws Notice on discontinuation of CPS Mumbai courses

New Delhi: In a major overhaul, the apex medical regulator of the country, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn its recently released public notice announcing the discontinuation of all the medical courses being run by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) Mumbai.

The confirmation to this effect has been announced through a recent NMC notification issued under the authority of Prof. Dr B. Srinivas, NMC Secretary, who addressed the Directors/ Principals/ Deans & HoDs at all Medical Colleges/ Institutions under NMC, and referred to the order pronounced by the Bombay High Court.

The NMC stated:

“In compliance of Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Bombay Order dated 22.08.2024, the letter of even number dated 22-08-2024 and the public notice of even number dtd. 16.08.2024 w.r.t. “Discontinuation of all the courses running under the umbrella of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPS), Mumbai –reg” stands withdrawn.”

NMC discontinues CPS Mumbai courses

A few days ago, the NMC officially discontinued all the CPS Mumbai courses across the country.

In its notice, the apex medical commission pointed out that in reply to its show cause notice for not complying with the norms laid down by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI), now NMC, the institute acknowledged itself as an exam body similar to the National Board of Examination of Medical Sciences- NBE with the authority to give medical qualification.

The NMC found the statement misguiding, as the NBE is a government entity included in the NMC Act 2019 whereas the CPS is a non-government organisation having no authority to permit or recognise any medical course run by any hospital or conduct exams or even award a degree.

“The Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) had served a Show Cause Notice (SCN) on the College of Physician and Surgeon (CPS), Mumbai for not following the regulatory provisions of the NMC/ erstwhile MCI. In its reply, CPS, Mumbai intimated that it considers itself as an examination like body National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) with authority to give medical qualification. The Board found this as a misguiding statement and observed that the NBEMS is a Government organization included in the Schedule of NMC Act 2019. Whereas the CPS is a nongovernment organization (examination body) and has no authority to permit or recognize any course of qualification run by any hospital or to conduct examination or award degree. As per Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956, the right of conferring or granting degrees can be done by a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act or an institution deemed to be a University under Section 3 or an institution specially empowered by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees. Thus, degrees can only be issued by a University or any statutory body empowered by an Act of Parliament,” the NMC said.

Thus, the NMC then announced the discontinuation of CPS Mumbai courses with immediate effect and warned the hospitals/ institutes as well as doctors that their additional qualifications would not be recognized for registration if any admission took place after the issuance of this public notice.

“All the stakeholders including medical institutions/ hospital running the CPS courses and students who are in the process of taking admissions to the courses run by CPS may kindly take note of the decision of the PGMEB, NMC as their additional qualifications will not be recognized for registration if any admission take place after issuance of this public notice,” the notice added.

Also Read:NMC discontinues CPS Mumbai courses, warns hospitals, students 

NMC recommendation to ban CPS courses:

Writing to the Union Health Ministry on 05.07.2024, the NMC reiterated its stand regarding the PG medical courses run by the CPS Mumbai, and urged the Union Health Ministry to ban those courses. The Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) stated that “there should be no admission to the PG medical courses run by CPS, Mumbai in the State of Maharashtra as well as other States/UTs.”

The Commission had referred to the inspection conducted at the CPS institutes by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), which had earlier concluded that admitting students to such institutes would be detrimental to the career of the students and would also affect the health system.

Referring to NMC as a regulatory body of the Government of India for quality medical education at an affordable cost, the letter pointed out that anyone, other than those included in the schedule of the NMC Act, 2019, has to get prior permission from NMC to start a course of recognised qualification and get it renewed at regular interval.

“Same was the case when MCI was regulatory authority. Data of medical institute running such courses are required to be available with NMC and have to be uploaded on the website. At present NMC is having no information about where about of such medical institutes/ hospitals. Without this, state medical council will not be able to register the qualification of such students. NMC in a meeting had recommended that medical institute running, such courses should get them registered at least under National board of examination for ensuring quality medical education at affordable cost,” it mentioned in the letter.

