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Mar 17, 2023

Understanding Doctor-Patient Confidentiality Laws in India

A doctor-patient relationship (DPR) is considered the most important element in medical ethics. DPR is typically formed when a physician attends to a patient's medical needs in a pleasant manner through check-ups, diagnosis, and treatment. Because of the relationship, the doctor owes it to the patient to successfully treat the ailment or end the relationship. Primary care physicians, in particular, must develop a satisfactory DPR in order to provide excellent health care to patients. Since these relationships frequently involve highly personal and sensitive information (such as medical conditions or personal finances), confidentiality allows for open and honest communication between the parties involved. As a result, confidentiality serves the best interests of all parties involved. What is Doctor-Patient Confidentiality? Medical confidentiality is the practice of doctors keeping all information received during the course of a patient's treatment private.[1] But why this confidentiality is important? The goal of this confidentiality is to make patients feel comfortable enough to provide any and all information necessary for proper medical care. Receiving information in this manner aids the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis. It enables the doctor to provide the best possible medical care to the patient. Thus, when a doctor accepts a patient, there is an expectation that the doctor will keep that special knowledge confidential and use it solely for the benefit of the patient. Without the patient's permission, the doctor may not disclose any medical information about the patient to third parties. The exception to such Confidentiality? The patient's medical information given to a health care provider shall not be disclosed to others unless the patient gives his consent to do so. However, there are some exceptions to this rule for example Issues concerning health insurance, if confidential information is at issue in a lawsuit or when doctors share medical information with others and refer to it as one of their case studies. However, if this information is published in professional journals, the patient's identity is never revealed, and the patient has the right to sue if it appears in any way.[2] Also, if the patient is not of legal age or is mentally incapacitated, the information can be disclosed to his parents or guardian. What Is The Difference Between Privacy And Confidentiality? Privacy protects the patient's identity, because of keeping medical records restricted or in a vault from public release. If such personal medical information reaches an unauthorized third party and the identity of a patient is determined or known without the patient's consent, the patient may take legal action. Confidentiality, on the other hand, applies to data. It refers to the right of an individual to have personal and detectable medical information that is kept private between the patient and the physician. It is an extension of Privacy.[3] Right of Confidentiality There are numerous rights that the patient has and can exercise whenever necessary. Some of the rights include: Right to adequate medical care and humane treatment, Right to information, Right to choose a health care provider and facility, Right to medical records, Right to privacy and confidentiality, and so on. Laws governing the Confidentiality and Privacy of a patient in India The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Rules, 2002 states in chapter 7- (7.14) that a registered medical practitioner is not allowed to share any patient information that was learned during the course of providing care or while using their professional judgement. The implications of the violation are discussed in Chapter 8.2 of the rules. The appropriate medical council will hold an inquiry if a complaint is made about the professional misconduct of a registered medical practitioner and that complaint is brought before the Medical Council of Disciplinary Action, and will also give the registered medical practitioner the opportunity to be heard in person or by a pleader after receiving the complaint. And suppose the registered medical practitioner is found to have engaged in professional misconduct during the course of the investigation or proceeding. In that case, the Medical Council will punish him accordingly, or they may even order his removal. There are no specific regulations in India that protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient data other than the code of ethics. Case Laws Mr X v. Hospital Z, 1998[4] In this case, the respondent took a sample of the appellant's blood because it was going to be transfused to another person. The appellant's blood sample report revealed that the appellant is HIV positive. So, the appellant's marriage was annulled because hospital administrators disclosed information to his family without his express permission, and somehow the information also reached the girl's family. The Court held that the responsibility to keep the doctor-patient information private is not absolute and can be breached for the public welfare or interest. Hence, the respondent was found not guilty for the same reason. But the Court found the appellant guilty under Sections 269 and 270 of the Indian Criminal Code since he knew he had a venereal illness but still chose to get married. Mr Surupsingh Hrya Naik v. State of Maharashtra, 2007[5] The Medical Council Code of Ethics and the Right to Information Act of 2005 were in conflict in this case. In this case, it was argued that making health records public under the Right to Information Act would violate the right to privacy. In this case, the Bombay High Court ruled that the Right to Information supersedes the Right to Privacy and Confidentiality. Conclusion Confidentiality plays a vital role in building and developing trust in Doctor- Patent Relationship. Even an individual's treatment is dependent on confidentiality; the more trust he has, the more he can tell his doctor about his problem. So, maintaining privacy should be of the utmost priority in Doctor-Patient Relationship. However, In India, we only have Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 that regulate this relationship and confidentiality. There is no specific act to protect this right of confidentiality of patients. There are gaps that need to fill for example Right to Information prevails over the Right to Confidentiality which means anyone can avail information by the way of the Right to Information Act. In case of a breach of confidentiality, a patient can take legal action against the practitioner, however, a proper framework and specific regulation is the need of an hour to fill the gaps and make the foundation of such rights stronger and more powerful. [1] Kant, P. (2019). Law on Consent and Confidentiality in India. Legal Service India. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-6973-law-on-consent-and-confidentiality-in-india.html [2] FindLaw. (2021). Breaches of Doctor-Patient Confidentiality. FindLaw. https://www.findlaw.com/injury/medical-malpractice/breaches-of-doctor-patient-confidentiality.html. [3]Encyclopedia of Surgery Editorial Team. (2021). Patient Confidentiality. In Surgery Encyclopedia. https://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Pa-St/Patient-Confidentiality.html [4] Gupta, Y. (02, July, 2020). Mr. X vs. Hospital Z. Indian Legal Solutions. indianlegalsolution.com/mr-x-vs-hospital-z/. [5] Chaturvedi, S., Srinivas, K., & Muthuswamy, V. (2016). Biobanking and Privacy in India. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 44(1), 45-57. 10.1177/1073110516644198

Sumasri

Mar 10, 2023

Internships in Medical Start-ups In India & How to go about it?

Introduction India has a vibrant startup ecosystem, with a large number of companies working in various sectors, including healthcare. With the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions, medical start-ups are booming in India. These companies are developing cutting-edge technologies, medical devices, and healthcare software that can transform the healthcare industry. Internships in medical start-ups in India provide valuable opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals to gain practical experience and knowledge about emerging trends in the healthcare industry. Medical start-ups are playing an important role in addressing the gaps in the traditional healthcare system in India by leveraging technology and innovative solutions. The internships offer a platform for students to work with talented professionals who are passionate about transforming the healthcare industry. They can gain hands-on experience in a wide range of areas such as product development, market research, business development, and healthcare delivery. The internships also provide exposure to the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, which are transforming the healthcare industry. Medical start-ups in India are not only changing the way healthcare is delivered but also creating new job opportunities for young professionals. The internships provide a great opportunity for students to network with industry professionals, gain insights into the healthcare industry, and potentially secure future employment opportunities. Overall, internships in medical start-ups in India are a great way for students to gain practical experience, learn about the latest technologies, and contribute to the transformation of the healthcare industry. If you are a medical student or a young professional looking to gain practical experience in the healthcare industry, internships in medical start-ups can be a great way to kickstart your career. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of interning in medical start-ups in India and how you can go about finding such opportunities. Benefits Of Interning In Medical Start-Ups Exposure to innovative technologies and solutions: Medical start-ups are known for their innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. Interning in such companies can provide you with a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and gain exposure to the latest developments in the industry. You will be working alongside experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the field, which can help you learn and grow. Networking opportunities: Interning in a medical start-up can help you build a strong network of professionals in the healthcare industry. You will get the chance to work with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their experiences. You can also attend industry events and conferences, which can help you expand your network and meet potential employers. Practical experience: Interning in a medical start-up can provide you with practical experience in the healthcare industry. You will be working on real-world projects and solving healthcare problems, which can help you build skills and gain valuable experience. This experience can be a great addition to your resume and can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Career opportunities: Interning in a medical start-up can open up a range of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. You can build a strong network, gain practical experience, and develop skills that are in high demand in the industry. Many start-ups also offer full-time employment opportunities to their interns, which can be a great way to launch your career. Skills Needed To Succeed In Internships If you are a student who wants to pursue internships in medical startups in India, here are some important skills that can help you stand out: Strong academic background: Startups in the medical field require interns who have a strong academic background in fields such as medicine, biology, biotechnology, or related fields. Analytical and research skills: Medical startups require interns who have excellent analytical and research skills to help them gather and analyze data, and to identify new market opportunities. Communication skills: Good communication skills are essential for any intern. You need to be able to effectively communicate with your team members, clients, and other stakeholders. Problem-solving skills: As an intern in a medical startup, you need to be able to solve problems effectively and efficiently. You should be able to think critically, identify the root cause of a problem, and come up with solutions. Innovation and creativity: Startups thrive on innovation and creativity. As an intern in a medical startup, you should be able to bring new ideas to the table and think outside the box. Time management skills: Time management skills are essential for any internship. You need to be able to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize your tasks. Technical skills: Depending on the nature of the internship, technical skills such as programming, data analysis, or proficiency in specific software or tools may also be important. Adaptability: Startups often have a fast-paced work environment, and things can change quickly. You need to be adaptable and able to handle changes in priorities, timelines, or tasks. By possessing the above-mentioned skills, you can increase your chances of landing an internship in a medical startup in India and gaining valuable experience in the field. How To Go About Finding Internships In Medical Start-Ups? Research online: The first step to finding internships in medical start-ups is to do your research online. Look for start-ups that are working in the healthcare sector and check their websites for internship opportunities. Many start-ups post internship opportunities on their websites or social media pages, so be sure to follow them to stay up-to-date. Attend career fairs and networking events: Attending career fairs and networking events can be a great way to meet professionals in the healthcare industry and learn about internship opportunities. Many start-ups also participate in these events, so be sure to attend them and make connections. Contact start-ups directly: If you have a particular start-up in mind, you can contact them directly to inquire about internship opportunities. Many start-ups are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join their teams, so it is always worth reaching out to them. Use internship portals: There are many internship portals available online that can help you find internships in medical start-ups. These portals list internship opportunities in various industries, including healthcare. Some popular internship portals in India include Internshala, LetsIntern, and HelloIntern. Reach out to your college: One way to find internship opportunities with medical startups is by exploring tie-ups between these startups and colleges. Many colleges have partnerships with medical startups and can provide information about available internships. To discover these opportunities, students may contact their college's career services office or speak to their professors. By doing so, they can gain insights into the range of medical startup internship opportunities available to them. Overall, keeping an eye out for collaborations between colleges and medical startups can be an effective strategy for students seeking internships in the healthcare industry. Top Medical Start-Ups In India Practo: Practo is a leading digital healthcare platform in India that connects patients with doctors and clinics, and provides online consultation, appointment booking, and medicine delivery services. Credihealth: Credihealth is an online healthcare platform that provides personalized medical assistance to patients, including doctor consultations, hospital admissions, and treatment plans. Portea Medical: Portea Medical is a home healthcare provider that offers a range of services such as nursing, physiotherapy, and lab tests, all in the comfort of patients' homes. 1mg: 1mg is an online pharmacy and healthcare platform that provides users with access to medicines, health products, and services such as doctor consultations and lab tests. Niramai: Niramai is a health tech start-up that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect breast cancer at an early stage, without the need for a painful mammogram. Their solution is non-invasive, low-cost, and can be performed in a matter of minutes. Conclusion Medical startups in India have seen a significant rise in recent years, with many innovative ideas and solutions being developed to address the country's healthcare challenges. These startups are leveraging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create affordable and accessible healthcare solutions. From telemedicine platforms to health monitoring devices, these startups are disrupting the traditional healthcare industry and transforming the way healthcare is delivered in India. The Indian government has also been supporting the growth of medical startups through various initiatives such as the Startup India program. With a large and growing market, India is poised to become a hub for medical startups and a leader in healthcare innovation. Interning in a medical start-up can be a great way to gain practical experience, build your network, and launch your career in the healthcare industry. With the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions, medical start-ups are the perfect place to intern at. MedBots.in wishes you all the best!

