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HC relief: Doctor accused of abetting former fiance’s suicide over alleged dowry demand allowed to rejoin MS Orthopaedics course

Ernakulam: Thiruvananthapuram-based doctor, who was booked last year for abetting the suicide of his former fiance by backing out of their marriage demanding exorbitant dowry, has been granted interim relief from the Kerala High Court, which has now allowed him to re-join his postgraduate medical course in MS Orthopaedics.

After his former fiance, a PG surgery medico, committed suicide, the doctor had been booked under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for Abetment of Suicide and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961.

The doctor, who was pursuing his MS Orthopaedics course, also got suspended from the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. While considering his plea, the Court noted that even though the charges against him were serious, the charges had not been proven yet. Therefore, keeping him away from studies would result in irreversible damage.

“Taking into account the fact that the petitioner is only an accused in a crime, of course, the charges are serious, and that he had obtained admission on merit for the Post Graduate course, keeping him away from studies pending the enquiry or trial would place him in such a situation where the damage would become irreversible in case, the charges are not proved,” the Court mentioned in the order.

Also Read: PG Surgery Student at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College commits suicide, was under stress allegedly due to dowry demand

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the death of the 26-year-old young doctor, who was pursuing her postgraduate medical studies at the surgery department of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The PG medico committed suicide by injecting a heavy dose of anaesthesia into her body.

The relatives of the deceased doctor claimed that the medico possibly committed suicide because her marriage was on hold. It was alleged that the former fiance of the PG medico had demanded a huge dowry for the marriage.

The relatives alleged that the groom’s family demanded Rs 50 lakhs, 50 sovereigns of gold and a car as dowry. Despite having financial difficulties since their father passed away a few months ago, the doctor’s family accepted the request. However, as per the statements of the relatives, the matter became twisted when the groom’s family started demanding more money and an expensive car and later backed out from the marriage after the doctor’s family cited their inability to provide the dowry.

Based on their statements, the accused, who is also a postgraduate doctor in the College, was taken into custody from Karunagappally. Earlier the State Health Department had suspended the accused doctor.

The Court noted that the petitioner had a relationship with the deceased doctor, who was also a PG medical student in the same Medical College and committed suicide on 04.12.2023. Thereafter, the accused doctor was arrested on 07.12.2023 and was released on bail by Court order dated 22.12.2023. Taking note of the arrest, the petitioner was suspended from the college.

While considering the doctor’s plea to allow him to continue his Postgraduate studies, the Court passed an interim order on 09.02.2024 directing the authorities to decide the request of the petitioner to revoke the suspension within two weeks.

Consequently, orders were passed on 02.03.2024 by the authorities, rejecting the petitioner’s request. While considering the request, the minutes of a committee meeting held on 21.2.2024 were also adverted to in which the Director of Medical Education had opined that the petitioner can be retained in college for a period of three months and a review can be done after that period, and if local issues are not solved within the said time frame, suspension period can be issued again. However, the Committee decided not to revoke the suspension order.

Taking note of these developments, the Court noted that considering the fact that the petitioner doctor was only an accused in a crime and that he had obtained admission on merit for the Post Graduate course,

“…keeping him away from studies pending the enquiry or trial would place him in such a situation where the damage would become irreversible in case, the charges are not proved.”

Meanwhile, the counsel for the Health University also submitted that the petitioner will not be allowed to appear for the examination if he does not have sufficient attendance required under the regulations.

Noting that it is trite that even convicts have certain fundamental rights despite being found guilty and also the fact that there is a presumption of innocence as far as an accused is concerned, the Court granted relief to the doctor.

“Taking into account the merit of the petitioner and the fact that irreversible loss will be caused if he is not allowed to continue his studies, by way of an interim order, I direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to re-join for the course forthwith by staying the operation of Ext.P1 and all the further proceedings including order dated 2.3.2024. …. The respondents will take such measures to avert any untoward incident in the college on account of the petitioner rejoining the course,” read the Court order.