The Commission further referred to the inspection conducted by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) at the CPS institutes. NMC mentioned that on the directions of the Government of Maharashtra, MMC had inspected 120 institutes/hospitals where CPS courses were being run. MMC found that 2 hospitals were closed and 74 institutes refused inspection.

“Of the 44 institutes/hospitals inspected, severe deficiencies were found in most of the institutes/hospitals and it was concluded that admitting students to such institutes would be detrimental to the career of the students and also for the health system in general,” NMC mentioned.

The Commission also pointed out that the PG Medical Education Board of NMC had issued a show cause notice to CPS Mumbai for not following the regulatory provision of NMC. In the notice, it was informed that the medical institutions/hospitals running the courses would have to get it renewed at regular intervals as per the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation 2000 and Maintenance of Minimum Standard of Medical Education Regulation 2023.

NMC informed that so far neither CPS nor any institutes/hospitals offering CPS courses have ever applied for renewal of recognition of courses. “NMC has no information of the institutes/hospitals where the courses are running. CPS has informed that they are an examination body whose medical qualification are recognised like National Board of Examination (NBE). This is a misguiding statement. NBE is a Government organization included in the Schedule of NMC Act 2019. CPS is a non-government organization (examination body) and has no authority to permit or recognize any course or qualification run by any hospital,” the letter issued by the Director of NMC PGMEB, Aujender Singh had mentioned. 

Also Read:There should be NO admission to PG medical courses run by CPS Mumbai: NMC tells Health Ministry 

The CPS Controversy:

Established in 1912, CPS Mumbai is an autonomous body that imparts Postgraduate medical education and offers fellowship, diploma, and certificate courses for medical professionals. For the Diploma courses, the tenure is two years; in case of Fellowship, the tenure is three years. After obtaining the qualification granted by CPS Mumbai, the practitioners are allowed to register themselves as specialists in the concerned speciality.

CPS courses have been facing major controversies for a long time. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that referring to significant gaps in the standards or institutes offering CPS courses, the medical education department of Maharashtra previously wrote to the Union Health Ministry asking for its opinion on whether counselling can be conducted for around 1,100 CPS seats.

Writing to the Centre, the department referred to the inspection of the Maharashtra Medical Council conducted last year and how during the inspection, MMC had found “severe deficiencies” in several institutes. The Central Government has also set up an eight-member committee to look into the matter.

The controversy continued further and then the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) recommended to the Union Health Ministry to withdraw the popular DPB- Diploma in Pathology and Bacteriology, DCH – Diploma in Child Health and DGO- Diploma Gynecology and Obstetrics courses run by CPS from the next academic year.

After NMC, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) also offered rejection to the CPS courses by refusing to bring them under the aegis of the NBE. Moreover, States including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka were reportedly considering decreasing the intake for the CPS courses or discontinuing them.

Last year, the Maharashtra Government then de-recognised the courses offered by CPS and asked the medical institutes and hospitals not to admit students for any of the 26 diplomas or fellowships offered by CPS, Mumbai.

Ultimately the matter reached the Court and filing a plea, CPS argued that 10 courses which were recognised under NMC Act 2019 cannot be de-recognised by the State. Thereafter, in December 2023, the State filed an affidavit in the Bombay HC and stated that it would review its decision.

Then opposing the CPS’s plea, which challenged the State Government’s decision to de-recognise the CPS courses, former MMC member Dr. Suhas Pingle had approached the Bombay HC. However, this year, Maharashtra Medical Education Department issued a gazette notification on March 15 reintroducing the 10 CPS courses dermatology, midwifery and gynaecology, gynaecology, pathology, surgery, medicine, ophthalmology and diploma courses in gynaecology and obstetrics, pathology and bacteriology, and child health.

Earlier this year, challenging the three notifications that allowed the institute to continue its 19 medical courses, the former president of the Maharashtra branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and a former member of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) approached the Bombay High Court.