Sumasri

Mar 03, 2023

Understanding Malpractice Insurance and How It Works

Introduction Even though insurance can take many forms, it serves the general purpose of providing security for those who purchase it to provide predictability in uncertain situations. When unforeseen or undesirable events happen, insurance can provide a means of compensating for any losses that are caused as a result. By distributing the cost of losses across a large number of individuals, insurance aims to minimize the risk of loss experienced by individuals and organizations. This mechanism is used to protect them against the possibility of loss. Upon the analysis of actuarial projected losses, formulas are developed to determine the payment of premium dollars to contribute to the coverage reserves, which are then calculated based on the law of averages. Any member of the group who suffers from a defined loss during the year is eligible for a compensation plan from these reserves. The necessity of purchasing insurance is well-known to emergency medicine physicians. Many aspects of personal and professional insurance are unfamiliar to them. A wide range of insurance products is available and affordable to help protect our lives and careers, whether it is a car, a life insurance policy, a health insurance policy, or a professional liability policy. It is well known that the insurance industry is complex and that very few physicians have an understanding of its terminology, structure, and mechanics concerning medical malpractice insurance. This article helps in understanding the concept of medical malpractice insurance and its concepts. Understanding the concept of medical malpractice insurance There is a misnomer referred to as Medical Malpractice Insurance (MMI) that is often used to describe Medical Professional Liability Insurance (MPLI). It is a type of insurance which is purchased by physicians or healthcare institutions to shield them from the financial risks and liability associated with practising medicine. In more precise terms, it protects the physician if a patient claims that they have been injured due to the doctor's negligence and the physician claims to be responsible for the injury. Typically, in order to buy this insurance, a contractual agreement called a policy is arranged in exchange for an agreed-upon fee. There will be a provision in the policy that the insurance company will assume financial responsibility for the defence and payment of claims against the policyholder (physician), up to a limit of coverage (liability limit) which will apply for a specified period (period of coverage). The risk of professional liability is transferred to the insurance company when physicians purchase commercially available professional liability insurance. The insurer assumes responsibility for any claims made against them upon payment of the premium and places the insurance company instead of themselves at risk for any loss incurred in defence or resolution of the claim. Some coverage is usually excluded from the policy. There are several types of excluded coverage, including intentional misconduct and sexual misconduct, which are not covered by insurance. Medical professional liability insurance covers third parties, which means that the insurer pays benefits to those not included in the policy (usually the injured person or their family). Indemnity is the term used to describe this type of reimbursement. The majority of insurance policies also provide first-party coverage for the physician's defence costs, regardless of whether indemnification is awarded. The inclusions The following are a few of the inclusions of Professional Indemnity Insurance that you should be aware of: Depending on the profession, the type and scope of coverage may vary. It protects against the legal charges made by a patient’s estate in the event of a death or bodily injury for medical professionals such as doctors, cardiologists, pathologists, and surgeons. As part of this policy, the insured can also add other doctors working under him, partners, or assistants to work under him, as long as those doctors are invited to participate in the defence. There is coverage under the policy for errors or omissions that are unintentional. As a result, an individual is protected from the cost of defending themselves in the case of legal action. The exclusions The following reasons for the practice may not be covered by Professional Indemnity insurance. Treatment for medical conditions such as plastic surgery, weight loss, genetic damage, and AIDS-related conditions. Damages, fines, and penalties result from disciplinary actions, criminal acts, and criminal acts. Having lost goodwill. Intentionally ignoring a legal obligation, non-compliance with a legal obligation, willful negligence. Narcotics or alcohol are used during medical practice. Key points to remember Difference between Medical Malpractice Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance: Often called errors and omissions insurance, medical malpractice insurance is a form of professional liability insurance. There is a key difference between these two terms, even though they can be used interchangeably. Having medical malpractice insurance will protect you against the financial burden of legal expenses, including judgments and settlements in cases where you might be held liable for the death or injury of a patient. However, if you make an error in the course of conducting your business, your professional liability insurance will cover you. Cost of the policy: A doctor or medical practitioner's speciality determines the cost of the policy. There is a difference in cost between claims-based and occurrence-based policies, which depends on the type of policy. The cost of the policy is determined by the policy's claim limit. As well as the past loss history, the cost of the policy is determined by the medical experts as well as the location and legal laws of that specific area. Disadvantages: It is possible for insurance companies to include consent to settle clauses in their policies, which allow them to reject a claim without seeking medical experts' consent. As a result of the loss history and the laws of the area, the insurance company can impose harsh covenants as well as limit the amount of the settlement for a practising medical professional. Obtaining malpractice insurance is possible via three different sources: a private insurer, an employer, or an organization like a medical risk retention group (RRG). Complying with Consumer Protection Act: To comply with the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act 2002, doctors and hospitals must obtain separate liability insurance policies and renew them every year. Indian Organizations offering Medical Malpractice Insurance: For medical practitioners in India, there are a number of insurance companies that offer indemnity policies. Among the services available are: Indian Medicolegal Consulting Services: As opposed to routine insurance companies, medicolegal companies or professional protection groups handle all medical legal and administrative issues. The company Indian Medico Legal Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. (see here) provides insurance services. Whenever an advocate or a court notifies you or if the police issue you a warrant, you should contact the Medicolegal Company. Additionally, if a dispute arises with a patient, an administrative or hospital-related problem occurs, or a patient dies during an operation or procedure, the company should be contacted. The IMA National Professional Protection Scheme: The National Professional Protection Scheme of the IMA (see here) was designed to provide protection and assistance to its members in the event that they are harassed or litigated during the course of their professional activity. Furthermore, it is intended to provide legal aid to its members. The Scheme is open only to lifetime members of the IMA. Conclusion There is a greater awareness of the rights of the public as well as the duties of doctors. The public also knows that if they are wronged they will have their day in court. Furthermore, consumers are also more empathic when dealing with the judicial system. As a result, doctors will be held more accountable for their actions. It is however important to note that doctors cannot be harassed or punished unnecessarily. As a result of the professional indemnity policy, the consumer is covered in the event of a liability claim. There needs to be careful consideration by the doctor that the sum assured should not be too small. Regular renewal of the policy is important so that one is covered at the time of the event as well as at the time of submitting a claim and being paid out. A person should take into account past experiences if he or she plans to change the insurer in the future. When this happens, a run-off cover can be very helpful. Numerous factors determine the amount of coverage obtained, such as affordability, institutional requirements, the level of protection desired to protect assets, and trends in judgments and settlements. Risk acceptance and asset protection are important factors in determining policy limits. It is important to understand that when the entire risk pool is examined, the limits provided by the insurance pool can provide a sufficiently adequate level of protection for the physician if the physician is insured via an insurance pool.

Sumasri

Feb 24, 2023

The Benefits and Limitations of AI in Medical Science

The usage of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Science can be characterized as the domain encompassing the usage and interaction of machine learning models, in order to search & uncover insights that could revolutionize health outcomes & enhance patient experiences. Owing to recent advances in the field of computer science technology and informatics, algorithms created with Artificial Intelligence as its basis are being used to propel work in the medical field, in clinical settings, as well as being used in discovering vistas to ongoing research.[1] Adaptation of AI in Medical Science In the present scenario, the most ubiquitous role of Artificial Intelligence in the domain and field of Medical Science compose of assistance in image-based analysis and diagnostic support. Furthermore, by way of a clinical decision-supporting tool, medical health professionals critically think about and implement decisions with regard to probable treatment, medication as well as supplements to be administered to a patient. The recent pandemic, COVID-19, which shook the world, also provided a platform to field-test and implement on-ground reality, new Artificial Intelligence-based technologies, which played a pivotal role in monitoring and screening of COVID-19 positive or suspected patients.[2] There are several dimensions in which Artificial Intelligence has been adopted and embraced by the field of medical science. Firstly, Artificial Intelligence can revamp the way diseases are treated by way of maintenance of a systematized repository that collects, tabulates and interprets past data based on medical experiences and records, and can further, on the basis of the previously synthesized data, provide personalized diseases treatment well catered and suited to the needs of the individual based on several factors unique to the individual such as age, ethnicity, medical history, susceptibility to the disease, etc. Further, Artificial Intelligence can provide round-the-clock assistance vis-a-vis the traditional support system during the clinical treatment of an individual.[3] Further, in the contemporaneous era, the advent of Artificial Intelligence in the domain and field of Medical Imaging has completely sidetracked the bygone methodologies employed by clinics, by way of provision for artificial neural networks, which are a match with regards to efficacy, compared to their human counterparts. Artificial Intelligence has been instrumental in the detection of several chronic ailments and life-treating diseases in their early stages itself, thus preventing the negative long-term consequences of the disease in general. Artificial Intelligence also plays a pivotal role in increasing the efficacy of clinical trials and accelerating drug development.[4] Impact of Artificial Intelligence The Healthcare Industry has been witnessing a significant rise in interest from the general public, attributable to factors such as increased awareness, a myriad of benefits, and other perks that accompany the advent of Artificial Intelligence. There are many the advent of Artificial Intelligence companies catering to every type of healthcare and medical needs by way of testing plans, diagnostics and treatment, suitable in the context that Artificial Intelligence can assist in. Different companies offer various plans that can be customized to the needs and circumstances pertaining to the medical records of the individual. After a perusal of the need for an Artificial Intelligence assisted treatment, it is imperative that the most feasible and safest plan must be selected in order to maximize benefits for the medical practitioner as well as Artificial Intelligence service providers. In order to partake in an informed decision about the suitability of Artificial Intelligence-based treatment for any person, one must assess whether the current technology assisted by Artificial Intelligence best fits the needs of the potential beneficiary. Thus, Artificial Intelligence has pervaded the daily life of patients as it has made its mark in every step of treatment in the Medical System.[5] Pros and Cons of AI in Medical Science When clinician workflows incorporate Medical Artificial Intelligence assisted treatment, it can provide important context for decision-making. By providing clinicians with helpful search results that include evidence-based insights regarding treatments and procedures, a trained machine learning system can reduce the amount of time spent conducting research. According to research on Artificial Intelligence and patient safety, Artificial Intelligence enabled decision support systems can enhance drug management and error detection. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence can assist in delivering round-the-clock care via chat-bots that can offer patients with resources and respond to simple questions while their provider's office is closed. Artificial Intelligence might also be used to prioritize queries and mark data for more examination. Additionally, a key benefit of deep learning is that Artificial Intelligence algorithms may use context to differentiate between various sorts of information.[6] However, Artificial Intelligence also has evoked concerns regarding the need for human intervention to assist Artificial Intelligence based technologies at several steps throughout the treatment and healthcare process. Certain slights, changes and variations are better analyzed by the human mind as compared to Artificial Intelligence-based technologies. Further, Artificial Intelligence-based technologies may sometimes invariably overlook various social and ethnological variables that materially affect a patient’s diagnosis and further treatment. There are also glaring concerns about the fact that employing Artificial Intelligence based technologies can pave the way for unemployment with the quick replacement of manual labour with systematized machines, in order to increase the cost-efficiency of the treatments in question. There is also a high risk of inaccuracies based on Artificial Intelligence data sets as the data is collated manually, and any error in input variables might materially alter the outcome, which is quickly intercepted by able human minds. Due to its basis in electronic mode, Artificial Intelligence is also susceptible to hacking and security risks and threats.[7] Utility of AI in Contemporary Scenario The fourth significant revolution in computer science is thought to have been brought about by the development of artificial intelligence and its subfields. Over the past few decades, Artificial Intelligence and deep learning, have advanced quickly in the field of healthcare. Although some contend that it will still require human oversight and could result in job losses, its effectiveness is precise in domains like diagnosis and research in the contemporary era. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), one of the most precise mathematical assessments of real-world issues, are also used to create deep learning models. However, to build algorithms that may be utilized in the clinic and to make the most of present-day usage, clinicians must comprehend the limitations of algorithms and computer scientists must comprehend clinical data.[8] Future of Medical Science with AI Medical technology powered by Artificial Intelligence is quickly developing into useful Clinical Practice Solutions. Deep Learning Algorithms can handle the growing volumes of data produced by mobile monitoring sensors found in wearable devices, smartphones, and other medical devices. Only very narrow clinical practice situations now profit from the application of artificial intelligence, though. A promising area of research and development is the application of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, which is developing quickly alongside other cutting-edge disciplines like precision medicine, genomics, and teleconsultation. Health Policy should now be concentrated on addressing the ethical and financial challenges related to this pillar of the evolution of medicine, while scientific research should continue to be rigorous and transparent in creating new solutions to improve contemporary healthcare.[9] [1] Stable URL- https://www.ibm.com/in-en/topics/artificial-intelligence-medicine [2] Ibid. [3] Supra Note 1. [4] Ibid. [5]Stable URL- https://neoteric.eu/blog/benefits-of-ai-in-healthcare/ [6] Ibid. [7]Stable URL- https://drexel.edu/cci/stories/artificial-intelligence-in-medicine-pros-and-cons/ [8]Stable URL- https://medium.com/mlearning-ai/applications-of-deep-learning-techniques-in-modern-health-care-what-should-we-expect-35166e4b1272 [9]Briganti Giovanni, Le Moine Olivier, Artificial Intelligence In Medicine: Today And Tomorrow, Frontiers In Medicine, Volume-7, URL-https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00027, DOI-10.3389/fmed.2020.00027, ISSN-2296-858x

