Yoga and Meditation Boosts Quality of Life for Hemodialysis Patients: Study Reveals

India: Recent research highlights the significant benefits of yoga and meditation in improving the quality of life (QoL) for patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study, published in the Indian Journal of Nephrology, emphasizes the positive effects of specific practices such as breathwork, pranayama, and various forms of mindful meditation on multiple dimensions of QoL among individuals facing chronic illnesses. 

The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease presents significant challenges for both healthcare systems and the economy. For patients facing kidney failure, hemodialysis becomes the only option until a suitable donor is found, which notably affects their overall quality of life.

Patients receiving hemodialysis often experience a range of physical and emotional difficulties, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Traditional treatments have primarily focused on medical interventions, but complementary practices like yoga and meditation are gaining recognition for their potential to improve overall well-being.

Against the above background, Arpitaben Jashbhai Parekh and Anita Prakasam from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, aimed to assess the impact of yoga and meditation on the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted an experimental study using a one-group pretest-posttest design involving 100 participants at Muljibhai Patel Urology Hospital in Nadiad. Pretests were administered on the first day, followed by a 12-week program of yoga and meditation, after which a post-test was conducted. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-20 software, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.

The study population was predominantly male (75%) and included individuals aged 49 or older (55%). Most participants identified as Hindu (55%), were married (70%), and lived in joint families (76%). A significant portion had completed primary-secondary education (45%), and 44% were employed. Family income showed that 34% earned over Rs. 30,000 per month, with a nearly equal representation from rural (52%) and urban (48%) areas. Many participants had been ill for over three years (39%) and underwent three hemodialysis sessions weekly (93%).

Based on the study, the researchers revealed the following findings:

  • The intervention resulted in significant improvements in quality of life (QoL).
  • Participants showed notable mean differences across various domains: general health improved by 5.4, physical health by 14.3, psychological health by 14.2, social relationships by 7.5, and environmental health by 6.1.
  • The QoL scores increased dramatically from a pre-test mean of 51.57 to a post-test mean of 109.4, yielding a mean difference of 57.760.
  • The ‘t’ test value was 65.070, with a p-value of less than 0.0001, indicating highly significant results.

In conclusion, the authors highlight the beneficial effects of yoga and meditation on various aspects of quality of life (QoL) for individuals with chronic illnesses undergoing hemodialysis.

Techniques such as pranayama, anulom vilom (alternate nostril meditation), bhramari, kapalbhati, and mindful meditation—including mindful eating and drinking—have shown significant positive impacts. They emphasize the importance of implementing targeted, long-term interventions tailored to the specific needs of hemodialysis patients to further enhance their QoL across different domains.

Reference:

Parekh AJ, Prakasam A. Effectiveness of Yoga and Meditation on Quality of Life Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis. Indian J Nephrol. 2024;34:533-6. doi: 10.25259/IJN_98_2024

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Use of checklists and educational interventions may improve preparedness for emergency cesarean sections: Study

The cesarean section (CS) is the most frequently performed obstetric surgery globally. Emergency CS procedures have higher rates of illness and death compared to planned elective CS procedures. The World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery Checklist has substantially decreased mortality and underlines the importance of cognitive tools, such as checklists, for evaluating healthcare providers and training residents during emergency situations. Recent research paper focuses on the assessment of preparedness for emergency cesarean sections (CS) using a checklist and an educational intervention as a quality improvement study. The study was conducted in an emergency operating room complex in a hospital in India. The research aimed to assess the preparedness for emergency CS by utilizing a checklist and educational intervention. Approval from the institutional ethics committee was obtained in May 2020.

Methods and Results

The study began with baseline data collection where 65 emergency CS cases were assessed using a 22-action checklist. The mean percentage of completed actions in the baseline period was found to be 78.80%. Following this, educational intervention sessions were conducted for residents of obstetrics and anesthesiology, as well as nursing officers, to emphasize the importance of each step in the checklist. Post-intervention assessment showed an increase in the overall percentage of completed actions to 92.48%. The results indicated that the educational intervention resulted in improved preparedness for emergency CS, as reflected in the positive attitude of the residents towards patient care.