To read the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kerala-hc-order-dowry-234406.pdf

Also Read: PG Medico Suicide due to alleged dowry demand: Former Fiance, a Thiruvananthapuram Doctor, Arrested

PGI Chandigarh launches endocrine, breast surgery clinic

Chandigarh: In a move aimed at addressing the increasing cases of endocrine and breast disorders, The Department of General Surgery at the Post Graduate Institue of Medical Education and Research (PGI Chandigarh), unveiled its state-of-the-art endocrine and breast surgery clinic on Friday.

The inauguration, led by PGI Director Vivek Lal, introduced a clinic tailored specifically to address endocrine and breast-related ailments. Scheduled twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, the clinic aims to cater to the growing need for specialized treatment in areas such as thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, neuroendocrine, and breast disorders.

Also Read:PGI’s Dean Appointment: CAT stays Health Ministry order of joining of Dr Surjit Singh

The registration timings for the clinic will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The clinic is in response to the increasing demand for specialised treatment related to thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, neuroendocrine and breast.

This initiative not only addresses the demand for specialized care but also extends services to patients dealing with diabetic foot conditions.

As per a media report in the HT, Dr Sanjay Bhadada, head of the department of endocrinology; Dr Rakesh Kapoor, department of radiotherapy and faculty from departments of general surgery, nuclear medicine, pathology, biochemistry, radiodiagnosis and hospital administration were also present.

Also Read:PGI Chandigarh starts yoga sessions for patients, caregivers at OPD

Divya Dahiya, head of General Surgery, said, “With the introduction of the clinic, patients will have access to all the necessary facilities under one roof, saving them the hassle of rushing from one place to another”, reports IANS.

By consolidating resources and expertise, the clinic aims to offer comprehensive and efficient treatment options, enhancing patient care and experience.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that in a groundbreaking development at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI Chandigarh), a novel skeleton traction pin has been patented, promising a less painful recovery for accident victims with long-bone fractures.

Medical Bulletin 16/ March/ 2024

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Intense light and time therapy can boost heart health, says study

According to a new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, managing circadian rhythms through intense light and chronologically timed therapy can help prevent or treat a variety of circulatory system conditions including heart disease.

The findings of the study was published in the Journal Circulation Research.

“The impact of circadian rhythms on cardiovascular function and disease development is well established,” said the study’s lead author Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “However, translational preclinical studies targeting the heart’s circadian biology are just now emerging and are leading to the development of a novel field of medicine termed circadian medicine.”

The study reviewed current circadian medicine research, focusing on the use of intense light therapy following surgery, utilizing light to treat cardiac injury, exploring how cardiovascular disease can differ between men and women and administering drugs at specific times of day to coincide with the body’s internal clock to speed healing.

The results showed that when light therapy was used on patients after surgery positive results were observed, including lower levels of troponin, a key protein whose elevation can signal a heart attack or stroke.

The findings indicated that circadian rhythms influence cardiovascular function, with blood pressure and heart rates peaking during the day and dropping at night. Any disruption can worsen heart conditions and could lead to worse cardiovascular disease outcomes including myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Therefore, intense light therapy is used for post-surgery recovery and for guarding against injury, hence, reducing cardiac issues. Light exposure also triggers brain signals that regulate rhythms, stabilizing genes and blocking irregular heart rhythms.

“Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular health, influencing the timing of onset and severity of cardiovascular events and contributing to the healing process from disease. Studies in humans are clearly required. Regarding intense light therapy, chronotherapy and restricted feeding are low-risk strategies that should be tested sooner than later.” concluded Eckle.