Sumasri

Feb 21, 2023

50 Advanced Pharmacovigilance Interview Questions and Answers

What is pharmacovigilance? Answer: Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problems. What is the difference between a serious and non-serious adverse drug reaction (ADR)? Answer: A serious adverse drug reaction is an ADR that results in death, is life-threatening, requires hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a congenital anomaly or birth defect. A non-serious ADR is any ADR that is not serious. What is signal detection in pharmacovigilance? Answer: Signal detection is the process of identifying new or unrecognized safety concerns related to a drug by analyzing data from various sources, such as spontaneous reports, clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and literature. What is the difference between pharmacovigilance and clinical trials? Answer: Clinical trials are conducted before a drug is marketed to determine its safety and efficacy. Pharmacovigilance, on the other hand, is the ongoing monitoring of the safety of a drug after it has been approved and marketed. What is the role of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC)? Answer: The PRAC is responsible for assessing and managing the risk of adverse effects of human medicines and providing recommendations to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). What is the role of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The ICH develops guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs. Its guidelines for pharmacovigilance provide a framework for the collection, analysis, and reporting of safety data. What is a Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR)? Answer: A PSUR is a report submitted by the marketing authorization holder of a drug to regulatory authorities that summarizes the safety information of the drug at defined intervals after its approval. What is a Risk Management Plan (RMP)? Answer: An RMP is a plan that outlines the safety concerns of a drug and the measures that will be taken to minimize those risks. What is the difference between a risk and a hazard in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A hazard is a potential source of harm, whereas a risk is the probability that harm will occur. What is the role of the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) in clinical trials? Answer: The DMC is responsible for reviewing the safety data of a clinical trial and making recommendations to the trial sponsor and the regulatory authority regarding the continuation or modification of the trial. What is the difference between an adverse event and an adverse drug reaction? Answer: An adverse event is any untoward medical occurrence that may occur during treatment with a drug, regardless of whether it is related to the drug. An adverse drug reaction is a response to a drug that is noxious and unintended and occurs at doses normally used in humans for prophylaxis, diagnosis, or therapy. What is the role of a safety signal in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A safety signal is information that suggests a new or incompletely documented adverse event that may be caused by a drug. What is the difference between a spontaneous report and an active surveillance report in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A spontaneous report is a report of an ADR that is submitted voluntarily by healthcare professionals or patients. Active surveillance involves actively collecting data on ADRs through methods such as electronic health records, registry-based surveillance,and prescription event monitoring. What is the purpose of post-authorization safety studies (PASS) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The purpose of PASS is to further evaluate the safety of a drug after its approval and marketing, typically in a specific population or for a specific indication. What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The WHO provides global leadership in pharmacovigilance and coordinates international efforts to monitor the safety of medicines. What is a pharmacovigilance system master file (PSMF)? Answer: A PSMF is a comprehensive document that describes the pharmacovigilance system of a marketing authorization holder, including its organization, procedures, and responsibilities. What is the difference between a benefit-risk assessment and a risk-benefit assessment in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A benefit-risk assessment evaluates the overall benefit of a drug compared to its risks, while a risk-benefit assessment evaluates the overall risk of a drug compared to its benefits. What is the role of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines in the European Union and monitors the safety of medicines after they have been approved. What is the difference between a quantitative and a qualitative signal in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A quantitative signal is a signal that is based on numerical data, such as the frequency of a particular adverse event. A qualitative signal is a signal that is based on non-numerical data, such as the nature or severity of an adverse event. What is the purpose of the EudraVigilance database in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The EudraVigilance database is a centralized database for the collection and analysis of suspected ADRs for medicines authorized in the European Economic Area. What is the role of the FDA in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The FDA is responsible for regulating the safety and efficacy of drugs in the United States and monitors the safety of drugs after they have been approved. What is the difference between a population-based and a hospital-based study in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A population-based study involves analyzing data from a general population, while a hospital-based study involves analyzing data from a specific hospital or group of hospitals. What is the role of the Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance (QPPV)? Answer: The QPPV is responsible for overseeing the pharmacovigilance activities of a marketing authorization holder and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. What is the purpose of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: MedDRA is a standardized medical terminology that is used for the classification and coding of ADRs and other medical events. What is the role of the Drug Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in clinical trials? Answer: The DSMB is an independent committee that monitors the safety and efficacy of a clinical trial and makes recommendations to the trial sponsor regarding the continuation or modification of the trial. What is the difference between a cohort study and a case-control study in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A cohort study follows a group of individuals over time to determine the incidence of a particular adverse event, while a case-control study compares the frequency of a particular adverse event in cases (individuals with the event) and controls (individuals without the event). What is the role of the Adverse Drug Reaction Electronic System (ADRES) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: ADRES is a web-based platform used by the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to report and monitor suspected ADRs of drugs marketed in the Philippines. What is the difference between a safety signal and a safety alert in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A safety signal is an indication that there may be an increased risk of an adverse event associated with a drug, while a safety alert is a notification to healthcare professionals of a specific safety concern. What is the role of the Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The PSUR is a comprehensive report that provides an updated safety profile of a drug, based on data from clinical trials, post-marketing studies, and other sources. What is the role of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The ICH is a global organization that develops guidelines for the development, registration, and post-marketing surveillance of drugs, including pharmacovigilance activities. What is the difference between pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology? Answer: Pharmacovigilance focuses on monitoring and managing the safety of drugs after they have been marketed, while pharmacoepidemiology focuses on studying the effects of drugs in populations. What is the role of the electronic health record (EHR) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The EHR can be used to identify potential ADRs and monitor their occurrence in a clinical setting. What is the role of data mining in pharmacovigilance? Answer: Data mining can be used to identify potential safety signals from large volumes of data, such as electronic health records and social media. What is the difference between an adverse event and an adverse drug reaction? Answer: An adverse event is any undesirable experience associated with the use of a drug, while an adverse drug reaction is a response to a drug that is noxious and unintended and occurs at doses normally used in humans for prophylaxis, diagnosis, or therapy. What is the role of the Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) guidelines in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The GVP guidelines provide a set of standards for the conduct of pharmacovigilance activities throughout the European Union. What is the role of the Signal Detection and Management team in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The Signal Detection and Management team is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential safety signals and making recommendations for further investigation. What is the difference between a serious and non-serious adverse event? Answer: A serious adverse event is any event that results in death, is life-threatening, requires hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a congenital anomaly/birth defect. A non-serious adverse event is any adverse event that does not meet these criteria. What is the role of the Risk Management Plan (RMP) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The RMP is a comprehensive plan that outlines the measures that a marketing authorization holder will take to minimize the risks associated with a drug and maximize its benefits. What is the difference between a black box warning and a contraindication? Answer: A black box warning is the strongest warning that the FDA requires and alerts healthcare professionals and patients to potentially serious or life-threatening risks associated with a drug. A contraindication is a situation where the use of a drug is not recommended due to potential harm to the patient. What is the role of the Patient Safety Organization (PSO) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The PSO is a private or public organization that is certified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to collect, analyze, and report patient safety information, including ADRs. What is the role of the EudraVigilance database in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The EudraVigilance database is a European Union (EU)-wide database that collects, manages, and analyzes information on suspected adverse reactions to medicinal products authorized in the EU. What is the role of the Drug Safety Update (DSU) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The DSU is a monthly bulletin published by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that provides updates on drug safety issues, including new ADRs, changes to prescribing information, and safety alerts. What is the difference between risk assessment and risk management in pharmacovigilance? Answer: Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the potential risks associated with a drug, while risk management is the process of implementing strategies to minimize those risks. What is the role of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: VAERS is a national vaccine safety surveillance program in the United States that collects and analyzes information on adverse events that occur after vaccination. What is the role of the Spontaneous Reporting System (SRS) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The SRS is a system for collecting and analyzing reports of suspected ADRs that are voluntarily submitted by healthcare professionals and patients. What is the difference between a Type A and Type B adverse drug reaction? Answer: A Type A ADR is a predictable and dose-related ADR that is commonly observed with a drug, while a Type B ADR is an unpredictable, idiosyncratic, and not dose-related ADR that is rare and often serious. What is the role of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The PRAC is a scientific committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) that is responsible for assessing and managing the risks associated with medicinal products. What is the role of the MedDRA terminology in pharmacovigilance? Answer: MedDRA is a standardized medical terminology used for the classification and coding of ADRs and other medical events. What is the difference between a drug interaction and a drug-drug interaction in pharmacovigilance? Answer: A drug interaction is a modification of the effect of a drug by another drug or a food, while a drug-drug interaction is a specific type of drug interaction that occurs between two or more drugs. What is the role of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in pharmacovigilance? Answer: The CDER is a division of the FDA that is responsible for the regulation of drugs, including the assessment of their safety and efficacy, and the monitoring of their safety after they are approved. Bonus Questions with answers: Define volume 9A? Volume 9A combines international agreements made within the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) framework and provides general guidelines on the requirements, practises, roles, and activities in the field of pharmacovigilance, for both Marketing Authorization Holders (MAH) and Competent Authorities of medicinal products for human use. Volume 9A is presented in four parts: Part I – Guidelines for Marketing Authorisation Holders; Part II – Guidelines for Competent Authorities and the Agency; Part III – Guidelines for the electronic exchange of pharmacovigilance in the EU Part IV – Guidelines on pharmacovigilance communication What Should A Narrative Comprise? A narrative includes accurate and succinct facts regarding the report's origin, patient demographics, medical history, questionable product details, and adverse event details organised in a logical manner. Define Meddra? Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Mention The Hierarchy In Meddra? System Organ Class (SOC) High Level Group Term (HLGT) High Level Term (HLT) Preferred Term (PT) Lower Level Term (LLT) What Do You Know About E2a, E2b And E2c Guidelines? E2a: E2a guidelines provide standard language and definitions for important clinical safety reporting concepts. Additionally, it provides instructions on how to handle accelerated (quick) reporting of adverse drug responses throughout the research stage of drug development. E2b: information on the data components for transmitting Individual Case Safety Reports as well as E2b guidelines for the upkeep of clinical safety data management. E2c: E2b recommendations for the upkeep of clinical safety data management and details on periodic safety update reports for medications that have been commercially released.

