Madras HC allows BSMS Siddha practitioners to practice modern medicine in Tamil Nadu, imposes riders

In a recent judgment, the Madras High Court held that the Siddha practitioners in the State of Tamil Nadu were allowed to practice modern medicine. However, the HC bench of Justice G Jayachandran also clarified that the TN Siddha Medical Council members were not permitted to store allopathy medicine as it would violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Court observed that according to the Government Order issued by the Health Department on September 8, 2010, the registered Siddha doctors at the TN Siddha Medical Council were allowed to practice modern medicine, However, referring to Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the Court clarified that any drug could be stored for distribution, sale, exhibition etc only with license issued for the said purpose.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Quack booked for operating illegal clinic since 2016 with forged PhD degree

A 30-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly posing as a medical professional and running a clinic at her Kandivali (East) residence without a valid medical degree for the past 8 years.
According to the police, the woman has been prescribing medicines to many patients at her clinic since 2016 with a forged certificate in Doctor of Philosophy in Alternative Medicine. She allegedly acquired the degree from the ‘Indian Board of Alternative Medicines’, which is not recognised by the Maharashtra Council of Indian Medicine.
For more information, click on the link below:

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NEET UG Aspirant from UP allegedly dies by suicide in Kota

In an unfortunate incident, a 20-year-old NEET-UG aspirant from Uttar Pradesh allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in his paying guest (PG) accommodation in Dadabadi, Kota.
Although the exact reason for his step is unclear, the initial findings of the police investigation suggest that he had been battling a neurological disorder and was receiving treatment for it.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Delay in FIR against Fake Doctor: PMC Health Department issues show cause to Ward Medical Officer

Pune: Failing to take action on time against a fake doctor by filing an FIR, the health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently issued a show cause notice to the ward medical officer (WMO) of Hadapsar-Mundhwa asking to submit a satisfactory response within 2 days to avoid administrative action.  

According to the corporation, the WMO has been accused of deliberately delaying the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against an unqualified individual running a clinic in the ward, who did not possess the required qualifications or registration with the Medical Council, thus violating the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act of 1961.

Issuing a notice in this regard on Thursday, Dr Nina Borade, Health Chief of PMC said, “You are required to provide a written explanation within two days of receiving this letter regarding the intentional delay in filing an FIR and taking action against the bogus medical practitioner. If the explanation is found unsatisfactory or is not received within the stipulated time, administrative action will be taken against you under section 56(2) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act 1949.”

Also read- Absent from Duty: 56 doctors get show cause notice in Kerala

This comes after Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) enforced the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act of 1949 in the merged village, however, an HT news report from September 30 highlighted that the civic body was not taking action against bogus doctors operating in these areas.

According to officials, the legal department of the PMC on July 26 opined that an FIR should be filed against a doctor found practising in Hadapsar-Mundhwa without requisite qualification and registration with the Medical Council in violation of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act 1961. Thereafter, the PMC Anti-Bogus Doctors’ Cell on August 13 directed the WMO of Hadapsar-Mundhwa to file an FIR against the bogus doctor. 

However, the WMO went on leave and later on September 4 submitted a letter stating that filing an FIR was not possible as the PMC had not yet taken full control of healthcare services in the merged villages, including Hadapsar-Mundhwa.

Speaking in this regard, Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer and in-charge of the PMC Anti-Bogus Doctors’ Cell told HT, “There seems to be a deliberate delay on the part of the WMO. The inspection and action against the bogus doctor have been pending for a long. The WMO is yet to respond to the notice and further action will be taken after his reply is received.”

“After the WMO submitted the letter on September 4, the matter was referred to the PMC legal department which once again opined on September 30 that the WMO should go ahead and file the FIR against the quack. Following the legal department’s opinion to go ahead and file an FIR against the bogus doctor, orders were given on October 1 to the WMO to file an FIR. The officer was expected to file the FIR within seven days. However, the action was kept pending and the doctor took a transfer to a maternity home,” Dr Dighe added. 

Also read- RG Kar Row: WB Medical Council Suspends 2 Doctors, Serves Show-Cause to Former Principal Sandip Ghosh

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Health Bulletin 19/ October/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

Non-inclusion of disability, transgender rights laws in new CBME curriculum, Centre seeks NMC response

After the Madras High Court’s concerns regarding the way of addressing the gender identity issues in the new Competency-Based Medical Education 2024 curriculum, now the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has sought a response from the National Medical Commission (NMC) over the non-inclusion of disability and transgender rights laws in the new MBBS curriculum.
Writing to the Secretary of NMC, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment mentioned in an Office Memorandum, “The undersigned (NMC) is directed to the representation made to Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment by Shri Siddhartha Singh, Doctors with Disabilities and Air Cmde (Dr.) Sanjay Sharma (Retd.), CEO and MD Association for Transgender Health vide letter dated 13.09.2024… and to say that you are requested to examine this matter on priority and submit your reply within 15 days.”