Reference: Eng H. Lo, Frank M. Faraci. Circadian Mechanisms in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease. Journal: Circulation Research, 2024; 134 (6): 615 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.324462

COVID-19 vaccinations may prepare immune cells for future variant encounters

In a study published in the Journal Immunity, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that the antibody responses to new SARS-CoV-2 variant infections and vaccinations are powerfully shaped by prior exposures to earlier SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

The researchers analyzed antibody responses in people infected with or vaccinated against the relatively new SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.5 and XBB and found that even though BA.5 and XBB are very different from the original “ancestral” version of SARS-CoV-2, the responses to these newer variants came almost entirely from the B cell repertoire that was already in place due to prior vaccinations against the ancestral strain.

“Detailing how SARS-CoV-2 immune history influences the antibody response to new variants, through studies such as this one, will ultimately help us design more effective vaccines,” said study co-senior author Scott Hensley, PhD, a professor of Microbiology at Penn Medicine.

The study investigated how prior exposure influences antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.5 and XBB, both highly transmissible and differing significantly from the original virus. Boosters targeting these variants were introduced in 2022 and 2023.

“Prior vaccinations are highly beneficial for establishing memory B cells that can be rapidly recruited to produce neutralizing antibodies against new SARS-CoV-2 variants,” said Hensley.

Researchers found that individuals who initially had lower numbers of B cells elicited by the ancestral variant were more likely to produce totally new, variant-specific antibodies. More importantly, people who had high numbers of B cells against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain were more likely to mount effective immune responses, which were mostly cross-reactive, to the BA.5 and XBB variants.

The main implication of the findings was that immunological imprinting from the original ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain had a significant impact on the antibody responses to the BA.5 and XBB variants and boosters based on them. These responses still appear to be protective, but it is unclear that that protection will remain robust as SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to evolve.

“Most people alive today have been immunologically imprinted by ancestral SARS-CoV-2, but that will inevitably change as time goes on. We need to continue studying how different prior exposures impact immunity to new variants that come down the road, and how this immunity affects viral evolution.” concluded Hensley.

Reference: Timothy S. Johnston, Shuk Hang Li, Mark M. Painter, Daniel C. Douek, E. John Wherry, Scott E. Hensley; Journal: Immunity; DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.017

Healthy diet associated with slower ageing and decreased risk of dementia, finds study

According to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and The Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, a healthier diet is associated with reduced dementia risk and slower pace of

The study was published in the Journal Annals of Neurology.

Nutrient-rich foods provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. Additionally, a balanced diet supports brain health by reducing inflammation, promoting proper blood flow, and supplying essential nutrients that aid cognitive function and neuronal repair.

“Much attention to nutrition in dementia research focuses on the way specific nutrients affect the brain” said Daniel Belsky, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology at Columbia School of Public Health and the Columbia Aging Center, and a senior author of the study. “We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia by slowing down the body’s overall pace of biological aging.”

For the study, researchers analyzed 1,644 participants for nine examinations, approximately every 4 to 7 years. At each follow-up visit, data collection included a physical examination, lifestyle-related questionnaires, blood sampling, and neurocognitive testing.

Of all the participants included in the analyses, 140 of the participants developed dementia. To measure the pace of aging, the researchers used an epigenetic clock called Dunedin-PACE developed at Duke University and the University of Otago.

“We have some strong evidence that a healthy diet can protect against dementia,” said Yian Gu, PhD, associate professor of Neurological Sciences at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the other senior author of the study, “But the mechanism of this protection is not well understood.” Past research linked both diet and dementia risk to an accelerated pace of biological aging.

The findings suggested that slower pace of aging mediated part of the relationship of healthy diet with reduced dementia risk, and therefore, monitoring pace of aging may inform dementia prevention. However, a portion of the diet-dementia association remains unexplained, therefore continued investigation of brain-specific mechanisms is in well-designed mediation studies is needed.

“We suggest that additional observational studies be conducted to investigate direct associations of nutrients with brain aging, and if our observations are also confirmed in more diverse populations, monitoring biological aging, may indeed, inform dementia prevention,” said Belsky.