Superadmin

Feb 16, 2023

All About Autopsy Or Post- Mortem

INTRODUCTION An autopsy (post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaver) is the study of a dead person's body to ascertain the cause of death, characterize the severity of any diseases the person may have had, or assess the success of any medicinal or surgical procedures. Pathologists and medical professionals who have acquired specialized training in the diagnosis of diseases through the analysis of body fluids and tissues carry out autopsies. Autopsies are occasionally requested for teaching and research purposes in academic institutions. To ascertain if a death was caused by an accident, homicide, suicide, or a natural occurrence, forensic autopsies are conducted. The word "autopsy" comes from the Greek word autopsia, which means "to see with one's eyes." The autopsy has historically served a range of purposes, including those related to medical care (diagnostic-related groups, quality assurance, and total patient care), the body of medical science (research, education, transplantation, and prostheses), society (public health, vital statistics, forensic issues), and the family (counselling and understanding the life cycle). Additionally, autopsies are the most crucial aspects of forensic pathology because they help determine the precise cause and manner of death, which has significant medical and legal implications. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF AUTOPSY? Medical-legal, forensic, or coroner's autopsies aim to identify the deceased while also determining the cause and manner of death. They are typically carried out, as required by applicable law, in cases of violent, suspicious, or abrupt deaths, deaths that occur during surgery, or that occur without medical intervention. Clinical or pathological autopsies are carried out to identify a specific disease or for scientific investigation. Prior to the patient's passing, medical diagnoses that were unknown or uncertain must be determined, clarified, or confirmed. Anatomical or academic autopsies are performed by students of anatomy for study purposes only. Virtual or medical imaging autopsies are performed utilizing imaging technology only, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). WHO PERFORM AUTOPSY? Autopsies are carried out by medical examiners with the assistance of an autopsy technician. A coroner may also be brought in to aid with non-medical activities. Although these three jobs are similar, there are some key differences. Medical Examiner: A physician with expertise in forensic pathology is known as a medical examiner. Medical professionals with further expertise in human diseases and body tissues are called pathologists. Investigations into deaths are a speciality of forensic pathologists. The duties of the medical examiner include the postmortem examination, death investigations, handling toxicology (and any other laboratory test findings), gathering and preserving evidence, and testifying in court cases. Coroner: In contrast, a coroner is a locally elected official who starts an inquiry into the manner of death (typically serving a 2 to 4-year term). No additional education or experience in medicine is necessary for this role. They don't conduct medical exams because they aren't necessarily doctors. Instead, they frequently have to hire experienced pathologists to perform autopsies. They are responsible for finishing the death certificate, locating the body, and opening any ongoing legal investigations. Coroners frequently serve in smaller counties where it is impractical to employ a pathologist full-time due to financial constraints. Autopsy Technicians: The people who assist with autopsy operations are known as autopsy technicians. They might lend a hand with the preparations, cleaning, documentation, and the actual autopsy. A four-year degree in biology, chemistry or a closely related subject is typically required of technicians. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE OF AUTOPSY OR POST-MORTEM? The steps involved in doing an autopsy differ depending on its extent and purpose. The majority of standard autopsy include an inspection of the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and brain if there are no limitations imposed by the family. The pathologist typically makes a Y- or U-shaped incision starting at the shoulders that meets at the sternum (breast bone) and continues vertically down to the pubic bone in order to examine the organs in the chest and abdomen. Through an incision created in the back of the skull from one ear to the other, the brain is examined. Before any incisions are made, the autopsy starts with a thorough physical examination of the body's exterior, which involves estimating the victim's height and weight. Also mentioned are any skin blemishes visible as scars, surgical incisions, wounds, or scar tissue. Typically, the organs are taken out of the body for evaluation. To check for anomalies inside the organs, the pathologist may weigh each organ separately and further dissect (cut) the tissue. Small bits of tissue are removed from the organs after they have been seen with the unaided eye for microscopic analysis. Each tissue's microscopic and physical traits are meticulously detailed in detail. The incisions made on the body are stitched up after an autopsy. The organs may be donated back to the body or kept for use in instruction, research, or diagnosis. An open casket funeral service is not hampered by the performance of an autopsy because no incisions are visible once the body is readied for burial. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTOPSY OR POST-MORTEM? Bringing closure is one of the most crucial things an autopsy can accomplish for a grieving family. Beyond what is immediately available after death, autopsies can give us more insight into the causes of the deaths of our loved ones. They assist persons who are unable to speak up for themselves by providing answers and, in many circumstances, a voice. Autopsies sometimes benefit medical experts as well. They might discover more about how diseases work and carry out tasks that are impossible to conduct when a person is still living. They might come across information that enables them to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases or potential outbreaks more promptly. With this information, they can learn more about diseases like particular types of cancer, dementia, heart failure, and serious illnesses. By creating more effective and painless treatment strategies, they will be better equipped to assist those who are afflicted with similar ailments in the future. Autopsies are a method of gathering documentary evidence in criminal investigations, as most frequently seen in popular culture. Invaluable data from autopsies, such as the reason for death, the time of death, and even the body's identity, can help catch offenders and bring them to justice before they cause harm to others. In short, autopsies equip doctors with the knowledge and resources they need to better support their communities and the general well-being of populations. WHAT ARE THE LEGAL ASPECT RELATED TO AUTOPSY OR POST-MORTEM? In India, there is no specific law protecting the rights of the dead. However, The courts have often emphasized that they must uphold the respect and rights of the dead. It is the responsibility of the State to preserve the rights of the deceased and prevent crime over the dead body in cases of both natural and unnatural deaths (accident, suicide, homicide, etc.). In order to guarantee the dead's dignity and defend their rights, it is also a necessity that the States/UTs prepare an SOP in conjunction with all parties involved. Along with the country's citizens, the stakeholders include the hospital administration, police, forensic medicine specialists, district administration, municipal corporation, and other organisations. Following are the laws related to Autopsy or Post- Mortem: International Framework All international human rights laws are founded on the principle of human dignity. The following list includes a few treaty obligations and laws that expressly address the respect due to the dead person: 1. Article 16 (II paragraphs) of Geneva Convention 1949 IV: Each party to the war shall facilitate the actions taken to safeguard the killed against ill-treatment, to the extent that military consideration permits. 2. Article 3(a) of the 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam: In the event of the use of force during an armed conflict, it is forbidden to mutilate dead bodies. 3. The UN Commission on Human Rights in a Resolution adopted in 2005 underlined the significance of respectfully handling human remains, including their correct care and disposal as well as respecting the interests of families. 4. According to the UN's Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters, suitable steps should be done "to assist the return of remains to the next of kin." Measures should make it possible to recover human remains for later identification and reburial, if necessary. 5. According to Article 130(1) of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which is a part of international humanitarian law, States are required to "guarantee that cemeteries are respected, properly maintained, and marked in such a manner that they can always be recognised." National Framework The right to dignity is one of many aspects of a person's life that are covered by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. This privilege has been extended to dead people as well by numerous Supreme Court and High Court judgements. Case laws: Parmanand Katara v. Union of India , 1989 According to the Apex Court of India in the historic case from 1989, the right to life, to receive a fair trial, and to be treated with dignity extends not only to a person who is alive but also to his dead body. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is the basis of these rights. Additionally, the recognition of posthumous legal rights grants the deceased a high moral standing inside our legal system. The law also aims to respect the intentions of the dead and protect his interests. Ashray Adhikar Abhiyan v. Union of India, 2002 According to the court, the dignity of the dead must be maintained and respected. It expanded the duty of the State to see that a suitable cremation is provided for the deceased person who is homeless in accordance with their religion. P. Rathinam v. Union of India, 1994 In this case, the scope of article 21 was expanded to take into account a person's dignity. It underlined that having the right to life extends beyond merely existing as an animal. Additionally, a dead person now has the same right to dignity as a living person. Indian Penal Code, 1860 In accordance with the IPC, 1860, the rights of the deceased include the prohibition of trespassing on places used for funeral rites and burials under Section 297, the prohibition on dishonestly appropriating property and converting it under Section 404, the prohibition on defamation under Section 499, and the prohibition on criminal intimidation under Section 503. Transplantation Of Human Organs And Tissues Act, 1994 (Thota) To prohibit commercial deals in human organs and tissues, as well as things related to or incidental thereto, the THOTA regulates the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes. The THOTA ensures a deceased person the right to safeguard and preserve their dead body's human organs and tissue from being harvested without their permission or the permission of close relatives. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES FOR UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY AND DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF THE DEAD 1. No discrimination in any way in the treatment of the body- To guarantee that the dead body is handled and preserved appropriately regardless of religion, region, caste, gender, etc. 2. There should be no physical exploitation of the dead. This is a violation of the departed person's fundamental right. 3. The right to a decent and timely burial or cremation is to be guaranteed to the deceased. 4. To receive justice when a crime results in death: When a crime results in death, the deceased have the right to justice. 5. To carry out a lawful will: The deceased's final wishes, if any, must be observed and upheld. 6. No defamation after death - The deceased person should not be subjected to any type of remark or outward manifestation that is made, published, or distributed with the intent of damaging his or her reputation. 7. No invasion of privacy – The deceased individual had a right to privacy, which is the ability to determine how information about one's privacy is shared. CONCLUSION The autopsy is a highly important tool for analyzing the findings about the deceased person's goals and emotional state right before death, which are crucial in building the case and determining the reasons of the deceased person's death. The final suggestion is that Indian courts study this theory and attempt to use it in instances involving less significant grievances as well as enigmatic and unexplained circumstances. When it comes to legal concerns, contacting a psychologist can help the judge make decisions that are just, take into account the safety of the community and the person, and help them see things more clearly.

Sumasri

Feb 14, 2023

An Interview with Dr. Richa Singh - A Career In MedTech

India’s healthcare industry has experienced a significant boost, albeit at the hands of the Pandemic. The Pandemic has propelled the MedTech landscape into an accelerated growth drive. Medical technology innovation can make modern care accessible, available, and affordable to all by lowering the cost of the product or delivery. India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) predicts that Indian MedTech will stand at $50 billion by 2025[1]. The government of India is also supporting Indian MedTech, allowing the sector to grow exponentially as evident in the current financial budget speech of Feb 2023 In our effort to share more about a career in MedTech, we interviewed Dr. Richa Singh, a former healthcare service provider who has worked in GE Healthcare, and Roche, and is currently leading the Enterprise Partnerships & Strategic alliances at Jio Healthhub. She has 14+ years of work experience across Health services, Public health consulting, MedTech, and Pharma domains. 1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare? How did you begin your career after graduating from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS)? Growing up as an army kid, I was influenced by my hardworking parents and my uncle who was a Radiologist. Moreover, I was always curious to know how the human body works- why certain bodily movements and functions are in our control while others are not. Much like other medical aspirants, I also gave a couple of national medical entrance exams and was finally selected to attend the 5-year undergrad program in Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) Once you are in medical school, the curriculum for students is quite vast, including lectures, practical labs, pre-clinics, etc. Thereafter in-clinic duties begin wherein one must manage patient records, calls, appointments, and long working hours that could sometimes stretch up to 18 hrs a day. Nevertheless, it helps you ease into the medical space as a professional at an early stage. However, it was only after I started my internship that I realised, medicine is not just about knowing the human body and securing good grades, but also one ought to face several practical situations such as administrative hurdles, navigating changing protocols, other systemic challenges related to poor healthcare infrastructure, and lack of capacity building, in India. This made me want to go beyond just being an individual contributor as a doctor to working in community health where I would get a chance to work on these larger societal challenges. 2. After graduation, you moved to a role in marketing and sales. This is an unconventional route for a healthcare professional. What led you to make this move? While entering the healthcare profession, I wanted to take the traditional path of opening my own clinic or working in a well-established hospital. But when I started my internship in my last year at medical school, I got an insight into what life might look like after graduation. At that time, I was more interested in working in community dentistry & public health where I got the opportunity to work with government institutions, non-profits, domain experts, etc in the healthcare industry. During our college fest, one of the sponsors was looking for a marketing executive for their startup. After, I graduated I took that marketing role as a part-time job and worked at a clinic on weekends to keep in touch with dentistry as well. I was preparing for post-graduation management exams. As a marketing executive, I prepared various marketing and communication materials for clients, learned various software programs for designing, and gained experience with dealing with clients. Working in a startup meant that I had to work in many areas which were out of my comfort zone. This practical experience taught me how industries generate revenue at the ground level. This exposure for a year unexpectedly led me to turn a part-time engagement into a full-time role. Being part of a startup ecosystem earlier in my career helped me learn things that I find useful even to this day. This path was not entirely a planned one but it certainly opened doors to greater things in my life. 3. You have a diploma in financial management and have also done a few courses in design thinking, data, and AI. How have these helped you as a MedTech professional? Over time I realised that being part of a marketing and sales team, one needs to have some basic understanding of accounting, reading financial statements, basic marketing principles, etc to do the job more effectively. My management coursework had some parts which were more logic driven and easier to understand, while others were a bit more technical such as cash flow statements, ratios, cost accounting, etc which took time for me to fully grasp. Hence, apart from my day job, I made an effort to dedicate some time to studying these subjects to upskill myself. To my surprise, in my finance PGDM class, I scored the highest marks with a distinction! Design thinking course, I recently pursued in a hybrid model which was led by a well-known Stanford graduate business school faculty, Prof. Stefanos, and is part of their entrepreneurship curriculum. It is helping me immensely in my current work on understanding customer needs, user personas, business models, etc I believe that our learning can never stop and one must constantly look to acquire new skills in and outside of work to remain at top of one’s game. Hence I undertook short courses in data analysis, dashboarding, and AI. 4. How different was it working for a financial institution like CRISIL (S&P Global) from working at Roche Pharma or GE Healthcare? How did you make that transition? Crisil, S&P Global is one of the biggest credit rating agencies in the world, and it was my first big corporate job. I was a bit overwhelmed on my first day at work, as we had a waist-high stack of official papers to sign which were concerned with company security, compliance, and privacy, hence it was a big change for me coming from a startup ecosystem. But once I got the hang of things, it made me realise why corporate giants and financial powerhouses need these checks and balances which make them reliable financial institutions that do fair trade with their employees and clients. My transition from a financial institution to a healthcare institution has been supported by various transferable skills from my former education and work experience. For instance, if we compare this situation to a healthcare organisation, as a healthcare provider or institution, if the organisation cannot protect the patient’s confidential data and records then it won’t be a trustworthy place where people would come to avail services. When I joined GE Healthcare in 2019-20 the COVID pandemic had just begun, and this led to a huge demand for medical devices such as ventilators, patient monitors, life-saving equipment, etc. I was happy to contribute my bit by leading India’s first CT-in-the-box project which is the only one in the country and was inaugurated by the Government of Maharashtra along with the leadership from GE and our three CSR donor-partners -L&T, PNB housing finance, SNC Lavalin. I combined my public health, MedTech, and social sector skill set to bring this project to fruition. 5. What led you to social entrepreneurship and CSR? What has your experience been like in these fields? Also, tell us about your role as a mentor/advisor for different foundations and startups. My former social venture or non-profit organisation, Citizens Association for Child Rights (CACR), has been working for social impact in women's health, menstrual hygiene, skilling, and digital education in several government schools. UNICEF was one of our project donors that later became a long-term sponsor and mentor-partner for CACR. I and the team learned a lot under the guidance of the UNICEF INDIA WASH team (water supply, sanitation, and hygiene) with experts like Yusuf, Anand, and Bharathy. CACR has taught me to work at scale in resource-constrained environments. It also gave me an opportunity to work with very diverse cohorts of people and equipped me with the ability to design and scale interventions with public, private, and academic consortiums. Some of these projects have even been covered by national news media. For example, our project on menstrual hygiene with municipal schools of Mumbai sponsored by UNICEF had been covered by the Times of India.,publication.[2] Coming to the second part of the question, currently, I am part of a few startup incubators as a growth advisor. Healthcare startups approach me with their business strategies and plans seeking assistance in market development, analysing customer and market response, helping them with pitch decks, expanding their consumer base, etc. As an advisor, there are basically three major criteria that I focus on for startup advice, first is the idea itself, whether it’s something unique that people will pay for and find valuable, secondly if the business strategy is user-centric (B2C) or enterprise-centric (B2B) along with the market timing and dynamics, and lastly the expertise, passion, and commitment of the founding team. 6. What led you to Digital Health? At Jio Healthhub, what does your day-to-day work life look like? I ventured into Digital health to develop and experience working on a user-centric system of care which bought me to Jio Healthhub, a healthcare platform or companion for every individual and his/her family. By creating a profile on Jio Healthcare one can track one's family or own health status. Along with tracking, this platform via PHRs (personal digital health records) and wearable integration, provides multiple articles on health, mental well-being, and lifestyle management. It also has a self-assessment feature for COVID, diabetes, cardiovascular complications, etc, a symptom checker for high/medium/low risk, and lastly one can avail services such as doctor consults, lab tests, and tracking medicine intake, among others. Each day, I divide my responsibility into 3 areas. The first vertical is related to providing digital product solutions and market access for enterprises such as pharma, device companies, or public health entities that intend to do large-scale projects in women's health, diabetes, immunization, etc to connect them digitally with their audience. The second vertical is where we partner with healthcare startups or mid-size companies in terms of products/services that can complement both parties. Lastly, being a part of the Jio Healthhub team, I also work internally with other RIL entities on various common events/large-scale projects consisting of multiple work streams such as digital health, e-pharmacy, emotional wellbeing, etc. 7. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who are looking to pursue a career in Medical Technology? What are the new avenues open to them? My advice to medical students and young professionals who are keen to pursue their career in the Medtech industry would be to upskill themselves with relevant coursework or a management degree as it gives them an opportunity to segway into different healthcare sub-domains such as hospital administration, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare IT, etc. It widens your horizon and exposes you to different aspects of healthcare which you would not have encountered at medical school. Another way would be to get into an internship program in your preferred industry. Internships give me an opportunity to learn practical work as well as network with future mentors, clients, and colleagues. Apart from that, students and professionals could also refer to several career websites and read articles and interviews to understand how things work in different domains of healthcare. The key is the focus should be on ‘learning first and earnings later' at the beginning of your career. Pick jobs and managers who support you to enable this and that will take you far in your career. Seek opportunities outside your comfort zone to acquire diverse expertise which will help you become a sought-after resource and make future career transitions easier. Best wishes! [1] https://www.ibef.org/blogs/medtech-sector-in-india [2]https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/girl-talk-lessons-in-hygiene/articleshow/60066863.cms