For more information, click on the link below:

Madras HC allows BSMS Siddha practitioners to practice modern medicine in Tamil Nadu, imposes riders
In a recent judgment, the Madras High Court held that the Siddha practitioners in the State of Tamil Nadu were allowed to practice modern medicine. However, the HC bench of Justice G Jayachandran also clarified that the TN Siddha Medical Council members were not permitted to store allopathy medicine as it would violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Court observed that according to the Government Order issued by the Health Department on September 8, 2010, the registered Siddha doctors at the TN Siddha Medical Council were allowed to practice modern medicine, However, referring to Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the Court clarified that any drug could be stored for distribution, sale, exhibition etc only with license issued for the said purpose.
For more information, click on the link below:
Quack booked for operating illegal clinic since 2016 with forged PhD degree
A 30-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly posing as a medical professional and running a clinic at her Kandivali (East) residence without a valid medical degree for the past 8 years.
According to the police, the woman has been prescribing medicines to many patients at her clinic since 2016 with a forged certificate in Doctor of Philosophy in Alternative Medicine. She allegedly acquired the degree from the ‘Indian Board of Alternative Medicines’, which is not recognised by the Maharashtra Council of Indian Medicine.
For more information, click on the link below:
NEET-UG Aspirant from UP allegedly dies by suicide in Kota
In an unfortunate incident, a 20-year-old NEET-UG aspirant from Uttar Pradesh allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in his paying guest (PG) accommodation in Dadabadi, Kota.
Although the exact reason for his step is unclear, the initial findings of the police investigation suggest that he had been battling a neurological disorder and was receiving treatment for it.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Forceps Left in patient’s Abdomen for 12 Years! Medical Negligence allegations rock Sikkim’s Hospital

Gangtok: An shocking instance of alleged medical negligence has come to light at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital, after a pair of surgical forceps was found in the abdomen of a woman who underwent an appendectomy operation at the hospital around 12 years ago.

Recently when the patient faced urinary issues, tests were conducted and on October 07, 2024, an X-ray revealed that the forceps were still there in her abdomen. Consequently, they were removed on October 8.

Meanwhile, after this shocking incident came to light, the STNM Hospital authorities announced a high-level meeting to discuss the matter. Further updates will be provided after that.

The history of the case goes back to 2012 when the 51-year-old woman underwent appendectomy surgery at STNM Hospital in the month of January. After the surgery, she was discharged after 17 days. However, she continued having recurring health complaints. 

Also Read: Surgeon cannot be held responsible for gangrene: Consumer Court exonerates doctor

As per the latest media report by India Today, the husband of the patient explained that even though the patient continued to have persistent stomach aches, the doctors attributed her discomfort to gastric issues and prescribed various medications without uncovering the root cause.

“We were given medications for gastric problems and vitamins, but no one thought to investigate further…Sometimes, she felt unwell, but we had no idea that something serious was left inside her,” he told the Daily.

After that, years passed but there was no clear diagnosis until this year, when the patient started experiencing urinary issues. A biopsy was conducted in Namchi and revealed concerning results. Following this, she was referred back to STNM for further examination. Consequently, on October 7, doctors noticed an infection. An X-ray was conducted and it shockingly revealed that there were forceps inside the patient’s abdomen.

Referring to this, her husband said, “I couldn’t believe it when they told me…I thought it was impossible. The doctors assured us they could remove it, and on October 8, they did just that.”

After conducting the surgery, the hospital authorities confirmed to the patient that the forcepts were successfully extracted from the patient’s abdomen.

Also Read: Sikkim Cardiologist Murder Case: Man gets life imprisonment after 3 years

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DCGI to bring non-invasive medical devices like thermometers, stethoscopes under quality control

New Delhi: The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has approved a proposal to amend Rules 19H and 19J of Chapter IIIB of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017. The amendment aims to include Quality Management System (QMS) requirements for Class A (non-sterile and non-measuring) medical devices.

With this, stricter quality standards for non-invasive medical devices such as thermometers, stethoscopes, elastic bandages, and non-electrical wheelchairs will be implemented.

Presently, there is no specific requirement for quality management systems (QMS) for Class A (non-sterile) medical devices, which include these products.

The Medical Devices Rules, 2017 provide exemption from licensing requirements to manufacture and import of the Class A (Non-Sterile and Non-Measuring) medical devices for marketing in the country. However, manufacturers and importers can still obtain a registration number by submitting the required information under sub-rule (2) of Rule 19H & sub-rule (2) of 19J of Medical Devices Rules, 2017 respectively.