Reference: Aline Thomas PhD, Calen P. Ryan PhD, Avshalom Caspi PhD, Zhonghua Liu PhD, Terrie E. Moffitt PhD, Karen Sugden PhD, Jiayi Zhou MPH, Daniel W. Belsky PhD, Yian Gu MD, PhD; Journal: Annals of Neurology; DOI: 10.1002/ana.26900

Biocon CFO Indranil Sen Resigns

Bangalore- Indranil Sen, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bengaluru-based Indian biopharmaceutical company Biocon, has resigned from his post effective from March 16, 2024.

Indranil obtained his Chartered Accountant qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi.

He joined Biocon 2014, after which he held various positions in the finance department. Mr Sen was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in April 2021 after Anupam Jindal stepped down from the post of CFO.

Indranil possesses more than two decades of extensive expertise in financial planning, treasury management, taxation, and financial reporting. His professional journey commenced in statutory audit, where he contributed to renowned firms such as B S R & Co. (the Indian division of KPMG) in Kolkata and S R Batliboi & Co. (the Indian branch of Ernst & Young) in Bengaluru.

Before joining Biocon, he held the position of Director of Finance at Symphony Teleca, a well-known multinational IT corporation headquartered in the United States.

Lupin gets USFDA nod to market a generic drug to treat bacterial infections

Drug maker Lupin said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic medication to treat bacterial infections, in America.

The company has received approval from the USFDA for Doxycycline for Injection USP, the Mumbai-based drug maker said in a statement.

The company’s product is the generic equivalent of Pfizer Inc’s Vibramycin for injection, it added.

Also Read:Lupin names Rakesh Bhardwaj as Chief Information Officer

The product will be manufactured at its Nagpur facility, Lupin said.

Doxycycline for Injection USP is indicated to reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

As per the IQVIA MAT January 2024 data, Doxycycline for Injection USP had estimated annual sales of USD 47 million in the US market.

Also Read:Lupin Digital Health CEO Sidharth Srinivasan Explores the Transformative Impact of Digital Therapeutics

No relief: HC Refuses to quash Summon against Max Hospital, Cardiologist on Accusations of Implanting Cheap Pacemaker

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently refused to set aside a summoning order against Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali and its Cardiologist, who were booked for allegedly implanting a cheap pacemaker which ultimately resulted in the death of the patient.

While considering the appeal by the doctor and hospital, who prayed the Court to quash the summoning order, the HC bench comprising Justice Deepak Gupta opined that apart from medical negligence, the matter is more a case of cheating.

“…this Court finds that apart from the case of gross medical negligence, it is more a case of cheating having been committed under a conspiracy by the petitioners,” observed the Court.

The bench noted that despite planning to install a biventricular triple chamber pacemaker, as per the consent given by the relatives of the patient, which was worth around Rs 4.5 lakh, the treating Cardiologist prima facie planted a cheap double chamber pacemaker costing only Rs 45,000.

The matter goes back to 2013 when the complainant’s husband after a routine check-up was advised to opt for pacemaker surgery. He approached Max Speciality Hospital, where the Cardiologist after certain diagnosis, prescribed surgery for implantation of pacemaker in the patient’s heart.

As per the complainant, the doctor advised a bivent pacemaker which cost around Rs 4.5 lakh and the estimate of the entire surgery was given as Rs 5.5 lakhs, including the cost of the pacemaker. Accordingly, the patient was admitted to the hospital.

Allegedly, the surgery was conducted after 3 days without having the actual, requisite and prescribed pacemaker available with the doctor. The treating doctor informed the complainant that the surgery could not be completed as they did not have the 3rd lead of the pacemaker. When questioned why he initiated the surgery without having the proper kit of the pacemaker, the doctor allegedly did not answer and left the patient in that condition without disclosing that he did not have the actual pacemaker.

It was alleged that the doctor implanted a wrong and cheap “Double Champer Pacemaker” against his instructions, even though the patient had paid for the superior pacemaker. Allegedly, it was done by the hospital and the doctor to make some extra money. The concerned “Double Chamber Pacemaker” allegedly cost Rs 45,000.