Sumasri

Feb 10, 2023

A Career In Cardiology In India

Introduction A cardiologist is a doctor of the heart, veins, and arteries. He analyses and deals with cardiovascular or circulatory illnesses and disorders. The need for cardiologists is growing consistently with the rapid increase in cardiovascular diseases around the world. An individual interested in making a career in this field is required to devote 10-13 years of his life to it since becoming one demands years of training beyond an MBBS degree as well as the necessary licensing and board certification. This article explores a career in the field of cardiology in India. Read on! Educational Qualifications Required In India, there are primarily three types of cardiology programs, which are described below: Degree Courses: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate-level degree programs are available in the field of cardiology. The duration of these programs usually varies from 2 to 5 years. Diploma Courses: Diploma courses in cardiology are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels which may vary from 1 to 6 years. Certificate Programs: Certificate programs in cardiology are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels1. Their duration might range from 2.5 hours to 4 weeks. UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES Course Name Duration Fees MBBS 5.5 years (including one-year internship) INR 10,000-6,00,000 B.Sc. in Cardiac Technology/Cardiology 4 years (including a one-year internship) INR 1000- 4,00,000 B.Sc Cardiovascular Technology 4 years (including one-year internship) INR 25,000-5,00,000 Source: Collegedunia, Collegedekho Eligibility for Undergraduate Courses Students are required to obtain at least 50% marks in 10+2 or any equivalent examination in the science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as main subjects) from a recognized board. Students have to clear NEET UG and/or entrance exams conducted by the respective universities (wherever applicable). UG DIPLOMA COURSE Course Name Provider Duration Average Fees Diploma in Cardiology Technician NRI Medical College (NRIMC) 2 years INR 54,000 Diploma in Cardiovascular Technician (DCVT) Rajiv Gandhi Paramedical Institute (RGPI) 2 years INR 60,000 Diploma in cardiology technician Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute 1 year INR 1,06,000 Source: Collegedunia Eligibility for Undergraduate Diploma Courses Students must be passed in 10+2 or any equivalent examination in the science stream from any recognized board. Students are required to clear the test conducted by the respective university (wherever required). PG DIPLOMA COURSE Course Name Duration Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology 2-4 years M.Sc.in Cardiological Nursing 2 years Post Graduate Diploma Community Cardiology (PGDCC) 2-4 years DNB Cardiothoracic Surgery 3-6 years Eligibility for Postgraduate Diploma Course While some PG diploma courses require the basic eligibility as having completed an undergraduate course (with cardiology as a subject) from a recognized university, some others compulsorily require completing an MBBS degree or an equivalent qualification recognized by the MCI (Medical Council of India) or any of the State Medical Council. Further, some institutes may also conduct an entrance examination for admission to the PG Diploma course or mention any other criteria(s), making it subject to final admission. CERTIFICATE COURSES Certificate name Provider Duration Fees Requirements Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac Computed Tomography edX 4 weeks Free (charges only for certificate) Myocardial Infarction Coursera 25 hours Free (charges only for certificate) Echocardiography for the non-Cardiologist Udemy 2.5 hours INR 3,499 Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology Udemy 9 hours INR 800 Basic knowledge of biological sciences Cardiac Care Technician Certification VIVO Healthcare 1 year 10+2 with Science or ECG Technician Cardiac Anaesthesia Seth Gordhandhas Sunderdas Medical College 1 year INR 10,000 M.D./ D.N.B. in Anesthesia Source: Official website of respective providers Postgraduate Degree And Doctoral Courses Course Name Duration Average Fees Requirements M.Sc. Cardiology 2 years INR 5,54,178 - 6,00,000 Bachelor's degree in science from a recognized university with minimum marks as specified by the university MD Cardiology 3 years INR 2,000 - 20,00,00 An M.B.B.S or equivalent degree in science. DM in Cardiology 3 years INR 5,000 - 10,00,000 MD General Medicine or Paediatrics M.Ch. in Cardiac Surgery 3-Years INR 1,00,000- 6,00,000 Postgraduate Degree in MS/DNB M.Ch. Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery 3 years INR 10,000- 15,00,000 Master’s degree or Post-graduation (MD or MS) or equivalent degree from a recognized university with minimum 55% aggregate D.M - Cardiac Anaesthesiology 3 years INR 1,00,000-2,00,000 M.D. (Anaesthesiology) D.M - Cardiology 3 years INR 3,00,000 - 15,00,000 Postgraduate [MD] from the recognized Medical Council of India or any State Medical Councils Ph.D. - Cardiology 3-5 years INR 2000 - 2,80,000 Master's degree in either MD or DM or equivalent degree with a minimum aggregate of 55% passed from a recognized university. M.Ch. Cardiac Surgery 3 years INR 1,00,000- 6,00,000 Postgraduate Degree in MS/DNB Source: Collegedunia, Targetstudy Note: In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the students may be required to clear NEET PG or equivalent examination and/or entrance exam conducted by the respective universities (wherever required). Further, it is important to note that admission into both MD Cardiology and Ph.D. in cardiology is completely merit-based. This is followed by a round of group discussion and personal interview. Top Cardiology Colleges In India All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) Christian Medical College (CMC) Jawaharlal Institute Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) Scope Of A Career As A Cardiologist A cardiologist can work in private as well as government hospitals. He can also choose to be a scientist, researcher in any reputed hospital, or lecturer in a medical college. Apart from this, he can work with cardiac rehabilitation centres or clinics or in the defence or railways sector. One could also sit for the UPSC examination for positions in the civil service after completing a post-graduate degree in cardiology. After gaining substantial years of experience, one can also start a private practice as a cardiologist. Job Profiles In Cardiology Job Profiles Job Description Cardiac Surgeon A cardiac surgeon is a medical doctor who performs surgery on the heart and the major blood vessels around it. They are also responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses related to the heart, interpreting tests, and suggesting a cure. Cardiologist Cardiologists are physicians who perform duties related to the cardiovascular system. They have extra education and training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating heart conditions. Cardiothoracic Surgeons Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgeries on most organs and tissues found in the chest. They also conduct medical management and determine methods of surgical procedures. Invasive Cardiologist Cardiologists who perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases are invasive cardiologists. They also treat arteries and artery blockages. Cardiovascular Technologist The duty of the cardiovascular technologist is to support the physician during invasive treatments like cardiac catheterization. They support the early detection and treatment of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Emergency response officers Emergency response officers (EROs) are doctors who are trained to give first-line treatment in any emergency, in this case, cardiac arrest or heart failure. Scientists (cardiology) They conduct in-depth research on cardiac health and novel treatment protocols. Professor of cardiology Ph.D. holders in cardiology and expert practitioners who teach MBBS and MD students in medical colleges. Junior Resident (Cardiology) A junior resident in cardiology is in charge of performing non-invasive diagnostic tests on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to identify and treat diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Senior Resident (Cardiology) A senior resident is responsible for performing electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, Holter monitors, trans-oesophageal echocardiogram exercises, stress testing, and dobutamine stress testing. Technical Assistant A Technical Assistant is primarily responsible for providing technical and equipment-based assistance in heart treatments. Skills Required Teamwork Technical knowledge Communication Problem-solving Cognitive abilities Compassion and listening ability Self- Confidence Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills Time management Analytical skills Patience Ability to take decisions in life-threatening situations Expected Salary And Remuneration Job Profiles Average Salary Cardiac Surgeon INR 2,88,000 Cardiologist INR 1,71,000 Cardiothoracic Surgeons INR 1,00,000 Invasive Cardiologist INR 8,12,000 Cardiovascular Technologist INR 2,82,000 Emergency response officers INR 1,08,000 Junior Resident (Cardiology) INR 2,46,000- 3,00,000 Senior Resistant (Cardiology) INR 3,00,000- 3,50,000 Technical Assistant INR 3,50,000- 4,00,000 Source: Collegedunia, Ambitionbox Top Entities Hiring For This Job Indian Council of Medical Research AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Medanta, The Medicity Apollo Hospitals Jaypee Hospital Max Healthcare Hospitals Conclusion Even though a highly competitive and challenging field of medicine, cardiology is a fulfilling and rewarding career option for those candidates who are hardworking, capable, and passionate about treating heart patients. Moreover, there is a lot of scope in this particular field from the income point of view as well, especially when one gains substantial years of experience. Medbots.in wishes you all the best!