Also Read: Union Health Minister emphasizes on continuous dialogue with pharma, medical devices industry to ensure highest quality of products

The decision to introduce QMS requirements comes after discussions at the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) meeting. During the meeting, it was observed that;

“The scope for conformance of Quality Management System for manufacturing of such medical devices is not included in the above said rules. Quality Management System is utmost important for manufacturing of medical devices to ensure that the product meets relevant standards & Essential principles applicable for medical devices and the firm shall adhere with the Quality Management System of Fifth schedule of Medical Device Rules, 2017.”

It was further clarified;

“So that the safety & performance of medical devices will be ensured, hence the undertaking stating that the manufacturing facility has complied the Quality Management System as prescribed in the Fifth schedule of Medical Device Rules, 2017 may be included in the said rules.”

Accordingly, it was proposed that to amend rule 19H and 19J of chapter IIIB of Medical Device Rules, 2017 to include the Quality Management System requirements for class A (non-sterile and non-measuring) medical device.

DTAB deliberated the matter and agreed for the proposed amendment under Medical Devices Rules, 2017.

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Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan appointed as new Publications Director of World Medical Association

New Delhi: Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan
has been elected as the new Publications Director of the World Medical
Association’s (WMA), Junior Doctors’ Network. This significant appointment took
place during the recent WMA General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland.

Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan
is an MBBS Graduate pursuing an MD in Community and Family Medicine at the prestigious AIIMS Patna. 

Also Read:Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan appointed as National Convenor of IMA Standing Committee for Antimicrobial Resistance

Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan,
a distinguished figure in the field of medical science and public health, has
been recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership in health
care. With a robust background in Community and Family medicine, Dr Karthikeyan
brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, where he will
oversee the publication activities of JDN aimed at shaping the future of
medical science globally.

The World Medical
Association, now encompassing 114 member countries, is dedicated to the highest
standards of medical education, science, and ethics, ensuring quality health
care for all people worldwide. Dr. Karthikeyan’s election as Publications Director
underscores his formidable reputation as a leader capable of steering the
international medical community toward these lofty goals.

Also Read:Dr Sridevi Khambhampaty appointed as CEO of Shilpa Biologicals

In addition to his new
role at WMA, Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan is already serving as the National
Convenor for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the Indian Medical Association. As the National Convenor, Dr Venkatesh oversees the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India and offers strategies to tackle it.

His leadership and initiatives in AMR have positioned him as a pivotal figure in
combating one of the most critical health challenges of our time, showcasing
his ability to influence and implement change at both national and
international levels. This election not only
underscores Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan’s exemplary leadership in the medical
field but also signifies India’s rising prominence as a global leader in
healthcare. 

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NPPA slaps over Rs 6L demand notice to Torrent Pharma

New Delhi: Torrent Pharmaceuticals on Friday said it has received a demand notice of Rs 6.32 lakh from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The company has received the notice from NPPA under paragraph 15 of Drug Price Control Order 2013, imposing a penalty of Rs 6,32,689.
The demand notice is for the launch of a new drug wherein price approval was taken after the launch, the drug firm said in a regulatory filing.
The said order does not have any material financial impact on the company, it added.
The NPPA is mandated to fix/revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of medicines in the country.
It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels.
The regulator implements and enforces the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order.
It is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for controlled drugs from consumers. 

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Gland Pharma names Shyamakant Giri as new CEO

New Delhi: Gland Pharma has announced a major leadership change with the appointment of Shyamakant Giri as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 15, 2025. The appointment, approved by the Board and recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, aims to drive the company’s next phase of growth. 

Shyamakant Giri is a business leader with over 25 years of strategic and operating experience in pharmaceuticals, devices, diagnostics and healthcare services in leading Indian and multinational organizations across Asia, Africa, MENA & LATAM markets. He possesses experience in creating new ventures and improving existing businesses, developing leaders, identifying opportunities for value creation, and executing with discipline. His specialties include Business Development, Operations, Strategy, Product Marketing, start-ups, and turnarounds.
Giri is currently serving as  the President (India Business & Emerging Markets) of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, responsible for the commercial expansion and growth in India and Rest of the World markets. Previously, Giri was associated with Rivaara Labs as the Chief Executive Officer. Earlier, Giri was associated in various roles with Abbott India, AbbVie (India Region) and Abbott Diagnostics for almost eighteen years (2002-2020). Mr. Giri started his professional career with Wockhardt Ltd. and was associated during the period 1999-2002.
Giri has done his Master’s in Marketing Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and also holds a Master’s degree in Science (Organic Chemistry) from Mumbai University. He completed his Executive Programme from INSEAD, Singapore and Executive Programme in Hospital Management from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. 

Consequent to appointment of new CEO of the Company, Srinivas Sadu shall continue to be the Executive Chairman of the Company effective January 15, 2025. Srinivas Sadu has been a Director on the Board since April 25, 2019. Srinivas Sadu is not debarred from holding the office of Director by virtue of any SEBI order or any other such authority.

Read also: Gland Pharma names Srinivas Sadu as Executive Chairman, CEO

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