To view the NMC notice on ‘Withdrawl of public notice dated 22.08.2024 reg. discontinuation of all the courses running under the umbrella of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPS), Mumbai’- Click here

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AIIMS Nagpur Recruitment 2024: 59 Senior Resident Posts, Check All Details Here

Nagpur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS Nagpur) has notified about the vacancies for Senior Resident posts on a contract basis in various departments.

AIIMS Nagpur was established under PMSSY with the objectives of improving regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/ reliable tertiary healthcare services and also augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the country. The Institute has started functioning from session 2018-19. It is envisioned to develop into an institute with the highest standards of teaching, training, and research.

AIIMS Nagpur Vacancy Details:

Total No. of Vacancies- 59

The vacancies are in the departments of Anaesthesiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Burns and plastic Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Forensic Medicine, General Medicine, General Surgery, Medical Haematology, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nuclear Medicine, Paediatric, Paediatrics Surgery, Pharmacology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiology, Pulmonary Medicine, Radiodiagnosis, Surgical Gastroenterology, Trauma & Emergency, and Urology.

The last date for applying by Google form is the 9th September 2024.

Date of Walk-in-interview: 11th September 2024.

Reporting Time: 09:00 AM to 09:30 AM

Venue : Administrative Block, AIIMS Campus, MIHAN, Nagpur- 441108.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=aiims+nagpur&location=&job_sector=all

What are the Terms and Conditions?

The candidates must bring the filled-in application form (Annexure I) along with all the original certificates on the scheduled date of interview.

Candidates who wish to apply for more than one post should apply separately for each post.

Only those candidates who have been declared successful in their qualifying degree exam and will be completing their tenure for the same on or before the closing date of application will be eligible

Self-Attested photocopies of Degrees, Certificates, Mark sheets, Age proof, Caste certificates etc. may be annexed to the hard copy of the application and the same shall be produced in original along with photocopy for verification at the time of interview.

Age will be counted as on the closing date of receipt of application i.e 09/09/2024.

Also Read:Professor Post Vacancies At ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Bihta, Patna: Apply Now

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How safe are Indian doctors? IMA Kerala survey reveals insights

When the entire country is waiting for justice in the brutal rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata-based RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, doctors participating in a survey of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) made shocking claims regarding their safety conditions at their workplace.
“During 70% of my duty days, I had to handle drunk mobs at night,” said a doctor who took part in the survey conducted by IMA Kerala, which will be published in the October 2024 issue of the association’s journal.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Govt efforts reduced TB incidence by 16 per cent, lowered deaths by 18 per cent: Anupriya Patel

Medanta, one of India’s leading multi-super speciality hospitals, proudly announced the completion of 10 years of its ‘Mission TB Free’ initiative, a pioneering public health campaign that has revolutionised tuberculosis (TB) detection and treatment across Haryana and beyond.
The event celebrating this milestone was graced by Smt Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta (Global Health Limited), Mr Pankaj Sahni, Group CEO, Medanta (Global Health Limited), and Deputy Director General – Tuberculosis, Central TB Division, and Director General of Health Services, Haryana State.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Junior doctors block Former RG Kar Chest Medicine HOD from joining Malda Medical College Hospital

Kolkata: In protest against the West Bengal Health Department’s decision to transfer Dr Arunabha Dutta Chowdhury, the former head of the chest medicine department of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital to Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Junior doctors staged a demonstration inside the administrative building and in front of the principal’s chamber on Thursday forcing Dutta to leave without assuming his role.  

Amid the nationwide rage over the alleged rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate respiratory medicine medico, the doctors and students refused to accept his joining at the institute and protested by blocking the administrative building of the MMCH and the office of the principal when Dutta arrived to join service. 

Also read- Doctors at CNMC refuse to accept Dr Sandeep Ghosh as principal unanimously shouting slogans of Go back

As per The Telegraph sources, the state health department issued an order for the transfer of Dutta to MMCH and he was supposed to join the chest department of the institute on Thursday. Following this, he apprised the hospital authorities regarding his joining. 