Sumasri

Feb 02, 2023

Legal Aspects of Organ Donation in India

Introduction Over 10 lakh individuals are waiting for corneal transplants, 50,000 are waiting for heart transplants, and 20,000 are in need of lung transplants in India, where the state of organ donation is deplorable. This is particularly regrettable given that an organ donor can, on average, save up to nine lives and provide 25 different organs to those in need. The transplant waiting lists in India are getting longer every day, while the list of organ donors is not currently growing at the same rate. By surgically replacing a patient's faulty organ with a healthy one, organ donation can prolong a patient's life by many years. Sometimes the only treatment for long-term illnesses like leukaemia or kidney failure is organ donation. That being said, the concept of organ donation also involves a number of legal aspects which will be discussed further in this article. Organ Donation working When an individual's organs start failing or deteriorating and they need a transplant to survive, that marks the initiation of the process. If a person is a fine fit for a transplant, a transplant centre will undertake a comprehensive evaluation and add them to the National Transplant Waiting List. The clock starts to run and the wait for an organ begins once the person is added to the list. It is a mechanism that matches donors with patients on waiting lists. Blood type, body size, the severity of the patient, proximity to the donor, tissue type, and length of the waiting list are used to categorise donors. The following criteria is never used to match organs: Gender Caste Income Someone with a high societal position. There is no way to predict how long the wait would be; in fact, some people's organ transplants are delayed because the waiting list is so long and there aren't enough donors. Because of this, a good number of people on the waiting list die on average every day. Indian Legal Provisions Administering Organ Donation And Transplantation The primary legislation, The Transplantation of The Human Organs Act, of 1944, covers organ donation and transplantation (THAO). It sought to uphold appropriate regulations for the removal, preservation, and transplantation of organs for medical purposes. The primary responsibility of the law is to stop transplant commercialism. Key aspects of the 1994 bill The authorisation Committee must be organised at the State and Center levels and consist of a unique collection of experts. The committee would be in charge of keeping track of the organs that are available and approving requests for transplants. Only the medical professional who has registered with the authority will be given the responsibility of executing the procedure for removing the organs from the deceased's body. An institution where the transplant would be performed must have authorization from the State authorities in order to be recognised as an approved centre. Without the consent of a trained neurosurgeon, a person cannot be pronounced brain dead right before the transplantation is about to begin. Amendments of 2014 After twenty years, neither has the number of organ donors has increased nor have the authorities been able to stop unlawful organ transplants and the use of human trafficking unlawful transplants. These changes were made with the intention of simplifying the organ donation process and streamlining the entire process. The modifications are as follows: Every hospital that could offer suitable care for donors and ventilators to collect the organs was given the authority to do organ transplants in order to increase accessibility and scope. In order to confirm that a neurosurgeon was required to be present when a person was declared dead, a relaxation of the earlier mandatory rule was approved. It was mandated that medical professionals approach the relatives of the deceased, inform them of the transplantation process and encourage them to move forward because it would be good for society. The recipient, his family, the government, or non-governmental organisations would be responsible for covering the cost of transportation, medical care, the donor's maintenance, and the recovery of organs or tissues. THAO, 1994: A Critical Analysis The Act outlines the procedure for obtaining organs from the deceased, a related person, or someone who is not related in order to prevent the unlawful trade in human organs. The law establishes that the primary motivation for organ donation stems from the need to help a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, child, or spouse. The relationship between these individuals must be confirmed through genetic testing or legal documentation. The Authorization Committee (AC) has been established by the government to ensure that organ donations for unrelated donors are made exclusively out of "Affection and Attachment" with the patient and that there is no unreported financial benefit being given to the donor. The Authorization Committee's goal is to ascertain whether or not there is a business relationship between the donor and the patient, as well as whether there is even a remote chance that the donation may be illegal. Authorization Committee and Others v. Balbir Singh, it was mentioned that "Near Relative" was used in this case. The Act was passed with the intention of prohibiting the trade of human organs. The law stipulates punishment for anyone who performs the unlawful and barbaric crime of selling organs for profit, including a sentence of two to seven years in prison and a fine of between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000. Despite the 2011 Amendment, this Act hasn't been able to stop the unlawful trade of organs. Requirements and Permissions The age requirement for organ donation is zero. It can begin as early as six weeks. Your organs' state of health and condition are the only things that matter. All of your organs and tissues, including your heart, kidneys, lungs, corneas, and pancreas, can be donated. Even living organ transplants are possible, particularly in the case of the kidneys since a person can survive in good condition with just one kidney. The procedure of Organ donation The Method of Living Donation To ensure that the living donor is medically compatible with the recipient, the donor must go through a number of tests and examinations. A physician certifies the medical suitability of the living donor. The transplant cannot take place until every test has conclusively shown that the donor and the recipient are compatible. Medical professionals perform surgery to remove the living donor's organs. Before being transplanted into the recipient, they will be momentarily kept in specialised chemical solutions. The living donor must remain under medical supervision for a few days or weeks following organ donation in order to be healthy enough to return home. The Donation Method for the Deceased A deceased donor is frequently someone who experienced a fatal head injury or brain haemorrhage. A group of medical professionals in a hospital declares she/he to be brain dead. Before the organ retrieval process may be started, the donor's family must approve the donation. Until the organ retrieval process can begin, the donor is kept on life support with doctors taking care of all of her or his needs. From a waiting list, suitable recipients are chosen for each organ. They receive a call and are instructed to go to their respective hospitals. The donor's body is respectfully returned to the family after retrieval. Requirement of Forms The Transplantation of The Human Organs and Tissue rules, 2014 prescribe the following forms: Form 1: Consent for organ or tissue donation from a near-relative Form 2: Consent for organ or tissue donation from the spouse Form 3: Consent for organ or tissue donation from other than a near-relative donor Form 4: Certificate of Donor’s Psychiatrist evaluation Form 5: Certificate of genetic relationship of living donor with the recipient (HLA DNA profiling report) Form 6: Consent spousal living donor Form 7: Self-consent for deceased donation Form 8: Consent for organ donation from family (also applicable for minors) Form 9: Consent for organ donation from unclaimed bodies Form 10: Brain death declaration form Form 11: Joint transplant application by donor/recipient Form 12: Registration of hospital for organ transplantation Form 13: Registration of hospital for organ retrieval Form 16: Grant of registration Form 17: Renewal of registration Form 18: Decision by hospital authorisation committee Form 19: Decision by district authorisation committee Form 20: Verification of Domicile for non-near-relative Form 21: Certificate of the relationship between donor and recipient in case of foreigners (Letter from Embassy) Website for Organ Donation National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) Link: https://notto.gov.in/index.htm The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a national-level organisation housed in the Institute of Pathology (ICMR) Building at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. It was established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It has the two divisions listed below: "National Biomaterial Centre" and "National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network". Mohan Foundation Link: https://www.mohanfoundation.org/ The MOHAN Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that was established in 1997 in Chennai by benefactors and medical experts under the direction of Dr. Sunil Shroff to promote organ donation. It is a recognised non-profit organisation with offices in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, and the United States. It is also free from income tax under Sections 80G and 35AC. A group of like-minded and concerned medical and non-medical professionals founded the MOHAN Foundation with the goal of extending the application of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act. This law was passed in 1994 by the Indian government to promote organ donation and end the trade in organs, particularly kidneys. Now, in addition to donating eyeballs, one can also donate their heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Organ India Link: https://www.organindia.org/ The Parashar Foundation, a Delhi-based NGO, started The Organ Receiving & Giving Awareness Network (ORGAN) India in March 2013 to address the appalling status of deceased organ donation in India. In order to address this organ donor shortage, we are working to develop the necessary infrastructure in India. The late Ashok Parashar founded the Parashar Foundation in 2000 with the goal of assisting the underprivileged by funding numerous hospitals, schools, and other organisations. While the majority of our prior efforts consisted of financial contributions to various charities, our current focus is to raise public awareness about organ donation in Delhi, which will help all people, regardless of religion, age, sex, caste, or gender. Conclusion The number of organ donors is still incredibly low despite the steady increase in demand. The illegal trade in organs has dramatically increased as a result of the strong demand for organs, and the worst-affected nations are those in developing regions with high rates of poverty and lax law enforcement. It is a sad fact that despite being in effect for 15 years, the THO Act has not been able to prevent the commercial trade in organs or to promote organ donation. The best course of action in India is to spend money raising awareness about the deceased’s contribution and passing legislation requiring the donation unless someone opts out. The conservative mindset of society needs to shift, together with strict legislative requirements and their successful implementation, in order to close the enormous gap between the supply and demand of critical organs.