Observations and Deficiencies

The study observed various parameters, including decision-to-delivery time, incidence of intraoperative hypotension, conversion rate from spinal to general anesthesia, and neonatal Apgar scores. The authors also identified deficiencies in their practice through the educational intervention. However, it was noted that the availability of airway adjuncts remained low even after the intervention. The research paper emphasizes the importance of cognitive aids like checklists for the quality improvement of healthcare systems. It also highlights the need for tailored checklists and ongoing improvement cycles. The study did not assess the actual effect of the checklist on patient outcomes and emphasizes that further improvement and multiple improvement cycles would be necessary. Overall, the paper provides valuable insights into the use of checklists and educational interventions for improving the preparedness for emergency cesarean sections and highlights the need for continued quality improvement efforts in healthcare settings.

Key Points

– The study focused on assessing the preparedness for emergency cesarean sections (CS) using a checklist and an educational intervention as a quality improvement study in an emergency operating room complex in a hospital in India.

– Baseline data collection involved assessing 65 emergency CS cases using a 22-action checklist, with the mean percentage of completed actions in the baseline period found to be 78.80%. After educational intervention sessions for residents of obstetrics and anesthesiology, as well as nursing officers, the overall percentage of completed actions increased to 92.48%, indicating improved preparedness for emergency CS.

– Various parameters were observed, including decision-to-delivery time, incidence of intraoperative hypotension, conversion rate from spinal to general anesthesia, and neonatal Apgar scores. Deficiencies in practice were identified through the educational intervention, such as the low availability of airway adjuncts even after the intervention.

– The study emphasizes the importance of cognitive aids like checklists for the quality improvement of healthcare systems and highlights the need for tailored checklists and ongoing improvement cycles. – The research paper did not assess the actual effect of the checklist on patient outcomes and emphasizes that further improvement and multiple improvement cycles would be necessary.

– Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the use of checklists and educational interventions for improving the preparedness for emergency cesarean sections and highlights the need for continued quality improvement efforts in healthcare settings.

Reference –

Sherin S, Kuberan A, Gupta A, Balasubramanian M, Rudingwa P. Assessment of preparedness for emergency cesarean section by utilizing a checklist before and after an educational intervention: A quality improvement study. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol 2024;40:530-4.

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Psilocybin as good as SSRI for depression and improving psychosocial functioning: Study

A direct comparison between the experimental psychedelic drug psilocybin and a standard SSRI antidepressant shows similar improvement of depressive symptoms, but that psilocybin offers additional longer-term benefits.

The comparison, between psilocybin (the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms”) and the SSRI escitalopram gave similar long-term improvements in depressive symptoms over a 6-month period, however patients taking psilocybin also reported better psychosocial functioning including experiencing a greater sense of meaning in life and psychological connectedness.

The work is presented for the first time at the ECNP Congress in Milan. A related paper will appear in the peer-reviewed journal Lancet eClinicalMedicine to coincide with the conference presentation. Lead researcher Mr Tommaso Barba (PhD candidate from Imperial College, London) said:

“This is the first work to compare the long-term effects of these two drugs in the context of overall well-being, not just freedom from depression. In previous work we had found that both treatments led to comparable improvements in alleviating symptoms of depression at the 6-week mark, such as sadness and negative emotions. However, this work shows that psilocybin outperformed escitalopram in several measures of well-being, meaning in life, work and social functioning. These results appeared to be maintained over a 6-month follow-up period. In addition, in previous work* we had found that psilocybin also improves sexual drive, in contrast to SSRIs which tend to lower libido in many patients. So overall it seems psilocybin might give additional positive mental health benefits.”

SSRI drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, are one of the main types of drugs used to treat depression. However, around a third of patients don’t respond to SSRI treatment, so for them psilocybin may offer an alternative, although this was not studied in this trial.

Tommaso Barba continued:

“SSRIs work well, but not for everyone. They are also associated with some side effects. However this work implies that psilocybin generally seems to offer a real alternative, and perhaps additional benefits, to people who are worried about taking conventional antidepressants”.

The researchers, from Imperial College in London, undertook a 6-month study (phase 2, double-blind, randomised controlled trial) with 59 patients with moderate to severe depression. 30 were treated with a single dose of psilocybin, 29 patients were given a six-week course of escitalopram. Each group received similar psychological support of around 20 hours in total. Both groups showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, even up to 6 months after treatment (the researchers stopped monitoring at 6 months). However those given psilocybin reported greater improvements in social functioning and psychological connectedness, with large effect sizes.