Further, the complainant alleged that to hide his deceitful act, the doctor claimed that he did not have the 3rd wire and would complete the surgery the next day. Meanwhile, the patient’s condition started deteriorating. Two days after the first surgery, the doctor conducted another surgery in the garb of inserting 3rd wire and this time implanted the actual pacemaker, alleged the complainant.

As per the complaint, this second surgery was conducted by the doctor not to save the patient or to complete the treatment but to replace the cheap pacemaker with the actual one, so that even if the patient died, the doctor’s act would not be revealed by the postmortem or any other way and he would be able to escape the liability.

Unable to take the burden of two back to back surgeries in just 2 days, the patient’s condition deteriorated. Two days after his discharge, his pain became severe and unbearable and even though he was brought back to the hospital, he could not survive and died in the hospital.

After the postmortem examination, the pacemaker was confiscated by the police, but neither any investigation was conducted nor any FIR was registered by the Police. Thereafter, the complainant approached the Jurisdictional Magistrate to summon and prosecute the accused.

Following this, the ld. CJM, Mohali perused the preliminary evidence and issued an order dated 8.12.2014 observing that there was a clear-cut case of medical negligence made out against the doctor and the hospital as there were sufficient grounds to believe that the hospital and doctor were guilty of medical negligence, conspiracy and cheating. Holding that they had committed offences under Section 304A, 120B, and 420 IPC, they were directed to be summoned to face trial.

Thereafter, the doctor and the hospital approached the HC bench seeking quashing of the summoning order dated 8.12.2014. They submitted that the patient had pre-existing severe heart problem i.e. severe Coronary Artery Disease and Triple Vessel Disease, for which he had already undergone bypass surgery at the age of 27 years at AIIMS.

It was further submitted that the patient and his relatives were given the option of AICD with triple chamber pacemaker. However, since the cost of the device was more, which the patient could not afford, so the second best option of biventricular pacemaker was given. Allegedly, the complainant and other relatives gave consent for the triple chamber pacemaker only on the evening of 19.09.2023.

They claimed that they decided to implant the biventricular pacemaker only after taking the consent from the complainant and the patient’s brother and informing them about the advantages/disadvantages of the procedure.

The doctor and the hospital further submitted that the procedure of implantation of the biventricular pacemaker was done in two stages- two of the three leads of the biventricular pacemaker were implanted in the first stage and the 3rd lead and the pacemaker was implanted in the 2nd stage. This was allegedly done to give adequate rest to the patient, who already had severe heart problem.

It was specifically contended that they implanted only one pacemaker i.e. biventricular pacemaker (triple chamber pacemaker), though in two stages and that they never implanted two pacemakers on the patient as is alleged by the complainant. Referring to the snapshots of the recording of the operation theatre, the doctor and the hospital contended that they impanted only two leads on the first day and the third lead and pacemaker were implanted after two days.

While considering the case, the HC bench took note of the submissions and also examined the medical records. Referring to the X-ray reports conducted after the first surgery, the bench noted, “In case the pacemaker was engrafted in the body of the patient … on 22.09.2013 as per the stand of the petitioners, it is not explained that how the X-ray conducted on 20.09.2013 is reflecting the ECPM with wires i.e. installation of the conventional pacemaker.”

The bench observed that the petitioners’ (Max Hospital) stand was contradicted even by the Hospital records. The In-Patient Record-Nursing Progress Notes after the first surgery mentioned, “Special instructions to handover staff: Patient CRT done………..”

Referring to this, the bench observed, “The above said record of the hospital would prima-facie indicate that pacemaker had been installed on 20.09.2013, as is being contended by respondent No.2-complainant. In case, pacemaker was not implanted on 20.09.2013 and rather, it was implanted on 22.09.2013 as is contended by the petitioners, how their own hospital record (Annexure P2/4) reflects that CRT was done on 20.09.2013.”