Sumasri

Jan 20, 2023

Euthanasia In India and Other Countries

Introduction The right to life is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, without which no other rights can be enjoyed. The phrase "right to life" refers to a person's basic right to live. However, the million-dollar question is that if a person has the Right to Life, does he also have the right not to Live, i.e. the Right to Die? The right to life, which includes the right to live in dignity, implies that certain rights are protected until the end of an average lifespan. This may concern a dying man's right to die with dignity. However, the right to die with "dignity" should not be confused with the right to die in an unnatural way that reduces one's lifespan. As a result, the issue has sparked strong debates in India regarding whether passive euthanasia should be legalised. It basically comes down to choosing between empathy and humanity. The very concept of euthanasia is based on the idea that a man should be able to live his life on his terms. Euthanasia is typically associated with those who have terminal diseases or are on the verge of being handicapped and have no desire to live the rest of their lives. A highly disabled or near-death individual should have the option to live or die. The goal is that the person dies with dignity, putting an end to their prolonged pain and unbearable trauma. It is in the patient's best interest to be free of constant pain and suffering. Euthanasia has been a contentious issue all across the world. The debate has grown increasingly heated in light of ongoing developments in numerous nations where euthanasia is legal, for example, India, Canada, and England, among others. Recently, our Supreme Court passed a landmark decision legalising passive euthanasia, in which life support systems can be discontinued the consent of the individual and family members. The honourable court also established the concept of living will ensure that no one takes unfair advantage of it. Meaning of Euthanasia Euthanasia is derived from two Ancient Greek words: 'Eu' means 'good' and 'Thanatos' means 'death,' therefore Euthanasia means 'good death.' It is the act or practise of ending the life of a person suffering from a terminal sickness or an incurable condition through injection or by ceasing extraordinary medical care in order to relieve him of intolerable pain or terminal illness. Euthanasia is defined as the purposeful killing of a person whose life is deemed unworthy of life. For a long time, euthanasia has been a contentious issue in the health sector, with many referring to it as "suicide" if done by the patient or "murder" if done by others. It has been a source of contention for many years throughout the world, with some countries, such as the United Kingdom, still considering it illegal, while others, such as the Netherlands, Canada, Colombia, and three federal states in the United States, consider it legal. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared passive euthanasia legal by issuing rules. To summarise, Euthanasia or mercy killing is the provision of a less painful death to a person who has been suffering for an extended period of time. Types of Euthanasia Active Euthanasia This is a form of euthanasia in which a doctor can end a person's life immediately. It includes the use of extremely lethal drug doses that are injected directly into the patient's blood or in such a way that the patient dies instantaneously. People who suffer from incurable pain and desire to end their life to end their agonising suffering choose euthanasia. This sort of euthanasia is frequently voluntary, but it can also be non-voluntary if a person is unable to give such consent. Active euthanasia is also known as 'Positive Euthanasia' and 'Aggressive Euthanasia.' Passive Euthanasia This type of euthanasia is a practice of intentionally causing a person's death by withholding necessary and basic commodities such as food, drink, and drugs from the patient in order to provide death to such a person who is in excruciating pain and is unable to recover from any disease or injury. Simply put, this involves withdrawing life support and allowing the patient to die naturally. In comparison to active euthanasia, it is a slower method of death. Negative euthanasia is also referred to as 'Negative Euthanasia' and 'Non-Aggressive Euthanasia.' Voluntary Euthanasia Voluntary Euthanasia occurs when a person offers conscious agreement to end his or her own life. The most important aspect of this is that it be agreed to with full assent and comprehension. Non-voluntary Euthanasia Non-voluntary Euthanasia occurs when an individual is unable to offer consent due to his unconsciousness and a choice to end that person's life is made by someone else, such as a family member or his life partner. Difference between Suicide and Euthanasia Suicide and euthanasia are conceptually distinct and cannot be linked. Suicide is committed for a variety of reasons, including sadness, a broken relationship, a lack of success, or financial problems. Whereas euthanasia is a separate concept in which another person takes steps to end someone's personal life in order to relieve him of any incurable agony or suffering, which must be a bona fide act, i.e. done in good faith. When a person commits suicide, there is no criminal violation; however, if the person fails in such an attempt, there is a criminal offence, as stated in section 309 of the IPC, 1860, which has a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to one year. In the case of euthanasia, only passive euthanasia is permitted in India; active euthanasia is still illegal. Global Position Australia The Northern Territory of Australia became the first country to allow euthanasia with the passage of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act in 1996. The Supreme Court of Northern Territory of Australia ruled in Wake v. Northern Territory of Australia that it was legal. The Euthanasia Laws Act of 1997 made it lawful. Although assisting euthanasia is criminal in most Australian states, the prosecution has been rare. In Tasmania in 2005, a nurse was convicted of helping in the death of her mother and father, both of whom had incurable illnesses. She was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, but the court eventually delayed the verdict because he believed the community did not want the woman imprisoned. Albania In 1999, Albania legalised euthanasia, stating that any type of voluntary euthanasia was lawful under the Terminally Ill Act of 1995. If three or more family members consent to the decisions, passive euthanasia is legal. Belgium Euthanasia became legal in 2002. In September 2002, the Belgian Parliament passed the 'Belgium Act on Euthanasia,' which defines euthanasia as "the intentional termination of life by someone other than the person concerned at the latter's request." The patient must be major, have made the request willingly, thoroughly considered, and repeated, and he/she must be in a situation of consent and unbearable bodily or mental pain that can be alleviated, according to the requirements for permitting euthanasia. All of these acts must be addressed to the authorities before being permitted in order to meet essential standards. Canada Patients in Canada have the right to decline life-sustaining therapies but not to request euthanasia or assisted suicide. In Rodriguez vs. Attorney General for British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada stated that in the situation of assisted suicide, the interests of the state will take precedence over the interests of the person. USA There is a difference between passive and active euthanasia. While active euthanasia is prohibited, physicians are not held accountable if they refuse or remove life-sustaining care at the patient's request or the request of the patient's authorised agent. In the cases of Washington v. Glucksberg and Vacco v. Quill, the United States Supreme Court declared euthanasia to be completely unconstitutional. Only in Oregon, an American state, was physician-assisted suicide permitted in 1994 under the Death and Dignity Act. California State legislative committee adopted a bill in April 2005, making it the second state to legalise assisted suicide. Position of Euthanasia in India The legal status of India cannot and should not be analysed in isolation. India drew its constitution on the constitutions of many countries, and the courts have frequently referenced to numerous international judgements. Euthanasia is absolutely prohibited in India. Because there is an intent on the part of the doctor to murder the patient in cases of euthanasia or mercy killing, such cases would definitely fall under clause first of Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. However, because there is legal permission of the deceased in such circumstances, Exception 5 to the abovementioned Section would be invoked, and the doctor or mercy murderer would be punished under Section 304 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Yet, only cases of voluntary euthanasia would qualify for Exception 5 under Section 300. Non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia would be prohibited by proviso one to Section 92 of the IPC, making it illegal. Furthermore, The right to life is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution ensures the right to life. It is contended that the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 includes the right to die. As a result, mercy killing is a legal right. The Supreme Court ruled in Gyan Kaur vs. the State of Punjab (1996) that euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in India. The court ruled that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution does not include the right to die. In Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug vs Union of India (2011), the Supreme Court ruled that in extreme circumstances and under tight supervision, passive euthanasia could be permitted. In 2014, a three-judge bench of India's Supreme Court declared the ruling in the Aruna Shanbaug case to be inconsistent in and of itself and submitted the subject of euthanasia to the court's five-judge Constitution bench. In the case of Common Cause vs Union Of India (2018), a Constitution bench led by India's Chief Justice Dipak Mishra ruled that the fundamental right to life and dignity includes the right to refuse treatment and die with dignity. It was decided that the Fundamental Right to a Meaningful Existence includes the right to die without pain. Conclusion Euthanasia is a terrible and immoral act that is carried out in a legitimate manner. The purpose of the concept is not to take a person's life, but to relieve the individual who is in agonising pain through death. The most serious disadvantage of using euthanasia is its abuse. Euthanasia can be utilised for bad objectives and to obtain illegal benefits from the deceased, as well as against the deceased's will. In some parts of India, the rule of law is still not followed, and corruption, coercion, and undue influence will operate as hurdles to the practice of euthanasia, resulting in more murders in the name of euthanasia rather than genuine euthanasia. Therefore, both views are correct but there should be a creation of middle way which should develop euthanasia and should be adopted by more countries.

Sumasri

Jan 11, 2023

Is it legal in India to know the Sex of the Foetus?

Introduction The practice of sex selection is an old practice in India. The patriarchal customs that have existed in India for hundreds of years have an impact on all regions and walks of life. According to the 1991 census, there were substantially fewer girls than boys. The drop in the female birthrate is alarming, as evidenced by the kid sex ratio. Results of studies have shown that boys are still favoured over girls, even in the twenty-first century. Over time, the practice of establishing the sex of infants as a result of scientific advancements has forced the government to adopt legislation so that female foeticide could be forbidden or regulated, and a way of achieving this has been to ban gender testing in the country. This article seeks to understand the legality of gender testing in the country through an in-depth analysis of existing legal provisions. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, often known as the Prohibition of Sex Selection Act, was passed by the Indian Parliament in 1994. According to the Act, it is forbidden to employ any method to determine a foetus's gender after conception. This was put into effect to stop the widespread practice of abortion of female foetuses in India. The following are a few of the Act's regulations: Prohibition of sex selection and determination by any methods, including amniocentesis and ultrasound The foetus's sexual orientation cannot be disclosed to anyone in any way. Only trained specialists are capable of performing diagnostic procedures. According to the statute, every institution that administers exams must be registered. Institutions must show their certificate of approval. Relevant forms must be completed and documented prior to any tests. A statement must be signed by the patient and the doctor. A notification stating that sex-based hiring and selection are illegal must be posted in all institutions. Any party who violates the Act is subject to a fine and a term of jail. Why Is Gender Determination Prohibited? There are only 940 girls for every 1000 males in India, according to the 2011 population census. The western Indian states of Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan have a very skewed gender distribution. Sons are favoured above daughters in a patriarchal society when the dowry system, poverty, and (in some situations) illiteracy are prevalent. One of the reasons behind this is also that sons are traditionally considered to be the earning members of the family, while females are primarily associated with household chores and child-rearing duties. Female foeticide is punishable by lengthy prison terms, but sex-selective abortion is nevertheless practised in the nation. The country as a whole has a skewed ratio, with many urban areas showing a similar level of gender inequality as rural areas. This suggests that the desire for male children outweighs the need to avoid state penalisation. Despite the PCPNDT Act being in place since 1994 and the ban on ultrasound testing (a technique used for gender determination of the foetus) being forbidden since 1996, a doctor and his assistant were not found guilty of gender determination of a foetus until 2006. In many ultrasound and scan facilities around the nation, pre-natal diagnostic procedures that aids gender determination of the foetus are still used. The Aim of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act Ensure that all promotion programmes for young girls at the district level are implemented. The PNDT Act's implementation is being tracked and assessed with the help of the community. Participate in community oversight of the Act's implementation to make sure participating agencies are held accountable. Birth registration, medical abortion, and pregnancy termination are all monitored by Anganwadi staff and accredited social health activists (ASHAs). Finding Act violators by conducting extensive audits of the form "F" completed by expectant patients at the clinic. Create a district, state, and national annual plan. Female Foeticide - Causes and Consequences Causes: The dowry practice in our society is the primary contributor to female foeticide. Numerous lower-class families forcefully kill many girls while they are still in the womb out of dread of the dowry. They are concerned about paying the dowry for their girls' weddings, which the poor cannot afford. Many parents view girls as a financial responsibility. They believe that spending money on a girl will be a complete waste because she will go in with her future husband's family after the wedding. Hindu mythology holds that giving birth to a male is a direct route to heaven. The daughters are killed before birth because they are entrapped in such dogmatic beliefs. The rise in inflation is the second major factor contributing to female foeticide. Parents contemplate a hundred times before having a girl kid due to the increase in inflation. They are concerned about their daughter's education and future marriage. Another reason for female foeticide is the development of technology. Today, parents choose the child's gender before birth, and if they may proceed to terminate the newborn. Corruption is a major contributor to the increase in female foeticide. Some doctors commit this horrific deed in order to satisfy their own greed. Consequences: The population of women is dramatically declining. As a result, it is getting harder to find eligible for marriage. This then results in the trafficking of girls. News reports claim that young women from Assam and West Bengal are abducted and sold for marriage in Haryana, the state with the lowest child sex ratio in the nation. Our society is becoming more male-dominant as a result of the decline in the number of women, which is a bad sign. Men's perceptions of themselves as superior and above the law have increased as the number of women has decreased, which has led to the exploitation of women. Human trafficking has increased as a result of female foeticide. In regions where femicide has caused a shortage of women, 15,000 Indian women were bought and sold as brides in 2011. Offences and Penalties under PCPNDT Act The offences covered by this law and the potential punishments are outlined in Sections 22 to 26 of the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT). Section 22- Under Section 22, it is against the law to advertise any clinic, laboratory, or other establishments that make use of radiography, imaging techniques, etc. in connection with a facility for determining the sex of unborn children. A fine of up to ten thousand rupees and a prison sentence of up to three years may be imposed for any breach of the rules in this section. Section 23 addresses that it is also illegal for a gynaecologist, other healthcare professionals, the owner of a genetic laboratory, counselling centre, or clinic, or an employee of one of these establishments to provide professional or technical services while violating any of this Act's rules. Under Section 22 of the Act, the offender faces a fine of up to 10,000 rupees and a sentence of up to three years in jail. Additionally, under Section 23 of the Act, the punishment might be raised to five years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 rupees in the event of a subsequent conviction. In accordance with paragraph (2) of this Section, the pertinent authority may inform the State Medical Council of the name of the concerned medical petitioner. Penalties are intended to be used to take the necessary actions, suspend the defendant's registration in the event that charges are filed, and have his name entirely or for five years removed from the council's register in the event that he is found guilty. A person may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a fine of 50,000 rupees if they visit a genetic counselling centre, clinic, or laboratory for any reason other than those mentioned in Section 4's subsection (2). A second conviction also comes with a fine of one lakh rupees and a sentence of up to five years in prison. Any woman who is obliged to undergo a diagnostic technique for sex selection is excluded from the application of Section 23 subsection, according to the proviso in this Section (3). Section 24 of the Act assumes that the woman's spouse and her family are to blame for forcing a woman to receive a diagnosis other than those mentioned in Section 4 of the Act's diagnostic guidelines (2). Such a person is also accountable for facilitating an offence under Section 23 subclause (3) and is punished for that offence. The punishment for breaking the PCPNDT Act's rules is laid forth in Section 25. If such a violation is not punishable in another place in this Act. A three-month prison sentence, a fine of up to Rs. 1,000, or both may be imposed as a punishment. In the event of a subsequent conviction, the fine can rise. For as long as there are convictions after the initial one, the price is raised to 500 rupees every day. Businesses may be prosecuted under Section 26 for offences they commit knowingly or accidentally. If such an offence is done with the permission of the person in charge of the organization's management, that person will be held accountable and punished appropriately. Under Section 27, which also forbids bail and compounding, every offence is cognizable. The necessary authorities who may declare an offence to be a crime are listed in Section 28 of the Act, along with the respective courts' areas of authority. Conclusion Expectations were not met regarding the degree of implementation of the PCPNDT Act. Women's beliefs toward children's sex and social norms that favour male kids remain deeply embedded in our culture. The media, social workers, and medical professionals must all actively participate in educating the public and transforming women's attitudes. On the other hand, the fact that the gender ratio under the PCPNDT Act has increased to 108.18 men for every 100 women, or 947 women for every 1000 men, and is rising at a projected yearly rate of 0.19 per cent is an encouraging sign. The government has launched a number of programmes to prevent female foeticide and advance the welfare of girls, despite the fact that there is still lack of awareness of this crime in rural India. to get people living in rural India to quit doing these things. One such scheme is the "Mukhbir Yojna." A prize of 2 lakh rupees will be given to anyone who alerts the appropriate government department about any doctor or other medical professionals involved in the practice of gender determination or female foeticide. Finally, it is clear that the health care laws pertaining to the protection of the female foetus have changed, but the medical community still needs to be safeguarded from these small offences. Due to the fact that doctors have a legal obligation to treat the sick and injured, it is important to carefully consider if it is legal to run a clinic, hospital, or nursing home with all of these rules that are in line with their duties and medical ethics.