Co-first author Dr David Erritzoe, Clinical Director and Deputy Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College, London, commented:

“This is important because improving connectedness and having greater meaning in life can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life and long-term mental health. The study suggests that psilocybin therapy might be a more holistic treatment option for depression, addressing both the symptoms of depression and overall well-being. This could make a substantial difference in the overall happiness and daily activities of those suffering from depression, providing a more joined-up approach to mental health treatment”.

The researchers note that the patients were only treated for 6 weeks, and that many of the patients received additional treatments over the 6-month follow up.

Dr Erritzoe cautioned:

“Psilocybin is still an experimental drug; it has not yet been approved for general use. It is administered in highly controlled and protected environments: these precautions are not found in recreational psychedelic use, which is known for having unpredictable and potentially harmful effects, especially for vulnerable people struggling with mental health issues”.

Commenting, Johan Lundberg (Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm) said:

“This report is an important attempt to compare the clinical value of psilocybin compared to a state-of-the-art treatment of major depressive disorder. The results come with several caveats, including the lack of a non-inferiority analysis and failure to report other interventions given during the follow-up period. That said, as a hypothesis generating piece it may benefit the field substantially. For now, we don’t know if psilocybin will be approved for the treatment of major depression, but if so, it won’t be for everyone. Some future patients might prefer psychedelic treatment over SSRI, but some patients may be intimidated by the dramatic alterations in perception and confrontations with challenging emotions that psychedelic drugs promote”.

Reference:

Study shows psychedelic drug psilocybin gives comparable long-term antidepressant effects to standard antidepressants, but may offer additional benefits, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Meeting: 37th ECNP Congress.

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Promising TB therapy safe for patients with HIV, reveals research

A therapy showing promise to help control tuberculosis (TB) does not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), according to research by Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed).

“This is an important hurdle that this host-directed therapy had to clear in order to help patients battling both HIV and TB,” said Texas Biomed Professor Smriti Mehra, Ph.D., who led the study recently published in the peer-reviewed journal JCI Insight.

TB is responsible for more than 1.3 million deaths worldwide every year. Dr. Mehra and her team have been investigating a therapy currently used in cancer as a potential treatment for patients with drug-resistant TB and/or comorbid HIV. While many cases of TB can be controlled with months of antibiotics, the infection can return in people who are immunocompromised as a result of HIV. Now that cART is so effective at controlling HIV, a resurging TB infection can often be deadly to those individuals.

Dr. Mehra is studying a host-directed therapy that blocks or inhibits an immune system protein naturally found in the body. The protein, called IDO (short for Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase), normally suppresses the immune system, preventing it from causing excessive inflammation and organ damage. Inhibiting IDO for short intervals of time has led to more successful cancer treatments. Dr. Mehra’s team has previously shown the same approach improves control of TB in conjunction with antibiotics.

This current study in nonhuman primates with both TB and simian immunodeficiency virus, the nonhuman primate version of HIV, showed the IDO inhibitor does not interfere with cART.

“There was no increase in viral load in animals given cART and the IDO inhibitor, compared with animals only given cART, proving the inhibitor is safe to give to patients with HIV,” Dr. Mehra said.

Now that the researchers have shown the inhibitor works well in conjunction with TB antibiotics and with cART separately, they plan to study how it performs when given in conjunction with both antibiotics and cART together. This treatment regimen is standard for patients with both HIV and active TB. Dr. Mehra said that longer-term studies are also needed to confirm there are no unintended side effects.

The IDO inhibitor is already FDA-approved for use in patients with cancer, which shortens the path to potential approval for patients with TB/HIV when compared with developing a brand-new drug.

Reference:

Bindu Singh, Riti Sharan, Gayathri Ravichandran, Ruby Escobedo, Vinay Shivanna, Edward J. Dick Jr., Shannan Hall-Ursone, Garima Arora, Xavier Alvarez, Dhiraj K. Singh, Deepak Kaushal, and Smriti Mehra, Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase inhibition improves immunity and is safe for concurrent use with cART during Mtb/SIV coinfection,JCI Insight. 2024;9(15):e179317. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.179317.