However, when the doctor and students became aware of his joining order, they held a protest claiming that they would not allow Dutta to join their institute. They alleged that they could let him join MMCH only after getting his name cleared from the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Hospital that took place on August 9.

This agitation led to discussions among the College Council and the state Health department which instructed the MMCH authorities to return him without allowing him to join. Previously, a communication between Parthapratim Mukherjee, the principal of MMCH, the medical super cum vice principal (MSVP) Prasenjit Bar and other officials with the agitating doctors also failed. As a result, Dutta was forced to leave the premises without joining his services.

Clarifying that they had no personal grudge against Dutta, an intern said, “We have no personal grudge against Dutta Chowdhury. But in the current situation, when we are fighting to seek proper justice (for their deceased colleague), no doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital should join here.” 

“We, the students, do not want him to join the MMCH in the context of the present situation. We believe he should not be allowed to join here till we get the desired justice (for the RG Kar victim),” said a junior doctor who participated in the protest. 

Speaking to Millennium Post, Partha Pratim Mukherjee said, “We are in contact with our higher authorities and have apprised them of the situation. Arunava Dutta Chowdhury has not joined MMCH. Due to the protests of the students, he could not join his post. We have sent the charter of demands of the protesters to the higher authorities.”

Also read- RG Kar Medico Death Case: FAIMA calls for peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar today

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Health Bulletin 31/ August/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

How safe are Indian doctors? IMA Kerala survey reveals insights

When the entire country is waiting for justice in the brutal rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at  RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, doctors participating in a survey of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) made shocking claims regarding their safety conditions at their workplace.
“During 70% of my duty days, I had to handle drunk mobs at night,” said a doctor who took part in the survey conducted by IMA Kerala, which will be published in the October 2024 issue of the association’s journal.
For more information, click on the link below:
Mission TB Free India: Medanta screens 10 lakh people for tuberculosis
Medanta, one of India’s leading multi-super speciality hospitals, proudly announced the completion of 10 years of its ‘Mission TB Free’ initiative, a pioneering public health campaign that has revolutionised tuberculosis (TB) detection and treatment across Haryana and beyond.
The event celebrating this milestone was graced by Smt Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta (Global Health Limited), Mr Pankaj Sahni, Group CEO, Medanta (Global Health Limited), and Deputy Director General – Tuberculosis, Central TB Division, and Director General of Health Services, Haryana State.
For more information, click on the link below:
NCISM warns AYUSH practitioners not to promote themselves as cannabis specialists, threatens legal action
Through a recent advisory, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), has directed the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) practitioners not to promote themselves as cannabis specialists.
NCISM issued this advisory after taking cognizance of the instances of illegal selling of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs containing Bhang (Cannabis), prescribed by certain Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa practitioners on various platforms, including e-commerce platforms for treating multiple diseases.
For more information, click on the link below:
SC orders NMC Expert Committee to reassess MBBS admissions for candidates with mental health conditions
While considering an MBBS aspirant’s plea challenging the decision to deny him reservation under quota for Persons With Disabilities (PwD) on account of a mental health condition, the Supreme Court recently directed the National Medical Commission’s Expert Committee to review its recommendations after taking into consideration the notification by the Central Government issued in March 2024 prescribing certain guidelines for assessment of specified disabilities.
The Apex Court bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Pankaj Mithal has asked the NMC to file an affidavit in this regard within 8 weeks. “…we are of the opinion that it is necessary for the Expert Committee to review their opinion on the basis of the notification dated 12.03.2024. An affidavit to this effect shall be filed by the National Medical Commission within a period of eight weeks.” it ordered.
For more information, click on the link below:

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MCC notifies on resignation process for Round 1 NEET 2024 allotted Candidates, check details

New Delhi- Candidates who have been allotted seats through National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET UG) state counselling can now resign from their Round-1 seat allotment through MCC.