The bench noted that the stand of the doctor and the hospital claiming that double chamber pacemaker was never installed and it is only the biventricular pacemaker, which was implanted in the patient’s body, was contradicted by the bill issued by the Hospital also.

“In view of all the aforesaid facts and circumstances, this Court finds that apart from the case of gross medical negligence, it is more a case of cheating having been committed under a conspiracy by the petitioners. Petitioner No.2 Dr. *** prima facie, despite planning to install as biventricular triple chamber pacemaker as per the consent given by the relatives of the patient, which costed roughly `4.5 lakh, instead planted a cheap double chamber pacemaker on 20.09.2013 costing only `45,000/- and when the patient developed problems or as the said pacemaker was not fitted properly, then implanted the triple chamber pacemaker on 22.09.2013,” opined the bench.

“In order to conceal the said mischief, stand is taken that only triple chamber pacemaker was implanted, but in two stages and that in the first stage, only two leads were engrafted and in the second stage, third lead and pacemaker were implanted. The said stand is prima facie found to be incorrect in view of the various documents of the hospital itself,” it further observed.

The High Court bench reiterated that the Court should not interfere with the summoning order or the order charge sheeting in a petition quashing the complaint unless there are strong reasons to hold that in the interest of justice and to avoid abuse of process of the Court, the complaint or charge framed against the accused should be quashed. Quashing should be done only in exceptional cases, opined the bench.

Therefore, dismissing the plea seeking to quash the summoning order, the bench ordered,

“…this Court finds that there is sufficient material to hold that petitioner should face the prosecution. No fault can be found with the impugned summoning order. The hospital record, as placed on record by the respondent-complainant prima facie demonstrate the sufficient material to proceed with the complaint against the petitioners, even in the absence of any opinion of the medical expert, as it has already been observed by this Court that more than a case of gross medical negligence, it is a case of cheating having been committed by the petitioners in conspiracy with each other.”

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/punjab-haryana-hc-234371.pdf

Also Read: Medical Council report on medical negligence not above order of Consumer court, Supreme Court upholds Rs 9 Lakh compensation on Ophthalmologist

In Veil, IAS Officer inspects Firozabad Health Centre; Finds Expired Medicines

In a move aimed at addressing the grievances of the patients, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer conducted a surprise inspection at a government health centre in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Donning a veil and posing as a patient, the officer, identified as Kriti Raj, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the area inspected the operations of the health facility.

For more information click on the link below:

With Face Covered, IAS Officer Inspects UP’s Firozabad Health Centre; Finds Expired Medicines

NEET 2024: NTA revises Tie-breaking criteria

New Delhi: Scrapping computerized draw procedure for deciding the rank of joint scorers in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exam, which was introduced earlier this year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has once again opted for its old policy.

The revised Information Bulletin for the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which was uploaded by NTA on its website, specified that NTA will allot ranks to joint scorers based on their performance – the proportion of incorrect and correct answers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

When two or more candidates secure the same score in the NEET exam, their ranks are decided in compliance with the tie-breaking policy. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that NTA released the application forms for NEET UG 2024 on February 9, 2024.

Back then, NTA released an Information Bulletin and modified the tie-breaking policy for this year. Introducing lucky draw by computer or IT, the tie-breaking policy released by NTA mentioned that in case two or more candidates obtain equal marks, higher ranks will be given to candidates who obtain higher ranks in Biology, followed by marks in Chemistry, followed by higher marks in Physics, and lastly by draw of lots using computer.

The tie-breaking policy, which was introduced by NTA earlier this year stated- “The inter-se-merit of candidates for tie-breaking In case of two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scores in the NEET (UG) – 2024, the inter-se-merit shall be determined as follows:

a. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,

b. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,

c. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Physics in the Test, followed by,

d. Draw of lots by using the computer or IT with no human intervention.”

This was a modification when compared to the tie-breaking policy for NEET-UG 2023 when apart from the first three criteria, a comparison of the proportion of correct responses in each of the three subjects was also considered.