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Prophylactic parenteral tranexamic acid significantly reduces blood loss during and after caesarean section, reveals study

Prophylactic parenteral tranexamic acid significantly reduces blood loss during and after caesarean section, claims study published in the West African Journal of Medicine.

Haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The prophylactic use of tranexamic acid during vaginal delivery or caesarean section has the potential to reduce blood loss and postpartum anaemia. A study was done to determine the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during and within twenty-four hours after a caesarean section. This was a randomised controlled study of two hundred and eighty-four (284) pregnant women booked for caesarean section at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. The women were randomised into two groups: the intervention group (n = 142) that received intraoperative tranexamic acid with routine post-delivery oxytocin injection and the control group (n =142) that received placebo with routine post-delivery oxytocin. Blood loss was assessed both intra and post-operatively using a standard technique. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (435.9±34 vs. 918±258.7, P=0.036). Similarly, the postoperative blood loss within twenty-four hours of surgery was significantly less in the intervention compared to the control group (232.71±67.4 vs. 717±317.6, P=0.031). The incidences of postoperative anaemia and blood transfusion intra or postoperatively were also significantly less in the intervention group compared to the control group (33.2% vs. 48.6; RR = 0.623; 95% CI = 0.46-0.84; p = 0.002, and 6.3% vs 24.6%: RR = 0.257; 95%CI = 0.13-0.52; P= < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in the incidences of maternal and neonatal complications. The use of prophylactic parenteral tranexamic acid significantly reduces blood loss during and after caesarean section. It is therefore recommended in our obstetric practice as it has the potential to reduce the incidence of postpartum anaemia.

Reference:

Ndubuisi, A V., et al. “Use of Prophylactic Parenteral Tranexamic Acid for Reduction of Blood Loss During and After Caesarean Section: a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.” West African Journal of Medicine, vol. 41, no. 7, 2024, pp. 810-817.

Keywords:

Prophylactic, parenteral, tranexamic acid, significantly, reduces, blood loss, during, after, caesarean, section, claims, study, Ndubuisi, A V.

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Wearing Complete Dentures Impairs Eating-Related Quality of Life: Study Calls for Enhanced Support for Patients

Australia: A recent qualitative study sheds new light on the significant effects of wearing complete dentures, whether in one or both arches, on patients’ eating-related quality of life (ERQoL). The findings revealed the functional limitations and dietary restrictions faced by denture wearers, highlighting the urgent need for improved patient support.

“ERQoL is negatively impacted by using complete dentures due to functional limitations, limited food choices, and the need for adaptive eating behaviors. Enhanced patient support is essential to help individuals with complete dentures manage their dietary needs effectively,” the researchers wrote in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

Wearing complete dentures in one or both arches can significantly affect the enjoyment of eating and overall quality of life compared to having natural teeth. While clinicians often concentrate on ensuring dentures are technically well-made, they may overlook the impact that dentures have on eating-related quality of life, which plays a crucial role in the overall success of the treatment.

In this context, Melissa Chu, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, and colleagues aimed to qualitatively examine ERQoL among Australian adults who wear complete dentures, utilizing a validated questionnaire and conducting focus group discussions.

For this purpose, the researchers recruited 44 complete denture wearers from dental clinics and asked them to complete the self-administered Emotional and Social Issues Related to Eating questionnaire. The responses were categorized according to the six domains of the questionnaire. Additionally, a subsample of 20 participants who completed the questionnaire was invited to join focus groups to further explore and identify emerging themes.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • Twenty-three participants completed the questionnaire.
  • Most participants expressed a decline in enjoyment of eating due to reduced ability to eat, longer chewing times, and the need to frequently clean dentures while eating.
  • Focus groups (n = 2 × 4 participants) indicated educational materials on eating with dentures would increase recognition of eating problems with dentures and reduce trial and error approaches to dealing with these.

In conclusion, the qualitative study has highlighted that wearing complete dentures requires individuals to adopt adaptive eating behaviors. Consequently, there is a need for professional guidance to support healthy eating among denture wearers as a key component of denture management. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to provide the most comprehensive support.