The resignation process for NEET UG Round 1 seat allotment has started today i.e. 31st August 2024 at 02:00 PM and will continue till 03rd September 1014 at 06:00 PM.

Also Read: MCC NEET 2024 Round 1 Counselling Provisional Results Announced

As per the official notice of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) in this regard, the authority has received certain requests from the candidates for resignation from the Round-1 seat allotment. On this, through the notice, MCC informed that the candidates who have been allotted seats through state counselling but want to resign from their Round-1 seat allotted through MCC. Such candidates can now resign their Round-1 seat within the period.

Furthermore, resignation from NEET UG Round 1 seat allotment will be done without forfeiture of the security deposit, after which the candidate will be considered as a part of Round 2 and, hence, applicable for Round-2 of counselling.

Meanwhile, candidates are advised to ensure that their Resignation Letter is generated through the portal provided by MCC by the allotted college, failing which the resignation will be treated as ‘Null & Void’, the notice informed.

Also Read: MCC Extends NEET 2024 Round 1 Counselling Reporting Deadline to August 31

The MCC NEET UG 2024 counselling started on 14th August 2024 and will continue until October 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the Academic Session for UG Courses will commence on 1st October 2024. Below is the detailed schedule-

SCHEDULE

S.NO

SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION

ALL INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED & CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES

SHARING OF JOINED CANDIDATE’S DATA BY MCC

STATE COUNSELLING

SHARING OF JOINED CANDIDATE’S DATA BY STATES

1

Ist Round of Counselling.

14th August, 2024 to 23rd August Aug, 2024

30th Aug to 31st Aug, 2024

21st Aug to 29th Aug, 2024

6th to 7th Sept., 2024

2

Last date of Joining.

The last date of Joining is 17th July 2024.

–

25th July, 2024.

–

3

2nd round of Counselling.

5th Sept., 2024 to 13th Sept., 2024

21st Sept. To 22nd Sept. 2024

11th Sept., 2024 to 20th Sept., 2024

27th Sept to 28th Sept., 2024

4

Last date of joining.

20th Sept, 2024

–

26th Sept, 2024

–

5

Round-3.

26th Sept., 2024 to 5th Oct., 2024

13th Oct., to 15th Oct., 2024

3rd Oct., 2024 to 12th Oct., 2024

19th Oct., 2024

6

Last date of joining.

12th Oct., 2024

–

18th Oct., 2024

–

7

Stray Vacancy.

16th Oct., 2024 to 23rd Oct., 2024

–

21st Oct., 2024 to 25th Oct., 2024

–

Last date of joining.

30th Oct., 2024

–

30th Oct., 2024

–

To view the notice, click the link below

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mcc-allows-neet-2024-candidates-to-resign-from-round-1-allotted-seats-250460.pdf

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Infant dies during power cut at Delhi Hospital, MCD to probe matter

New Delhi: An infant allegedly died at Kasturba Hospital due to the non-availability of power backup during a planned shutdown. Taking note of a media report, Mayor Oberoi on August 23 directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to launch an immediate inquiry.  

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has formed a committee to investigate the death of an infant at a civic hospital in Old Delhi, reportedly due to a planned power cut. The committee is tasked with submitting its report within 10 days, as outlined in an MCD order issued on Wednesday.  

The panel will be headed by Director, Hospital Administration (DHA) Akshay Dharmarha and additional DHA Rakesh Rao Gautam.  

According to the PTI report, Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered an inquiry to get to the root of the death of an infant at Kasturba Hospital due to non-availability of power backup during a planned shutdown, the order dated August 27 said.  

Also Read:Delhi Neonatal Hospital fire: Court sends two doctors to 14-day judicial custody

“Accordingly, it is decided that an inquiry committee headed by Akshay Dharmarha, DHA along with Rakesh Radi Gautam, additional DHA (hospital) is constituted. DHA can co-opt other member/members as deemed fit,” it read.  