Also Read: NEET 2024: Know all key Changes introduced this year

However, NMC has decided to go back to its old method of breaking a tie between the same scorers. As per the revised brochure, which has been uploaded on the NTA portal, after prioritizing the marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, the proportion of incorrect and correct answers attempted in all shall be considered for breaking the tie, followed by the proportion in the individual subjects.

“In case of two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scoresin the NEET (UG) – 2024, the inter-se-merit shall be determined as follows:

a. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in theTest, followed by,

b. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,

c. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,

d. Candidate with less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,

e. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by

f. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by

g. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test, followed by”

NTA followed the same rules for breaking the tie between same scores in the case of NEET UG 2023 as well. However, up until 2021, the age of the student used to be also considered as a tie-breaker criterion after the scores secured by the candidates in individual subjects and the proportion of negative marking. Back then, the older students used to get advantages to secure higher ranks.

In fact, this age factor was taken into consideration while announcing the topper of NEET 2020 as well. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in 2020 two candidates who had secured full marks in the medical entrance exam were Shoyeb Aftab from Odisha and Akanksha Singh from Uttar Pradesh.

However, NTA eliminated this age factor in 2021 and the Information Bulletin 2021 mentioned that higher ranks will be given to same scorers if they obtain higher marks in Biology, followed by marks in Chemistry, followed by less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the test.

Also Read: NEET-2021: Tie-breaking criteria changed, Details

Alleged Violation of Nursing Home Act: Metro Hospital Pune gets show cause notice

Pune: In a stern move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served a show cause notice to Metro Hospital, located in Wagholi, citing alleged irregularities and violations of the Nursing Home Act.

According to PMC officials, the notice dated March 12th was issued following a surprise visit and inspection that detected multiple inconsistencies. The hospital has been directed to rectify these inconsistencies by March 31, failing which it will face charges and be forced to shut down operations from April 1.

Also Read:Major General Giriraj Singh becomes new dean of AFMC Pune

The PMC’s health officials have initiated a comprehensive inspection drive across hospitals in the recently formed 34 villages within the civic jurisdiction. During the scrutiny of healthcare facilities in the Wagholi and Kesnand areas, Metro Hospital came under the radar for operating despite several irregularities.

Among the glaring deficiencies observed during the inspection were the hospital’s failure to adhere to fire safety protocols and pollution control measures. Furthermore, it was noted that Metro Hospital had neglected to comply with the Biomedical Waste Rule of 2016, reports the Hindustan Times. Additionally, the number of beds in both the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and general ward exceeded the approved limits. The absence of a grievance record book, the non-appointment of a grievance redressal officer, and the lack of transparency in displaying treatment tariffs were among the numerous problems unearthed during the evaluation, officials revealed.

Dr Bhagwan Pawar, the health officer of PMC, confirmed that the hospital’s operations were scrutinized for compliance with the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act of 1949 and Regulations of 2021, leading to the identification of irregularities. “The hospital has a nursing home license which is due for renewal. The rural authorities have given the nursing home license to the hospital but we won’t give them license renewal without compliance. In case of failure they should stop functioning from next month,” he said.

In response, Dr Mahesh Solanki, the director of Metro Hospital, acknowledged the hospital’s transition from rural to PMC jurisdiction, citing this shift as a contributing factor to the identified discrepancies, reports The Daily. “We have the nursing license and compliance as per the old local body. However, as per the recommendation of PMC, the compliance will be done by us. The same report will be submitted to the PMC,” he said.

Also Read: IMA Pune demands streamlined, spot-on license renewal process for healthcare establishments, writes to PMC

Digestive problems in ‘long COVID’ linked to psychological trauma, according research

Many people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 when the virus arrived in spring 2020 experienced a high rate of gastrointestinal problems and psychological trauma more than a year later, according to a recently published study led in Oklahoma by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. The research highlights the powerful relationship between the intestines and the brain, as well as a continued understanding of “long COVID” symptoms.