“Structured advice and continuous support are essential for the success of denture treatment and ensuring patient satisfaction,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Chu, M., R. Ibrahim, M. B., Moores, C. J., & Moynihan, P. (2024). The impact of wearing complete denture in one or both arches, on eating-related quality of life and patients’ perceived need for advice to support eating well: Results from a qualitative study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 51(10), 1956-1965. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13775

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New Study Unveils Link Between Excessive Sweating and Sensitive Skin Using AI: Study

Researchers from the George Washington University and Virginia Tech, have uncovered a significant connection between primary hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating, and sensitive skin, where skin overreacts to stimuli like sweat and stress.

The study, led by Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Liqing Zhang from Virginia Tech’s department of computer science in collaboration with the International Hyperhidrosis Society used cutting-edge machine learning models to analyze survey data from more than 600 people suffering from excessive sweating.

“Our study, using machine learning models, confirmed for the first time that someone with primary hyperhidrosis is more likely to have sensitive skin than the general public, even in areas where there is no excessive sweating,” said Friedman. “This could help prepare dermatologists to better partner with their patients, educate, identify and manage sensitive skin in patients suffering from excessive sweating, and highlight shared disease mechanisms which may help facilitate new treatment approaches.”

Primary hyperhidrosis is a disorder where people sweat excessively (four times beyond what is needed for body cooling) in specific areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, face, and underarms, even when not exercising or exposed to high temperatures. Sensitive skin is characterized by a heightened sensitivity to factors like heat, sweat, skincare products, and stress, often leading to discomfort such as itching, burning, and tightness.

The researchers found that people with hyperhidrosis have higher rates of sensitive skin than average, and frequently experience sensitive skin both in the areas where they do and do not sweat excessively, underscoring that sweat isn’t the only cause of sensitive skin.

The study’s authors believe that abnormal nerve signals related to sweating may play a role in the development of sensitive skin, making this connection more complex than previously understood.

According to Friedman, this is the first study to explore sensitive skin among hyperhidrosis sufferers. Additional key findings of the study:

  • The most common form of excessive sweating was found in hands.
  • The more severe the hyperhidrosis, the greater the severity of sensitive skin.
  • More individuals with hyperhidrosis are seeking care from dermatologists than previously reported, highlighting the importance for dermatologists to be aware of this connection.
  • Those respondents with hyperhidrosis and sensitive skin reported frequent sensitivity to products marketed for sensitive skin, highlighting a gap in the options appropriate for this large population.

The study,“Primary Hyperhidrosis and Sensitive Skin: Connecting the Dot” Journal of the Drugs and Dermatologywas published October 1, 2024 in the Journal of the Drugs and Dermatology.

Reference:

Erika T. McCormick, Joung Min Choi, Sara Abdel Azim, Cleo Whiting, Lisa Pieretti, Liqing Zhang, Adam Friedman, Primary Hyperhidrosis and Sensitive Skin: Exploring the Link with Predictive Machine Learning-Based Classification Models, Journal of the Drugs and Dermatology, doi:10.36849/JDD.8461.

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Cefazolin Recommended for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Patients with Penicillin Allergy in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Study

USA: A recent clinical opinion published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology supports cefazolin use as a primary antibiotic for prophylaxis in obstetric and gynecological patients with a history of penicillin allergy, even among those who have experienced anaphylactic reactions. This recommendation marks a significant step in ensuring effective antimicrobial care while addressing patient safety concerns.

“The sole exceptions are patients with a history of severe, life-threatening delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. It is essential to incorporate more referrals for penicillin allergy testing into routine obstetric care and preoperative evaluations,” Karley J. Dutra, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, and colleagues wrote.

Cefazolin is the primary antibiotic used for prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology. However, many patients with a penicillin allergy are prescribed alternative antibiotics due to concerns about potential cross-reactivity with cefazolin. These alternatives can lead to negative outcomes, such as increased risk of surgical site infections, the development of antibiotic resistance, higher healthcare costs, and the potential for Clostridium difficile infections. The authors highlight that this situation has significant negative consequences for the patients under our care. They advocate for ongoing education among obstetrician-gynecologists and the delabeling of penicillin allergies to optimize antimicrobial prophylaxis.