Mayor Oberoi on August 23, taking note of a media report, directed MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar to launch an inquiry into the infant’s death.  

A day earlier, several social media users claimed there was a power outage for some time at the Kasturba Hospital during which two newborns had to be delivered allegedly under torchlight — one of whom died during the power cut, news agency PTI reported.  

The MCD had denied the allegations of deliveries taking place under torchlight but ordered an inquiry into the death.  

Also Read:Delhi Neonatal Hospital Fire: Police files 800-page chargesheet against 2 doctors citing negligence

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HC Stays NMC Order to halt MD Radiation Oncology Admissions at GMCH Nagpur, Lauds AIIMS for Helping institute

Nagpur: Granting relief to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently stayed the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) order of halting admissions to five seats in the MD (Radiation Oncology) course.

The Apex Medical Commission had halted the admissions due to infrastructural deficiencies such as a non-functioning Brachytherapy machine and the absence of a linear accelerator, which was under procurement.

However, an HC Division bench comprising Avinash G. Ghatore and M.S. Jawalkar stayed the NMC order after taking note of the ongoing efforts to install the essential medical equipment to run the MD course.

Further, the HC bench also praised AIIMS Nagpur for its vital role in retaining these seats by offering joint educational activities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GMCH, Nagpur. 

As per the terms of the MoU, the students admitted in the course of MD Radiation Oncology to the five seats in GMCH would be provided joint teaching activities in Radiation Oncology with regular seminar, conferences, CME, Journal clubs etc. 

“It is not disputed, that AIIMS, Nagpur has a Linear Accelerator and HDR Barchytherapy Unit, which would take care of the requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC) in that regard,” noted the HC bench.

The HC bench noted that the erstwhile Medical Council of India, now NMC, granted permission to run the PG Diploma in Radiology at GMC Nagpur based on the HC’s order in the case of Dr. Krishna Marotirao Kamble Vs. MCI. Consequently, the recognition for these courses was continued from time to time, which was also reflected from the letter of permission dated 10.09.2022.

However, the NMC through an order dated 05.04.2024 indicated the stoppage of admission of students to these seats. The Commission halted the admissions based on the ground of non-availability of essential equipment, which comprising of Brachy Therapy Machine, which was claimed to be not functioning and the linear accelerator, which was under procurement.

While considering the matter, the HC bench observed that the Brachy Therapy Unit was likely to be installed within a couple of months and the process of installing the linear accelerator was also underway. Considering these factors, the Court stayed the NMC order of halting admissions.

“In view of the orders passed by this Court in the recent past, the Brachy Therapy Unit is likely to be installed within a couple of months and the process for installation of the linear accelerator is also under process, in view of which and considering the order dated 21.06.2017, we hereby grant stay to the order dated 05.04.2024, passed by National Medical Commission, since it is not disputed that in view of the earlier order dated 21.06.2017, students have been admitted in the first year of the three year course of MD (Radiation Oncology),” the HC bench stated in the order dated 28.08.2024.

It also clarified that

“…in view of the stay, it would be permissible for the GMC to continue to grant admission for the first year MD (Radiation Oncology Course) with the GMC. Since the process of installing the machine is underway, it would be appropriate for the GMC to have a tie up with AIIMS or NCI and Rashtrasant Tukdoji Cancer Institute for ensuring the experience as is required to be imparted to the students for the interim period. This shall be reported to this Court by 04.09.2024.”

During the court proceedings on Friday, the HC bench took note of the State Counsel’s submissions regarding the installation report. Further, the State Counsel submitted that it would be operational within a period of one week.

Meanwhile, the counsel for AIIMS also submitted a statement clarifying that a MoU has been entered between the GMCH, Nagpur and AIIMS Nagpur under the terms of which the students admitted in the course of MD Radiation Oncology to the five seats in GMCH would be provided joint teaching activities in Radiation Oncology with regular seminar, conferences, CME, Journal clubs etc.