According to the study authors, the differences in R1 side chains between penicillin and cefazolin suggest that cefazolin is safe for use in patients with penicillin allergy, including those who have experienced IgE-mediated reactions such as anaphylaxis. They emphasize that cefazolin should be avoided only in individuals with a history of severe, life-threatening delayed hypersensitivity reactions, which may manifest as severe cutaneous adverse reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, as well as hepatitis, nephritis, serum sickness, and hemolytic anemia in response to penicillin.

Furthermore, the authors point out that more than 90% of individuals with a documented penicillin allergy do not have true allergies as confirmed by skin testing. To address this, they recommend increasing referrals for penicillin allergy testing as part of routine obstetric care and preoperative assessments to improve antibiotic prophylaxis practices. The study authors also stress the need for greater education among healthcare providers regarding penicillin allergy assessments and the potential cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins, aiming to optimize antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology.

This prompted the authors to conclude that cefazolin is suitable for antimicrobial prophylaxis in most patients with a penicillin allergy, even those who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin. The only exceptions are individuals with a history of severe, life-threatening delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

“Increased referral for penicillin allergy testing should be incorporated into our routine obstetric care and preoperative assessment,” they wrote.

Reference:

Dutra, K. J., Lazenby, G. B., Goje, O., & Soper, D. E. (2024). Cefazolin as the mainstay for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with a penicillin allergy in obstetrics and gynecology. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 231(4), 430-436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.03.019

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Katihar Medical College Intern Attacked by Goons- Medicos on Strike Alleging Continous Threats for Last 6 Months

Katihar: An intern doctor at Katihar Medical College, Bihar was recently attacked by the local goons when he, along with two of his classmates, went outside the city on their motorcycles to a car showroom.

On their way back on Tuesday, when they stopped for a tea break, they were attacked by some goons. While two of the intern doctors managed to escape from the spot, one was attacked with a knife behind the ear and near the chin. Later, filing a police complaint, the victim medico identified one of the goons as a nursing student from the same medical college.

Based on the complaint received from the medico, police lodged an FIR in this connection under sections 126(3), 115(2), 118(2), 109/3(5) of BNS and section 27 of the Arms Act. 

Raising the issue, the United Doctors’ Front Association (UDFA) mentioned in an X (formerly Twitter) post urged the authorities for urgent action and demanded immediate justice and protection for all healthcare workers.

The association also alleged that no decisive action has been taken even though the culprits have been identified. UDFA further alleged that this is not an isolated incident as the students and doctors at Katihar Medical College Hospital (KMCH) have been complaining of facing continuous threats over the last 6 months.

“Urgent action needed;An FIR has been filed after a violent attack on an intern doctor at Katihar Medical College, Bihar by local goons. Despite identification of the culprits, no decisive action has been taken yet. This is not an isolated incident — students & doctors have faced continuous threats over the last 6 months; now they are on #strike @udfaindia demands immediate justice and protection for all HCWs. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure the safety of the medical community,” the association mentioned in an X post.

Attack on Intern Doctor: 

As per the police complaint filed by the intern doctor who was attacked on Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old UG medico travelled outside the city along with his two classmates to a car showroom. On their way back, they stopped for a tea break. Following this, when they started their journey to Katihar, some unidentified people came to them on motorcycles. Two of them were wearing helmets and the faces of three were covered. 

When the goons attacked the interns, two of them managed to escape and tried to get help. Meanwhile, one of the goons took his knife out and attacked the victim intern doctor with a knife, injured the left side of his face near the ear and cut his chin also. One of the goons took another weapon out and others told him to attack the intern with the same. Meanwhile, the other two interns brought help and the goons ran away on their bikes. However, on their way back, the goons threatened the interns and said that they would kill the interns if they went back to Katihar.

During the attack, the goons allegedly dropped a mobile phone and from the images in the gallery, the victim identified that the mobile belonged to a nursing student of KMCH. He also identified another person. Police have registered an FIR in this regard. 

KMCH Students Allege Continuous Threats for Last 6 months: 

The attack on the intern doctors came only a day after the students and residents of Boys Hostel 4 complained to the principal of the institute and highlighted their safety concerns.

“We the concerned students of Boys Hostel-4 (BH-4) wish to bring to the attention of the college authorities, law enforcement agencies, several disturbing incidents that have taken place jeopardizing our safety and security. These incidents are unacceptable and have left us deeply concerned about our well being,” they mentioned in the letter directed to the Principal.