It is not disputed, that AIIMS, Nagpur has a Linear Accelerator and HDR Barchytherapy Unit, which would take care of the requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC) in that regard, noted the Court.

Praising AIIMS Nagpur for help retaining these seats, the HC bench noted,

“We appreciate the facility accorded by the AIIMS, Nagpur to the aforesaid students of the GMCH, Nagpur which would result in saving five MD Radiation Oncology seats in GMC. We understand that this arrangement is in pursuance to the order of this Court dated 28.08.2024. She has also placed on record that a willingness to grant an according facility has also been expressed by the NCI, Nagpur.” 

The matter has been listed for further hearing on 05.09.2024.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the NMC Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) had halted the admissions to MD seats in Radiation Oncology at the institute for the academic year 2024-2025. NMC stopped the admissions after highlighting that the Department of Radiotherapy in the institute does not have adequate essential equipment.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nagpur-hc-250392.pdf

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nagpur-hc-aiims-250393.pdf

Also Read: Lack of Essential Equipment: NMC Halts Admission to MD Radiation Oncology course at GMCH Nagpur

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Medical Bulletin 31/ August/ 2024

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Why Men With Prostate Cancer At Higher Risk Of Alzheimer’s? Study Unravels
Research published in the Journal Science Advances indicates that prostate cancer treatment may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in men.
Scientists were actively exploring the origins of Alzheimer’s disease in men with prostate cancer to determine whether it is primarily caused by the standard hormone therapy treatments they receive or by an overactive immune response.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a form of hormone treatment for cancer, works by lowering testosterone levels, which are essential for cancer growth. However, since androgens play a crucial role in regulating amyloid metabolism, their reduction can lead to an accumulation of amyloid, contributing to the formation of plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research team hypothesized that an overactive immune response and resulting inflammation might be contributing factors. To investigate further, they created an animal model that combined Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, administering androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for eight weeks while tracking androgen levels and tumour size.
They also developed additional models: a wild type (without Alzheimer’s or cancer), a group with only Alzheimer’s, and another group with only cancer that underwent androgen deprivation therapy. This approach helped the team better understand the complex interactions between these conditions. Additionally, they frequently analyzed blood samples for immune markers to monitor changes.
Researchers found an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, small proteins that trigger an increase in inflammation throughout the body, and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines, particularly in the animals with Alzheimer’s and cancer that received ADT.
To intervene and stop the immune cell infiltration, researchers choose the drug Natalizumab for the management. Treating mice with both cancer and Alzheimer’s disease using a combination of ADT and natalizumab not only decreased immune cell infiltration but also enhanced the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
Reference: Chao Zhang et al.,Androgen deprivation therapy exacerbates Alzheimer’s-associated cognitive decline via increased brain immune cell infiltration.Sci. Adv.10,eadn8709(2024).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adn8709
Women with Endometriosis face 20% greater Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes: ESC Congress 2024
Women with endometriosis have a 20% greater risk of significant cardiac outcomes compared with women without endometriosis, the results of a recent Danish study has pointed out.
The study results presented at the ESC Congress 2024 have heightened concerns for women with endometriosis. Endometriosis, a chronic systemic gynaecological condition affecting 10% of women of reproductive age, exhibits pathophysiological traits similar to those of cardiovascular disease.
The study used Danish nationwide registries of all women with a diagnosis of endometriosis between 1977 and 2021. They were matched with women from the background population without endometriosis in a 1:4 ratio based on year of birth. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. The secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome, as well as arrhythmias, heart failure and mortality.
There were 60,508 women with endometriosis and 242,032 matched controls included in the analysis (median age, 37.3 years) who were followed for a median of 16 years and a maximum of 45 years.
At the end of the study, it was found that Women with endometriosis had around a 20% increased risk of the composite endpoint of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke compared with those without endometriosis.
Scientists concluded that the high prevalence of endometriosis highlights the significance of these findings and stresses the need for a deeper understanding and better prevention of its long-term cardiovascular effects.
Reference: The abstract “Endometriosis, a prevalent disease, is associated with significant cardiac disease” will be presented at the session ‘Cardiovascular disease in women (5)’, which takes place on 2 September 2024, Station 6 in the Research Gateway.
Study Identifies Key Markers In Pancreatic Cancer Progression
Research published in the journal Cell Systems has identified novel molecular and cellular markers in the development of one of the most aggressive, deadly pancreatic cancers: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma arises from precancerous lesions in the pancreas. One of these lesion types, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs), can appear in the pancreas years before they progress to invasive cancer. Because pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias are so small, they cannot be detected by conventional clinical imaging tests.
By employing spatial transcriptomics a method for measuring and mapping gene expression within tissue sections the researchers created a three-part analysis pipeline to track changes in gene expression across samples from nine patients, including 14 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias and five rare, high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias. They developed machine learning tools for imaging analysis (CODA) and for integrating these findings with single-cell datasets from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, using innovative multi-omics integration methods such as CoGAPS (coordinated gene activity in pattern sets) and project R. The researchers have made their data and code publicly available to assist others in further exploring pancreatic cancer.
The results of their work provide new insights into the gene expression and spatial distribution of different types of cells in the precancerous environment around PanINs. These cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts CAFs.
Scientists also observed a shift from CAF-associated inflammatory signalling to increased cellular proliferation as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia progressed.
The three-way analysis revealed that some key features of pancreatic cancer were present in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias.
Reference: Bell, A. T. F., Mitchell, J. T., Kiemen, A. L., Lyman, M., Fujikura, K., Lee, J. W., Coyne, E., Shin, S. M., Nagaraj, S., Deshpande, A., Wu, P.-H., Sidiropoulos, D. N., Erbe, R., Stern, J., Chan, R., Williams, S., Chell, J. M., Ciotti, L., Zimmerman, J. W., Wirtz, D., Ho, W. J., Zaidi, N., Thompson, E., Jaffee, E. M., Wood, L. D., & Fertig, E. J. (2024). PanIN and CAF transitions in pancreatic carcinogenesis revealed with spatial data integration. Cell Systems. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cels.2024.07.001
Incidences of Brain-Eating Amoeba: Kerala to Conduct Research
Recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported in Kerala. In response, Health Minister Veena George has announced that the state will initiate research on amoebic encephalitis and develop an action plan to address the issue.
According to a PTI report, the Kerala Health Department organized a technical workshop as the first step, featuring participation from experts both within the state and from institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Association of Virology (IAV), Pondicherry EV Institute, Indian Institute of Science, and the Pollution Control Board.
Health Minister Veena George inaugurated the workshop, announcing that Kerala will embark on research into amoebic meningoencephalitis.
“This will be the first such effort at the global level. When a cluster was formed in Thiruvananthapuram, we were able to detect the first case and subsequently identify other infected individuals. All of them are recovering,” the minister said.
Health Minister Veena George said the Health Department has decided to find out why cases are increasing in the state.
“Based on this, we have decided to launch research activities in collaboration with expert organisations like Indian Council of Medical Research and the Indian Institute of Science,” the minister said, news agency PTI reported.
In an official statement, the Health Department noted that workshop participants commended Kerala’s efforts. According to their assessment, the state’s proactive measures successfully identified rare diseases such as amoebic meningoencephalitis at an early stage, helping to save some individuals from a condition with a 97 per cent mortality rate.
The team expressed full support for Kerala’s initiatives to combat amoebic meningoencephalitis. Globally, only 11 people have recovered from this illness, and in 2024, Kerala reported 19 cases, including five fatalities.
“Kerala has managed to increase the recovery rate. So far, four people in the state have recovered. All those who contracted the disease in Kerala had contact with contaminated water, either directly or indirectly,” the Minister said.
To determine why only some people who used the same water source contracted the disease, a case-control study will be conducted with the help of Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Epidemiology, it said.

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