As per the students, the following incidents have been reported during the last few months:

Harassment of Female students: 

They alleged that multiple female students have reported instances of being teased and harassed inside the college canteen. The individuals involved in this behaviour were confronted at the time of the incident and advised to stop their misbehavior towards female students, however despite being warned these individuals showed no remorse and no further action was taken to prevent such occurrences.

Violent Assault on Students Dated 04/10/2024: 

As per the letter, a student was recently subjected to misbehavior by a group of individuals. This escalated into violence when these individuals returned armed with bamboo sticks, rods, belts and sickle attacking several students.

“This act of violence has left a deep sense of fear among the students of Boys Hostel. This incident which occurred was intimidated to the college authorities via an application on the 05/10/2024,” they mentioned in the letter.

Continued Threats and Armed Intimidation Dated 06/10/2024: 

They claimed that the following day i.e. on 06/10/2024, same group of individuals returned to the road near boys hostel-4, this time armed with pistols. They were stopping and interrogating every passerby including pedestrians and bikers, while waving their weapons in a threatening manner.

“This armed intimidation created a dangerous situation for anyone passing by as the group was actively searching for the specific batch of MBBS students (35th). The repeated harassment and escalation of threats have made it unsafe for students to move freely in the area,” mentioned the letter.

As per the students, police and college authorities were informed immediately and simultaneously the students residing in BH-4 were also cautioned. Police arrived at the scene following which the goons fled leaving the vehicles (bikes) stranded at the spot. After a short interval one of the goon returned to pick up the vehicle ( image proof of the vehicle’s chassis number is attached herewith) following which he was surrounded by the mob and escorted inside the police vehicle. The accused was using abusive language following which in the heat of the moment the local crowd got out of control and the accused was thrashed. The students once again approached the college authorities for further action regarding the security and were assured of the earliest action.

Writing to the principal, the students demanded action against perpetrators, urged the authorities to ensure safety within the hostel premises, demanded a secured passage to the college. They also demanded that tea and snacks canteen be provided inside hostel premises and requested for police station or 24/7 patrol unit along with a toll-free SOS hotline for medical students.

“These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the students, which is unacceptable in an academic environment. We hope that the concerned authorities will take urgent action to address this situation and restore safety and peace for the residents of Boys Hostel 4,” mentioned the letter.

Also Read: Violence against doctors: Emergency services at PGIMER stalled for nearly 3 hours

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Health Bulletin 10/ October/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

Top NMC posts lying vacant, govt invites applications
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has invited applications to fill up the vacant posts in the four Autonomous Boards of the National Medical Commission (NMC), Mint has reported.
Applications have been invited for the posts of President, Secretary, and members of the Commission, along with the key positions in the four boards under the NMC.
For more information, click on the link below:
TN doctors oppose the facial recognition attendance system implementation
Objecting to the proposal of implementing a facial recognition-based attendance system for government doctors, the Service Doctors and Post Graduates recently approached the Chief Secretary of the State Government.
Writing to the Chief Secretary, the General Secretary of Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA), A. Ramalingam questioned the need to implement such an attendance system for doctors employed under the Directorates of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Medical and Rural Health Services, The Hindu has reported.

For more information, click on the link below:

Doctors seek clarity from NMC on RGUHS PG final exam eligibility confusion
Highlighting the concerns regarding the contradictory eligibility criteria set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the State Health Universities, the doctors have sought clarification from the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the Apex Medical Commission.
In this regard, the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) referred to a recent notice issued by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) on 01.10.2024 and also the notice issued by NMC on 06.09.2024 and claimed that these two notices have created confusion in the minds of the PG students of the 2021 batch who are due to appear for their final exams.
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Calcutta high court directs centre to upgrade West Bengal AIIMS for post-mortem facilities like AIIMS Delhi
On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court stated that the AIIMS in Kalyani, West Bengal, should be upgraded to match the standards of AIIMS Delhi or Rishikesh. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh made these remarks while addressing a plea for the post-mortem of a minor girl who was raped and murdered in Jaynagar, directing that it be conducted at the AIIMS hospital in Kalyani.
On Wednesday’s hearing, the Court was informed that the hospital lacked the infrastructure for conducting a post-mortem, which would have to be conducted at a nearby hospital.

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