Sumasri

Jan 03, 2023

An Interview with Krunal Prajapati - A Career As An Entrepreneur in MedTech

Over the decades, India has achieved significant progress in the healthcare industry and positioned itself as a leading market worldwide. The healthcare industry has witnessed revolutionary changes in terms of technology and with the advent of MedTech, the industry has been able to extend better and faster access to affordable and good-quality care to patients. The Indian MedTech market is at a nascent stage; however, it is expected to grow exponentially in the country owing to the rising ageing population, favourable government policies & regulations, increasing health insurance penetration, and growing medical tourism. In our effort to share more knowledge about MedTech with you, we interviewed Krunal Prajapati who runs and leads ‘Brainiac Healthcare’, a medical device company that provides cost-effective and customer-centric medical devices to healthcare professionals in India. 1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. I've wanted to make something for the people around me since I was a child. Engineering has inspired me to build great things. But, at some point in my life, I got tired of making projects for fun or submitting them to professors to pass exams. They served no purpose for the people. My previous job did not satisfy me because it did not emphasize execution. When I began applying for product development jobs at large corporations, they rejected my application. Maybe I was not the right candidate for them. I discussed this with my mentor (Prof. Bhavesh Parmar), and he advised me to start my own business in the medical device industry. Then, I founded my company and am attempting to disrupt the market with his guidance and my own learnings. 2. What is biomedical engineering all about? What motivated you to pursue this field? How did you begin your career after graduating? Biomedical Engineering is a field of medical innovation and service provision. It is primarily concerned with therapeutic, diagnostic, radiology, and rehabilitation-based medical devices that help the healthcare fraternity do their jobs more efficiently. When I finished high school, I wanted to work in a field that is both growing and recession-proof. When I discovered this field (Biomedical Engineering), I knew I could contribute to it for a long time. So I decided to do it. The first wave of COVID arrived in my final semester of college. And the Indian government declared the first lockdown. During the COVID lockdown, however, my friends and I developed and patented a COVID Detection device. Our department, college, news channels, and reporters recognised us. A company also approached me with an offer to create a life-saving device for COVID warriors. I accepted that too. For ten months, I worked as a Research and Development Engineer - Trainee there. It took me 9 months to finish the product. However, COVID was down after that and the device was not useful. So I quit my job and began looking for new opportunities. After so many rejections from large corporations, I decided to start my own business, and my mentor was very supportive of that. 3. How was your experience as a trainee at Keepsake Welding Research & Skill Development Center during the pandemic? What were your responsibilities? I learned so much from that experience. For example, how industries work, the significance of timeliness, how products are developed from an industry standpoint, and the fundamentals that any industry expert is required to run the company. Mainly, my task was to create a life-saving respiratory device for COVID warriors. However, it was also my responsibility to manage the daily tasks associated with product development. 4. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur in the MedTech industry? Many places turned me down when I was looking for new ways to achieve my vision. It also shattered my self-esteem. But my willpower enabled me to think big and bold thoughts. Because I previously worked with healthcare professionals, I was able to identify numerous healthcare-related issues. When I began discussing identified problems with doctors, I received a positive response. I chose one of the problems and began working on it alone. No one wanted to work with me because they were afraid of taking risks in the MedTech industry. Certain tasks take far too long to complete (Like clinical trials). But my mentor (Prof. Bhavesh Parmar) encouraged and pushed me to achieve great things. 5. Can you tell us about your venture ‘Brainiac Healthcare’? Brainiac Healthcare is an Ahmedabad-based medical device company on a mission to implement a patient CO2 monitoring device on every bed. It is creating the world's first smart Capnometer device for hospitals and doctors who rely on expensive and difficult-to-access products. We have created a convenient, easy-to-use, accessible, and affordable device that can assist doctors in effectively treating their patients. 6. How did you raise funding for your venture? Until October 2022, Brainiac Healthcare was a bootstrapped startup. C-CAMP awarded it the first government grant under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). I have also received a NIDHI EIR grant from CIIE.CO (IIM Ahmedabad Incubation Centre). These funds enabled us to construct something worthwhile for society. 7. As an entrepreneur what are some of the challenges that you faced so far? The most difficult challenges I've faced as an entrepreneur are: managing product development cycles during a semiconductor shortage; managing financial stability; and team building. 8. What does your regular day look like at Brainiac Healthcare? What is your mantra to build a successful team? We set weekly, monthly, and annual goals to help us achieve our vision. We believe in the customer-first approach. As a result, we strive to iterate and improve our product on a daily basis. To build a successful team, we are primarily focusing on horizontal expansion and hiring the best talent for our company who believes in the same values that we do. We believe that delegating tasks increases company productivity if the tasks don't require creativity. 9. What is your advice for students/young professionals who are keen on entrepreneurship in the MedTech sector? It is often said "just believe in yourself and your vision," because it’s the only thing that will encourage you to achieve your goal. But to make an impact in the MedTech sector, particularly, necessitates a great deal of patience and perseverance. Because product market fit, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals will all take time to complete before releasing the product to the public. Having a high level of consistency over a longer period of time can only help you achieve your goals.

Sumasri

Dec 28, 2022

Weight loss surgery in India

Introduction In many wealthy nations, obesity is a serious epidemic and health issue, and it is also becoming a growing worry in developing nations. Currently, the only treatment option for morbid obesity that reliably results in and maintains significant weight loss, reduces the frequency and severity of obesity-related medical conditions and enhances the overall quality of life and survival is bariatric surgery. The first human bariatric surgery was reported in 1954. In response to the ongoing demand for weight loss procedures, techniques were later created that were more concerned with gastric restriction and limited malabsorption. Weight loss surgery (Bariatric surgery) Weight loss surgery involves a surgical treatment that shrinks the stomach to aid in weight loss. The amount of food that may be consumed at one time is either limited or decreased when the stomach is made smaller. When a patient has extreme obesity, a BMI greater than 40, a BMI of 35, and problems like diabetes, hypertension, joint discomfort, abnormal blood cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, and a likelihood of developing heart disease, among other things, bariatric surgery is a possibility. Bariatric surgery is preferred by those who are unable to lose weight by medication or who continue to gain weight after drug treatment, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments. In order to bring down the size of the stomach, weight loss surgery uses four different types of techniques: Adjustable gastric band through laparoscopy Stomach bypass Gastric sleeve surgery (gastric sleeve) Duodenal switch and biliopancreatic diversion After two years, patients who have gastric bypass surgery lose 65% of their body weight, compared to 56% for patients who have sleeve gastrectomy and 49% for those who have gastric banding. Therefore, bariatric surgery has a 50–70% success rate overall. Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery There are a number of drawbacks to bariatric surgery in addition to its benefits. Practically speaking, there aren't enough doctors with the appropriate skill sets to execute the necessary operations given the enormous number of people who could be candidates for surgery. A patient's medical history and other variables may make them ineligible for surgery if they are not improved or eliminated. For instance, individuals with binge eating disorders might keep up their problematic eating habits after surgery, which could lead to surgical failure at first or weight increase in the long run. Activated depression or other serious psychiatric diseases may have comparable negative effects. It is obvious that bariatric surgery patients who also exhibit active lifestyle changes in terms of better eating habits and physical activity are the most successful. Concerns about some of these procedures' unknowable long-term effects continue, in part because many bariatric surgery patients are young and, as a result, have lengthy life expectancies. Additional long-term complications include gastrointestinal (bleeding, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, variety of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms), nutritional (steatorrhea, protein-calorie malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies), and surgical (symptomatic cholelithiasis, band-related complications, anastomotic strictures and leaks, bowel obstruction) consequences that require additional surgery. Micronutrient supplementation and lifelong monitoring are necessary for these metabolic and nutritional effects. The potential negative effects of bariatric surgery listed might not outweigh the potential advantages for obese patients who also have several medical comorbidities, poor quality of life, and a shorter life expectancy. For the motivated patient, there is a no less intrusive procedure that is as beneficial in as many ways and over the long term as bariatric surgery (depending upon the operation performed). Additionally, despite the upfront expenditures associated with the surgery, the economics of this course of therapy appear to favour bariatric surgery (depending, of course, on the effectiveness of the surgery and the requirement for any additional medical or surgical care for complications that arise. Qualifications To Perform Weight-Loss Surgery In India To undertake weight-loss surgery in India, a surgeon must possess the following qualifications: DNB - General Surgery FRCS - General Surgery (Upper GI) MRCS (UK) MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery DNB - Surgical Gastroenterology MS - General Surgery PhD - Gastrointestinal Surgery FRCS - General Surgery Bariatric Surgery Risks, Complications and Side Effects Surgical operations are considered risky to some extent. Any queries you may have regarding potential long- and short-term complications of bariatric surgery will be addressed by your surgeon. Among the hazards of bariatric surgery are: Acid Reflux - The backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach is referred to as acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) (oesophagus). You might get a burning sensation in your chest when you have an acid reflux episode (heartburn). This might happen after a substantial meal, a cup of coffee, or a glass of alcohol. Hazards associated with anaesthesia Persistent diarrhoea and vomiting Expanding of the oesophagus Inability in consumption of certain foods Infection Leaks in the gastrointestinal system Stomach obstruction Gaining or failing to shed weight Excessive bleeding Blood clots Lung or breathing problems Rarely, death Long-Term Risks of Bariatric Surgery: A disease called "dumping syndrome" can cause diarrhoea, dizziness, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting. Hypoglycemia Malnutrition - The blood sugar (glucose) level is below the normal range if onc has hypoglycemia. In such a case, the body uses glucose as its primary energy source. Hypoglycemia and diabetes management frequently go hand in hand. Low blood sugar can, however, occur in persons without diabetes due to a variety of diseases and other medications, many of which are uncommon. Vomiting Ulcers Gallstones Intestine blockage Bowel Obstruction Hernias - When an internal organ or other body component pushes through the muscle or tissue that surrounds it normally, it develops a hernia. The majority of hernias develop in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips. If weight loss surgery is unsuccessful Other weight-loss procedures like gastric bypass don't always work as well as it might have been thought of. A person might not lose weight and experience major health issues if a weight-loss surgery doesn't work or stops working. After having weight-loss surgery, one must keep all of the scheduled follow-up appointments and consult the doctor concerned right away if no weight loss is experienced. One can track their weight reduction and assess any variables that might be holding them back from losing weight. Even if the process itself is successful, it is still possible for the patient to fail to lose enough weight or to gain it back after having any sort of weight-loss surgery. If a person does not make the suggested lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing physical activity and eating healthier meals, weight gain may result. Conclusion In general, one might be eligible for bariatric surgery if If body mass index (BMI), which is considered excessive obesity, is 40 or higher. If one has an obesity-related serious health issue, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea, and the BMI is between 35 and 39.9, which is considered obese. If the BMI is between 30 and 34 and then a person has major weight-related health issues, he might be eligible for some types of weight-loss surgery. Not everyone who is extremely overweight should have bariatric surgery. To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, one needs to fulfil specific medical requirements. One has to probably go through a rigorous screening process to discover if one qualifies. To live a healthier lifestyle, one must also be prepared to make long-term adjustments. Bariatric surgeries must be preferred on a case-to-case basis, after an examination of the situation of the patient by a medical practitioner carefully. The patients must be properly made aware of all risks attached to the surgery as well, whilst also advising them of ways to cure their problems by taking precautions and following a healthy lifestyle. Long-term follow-up programmes that track diet, way of life, and behaviour as well as health issues are reasonable expectations and must be religiously adhered to. Additionally, it is important to bear in mind the cost of bariatric surgery. To find out if such surgery is covered by a health insurance plan, one must contact their local Medicare or Medicaid office.

Sumasri

Dec 16, 2022

Impact of the Pandemic on the Medical Education System

The (COVID-19) pandemic has affected every part of our existence, including education and the economy as we know it. Governments have issued stay-at-home orders, and as a result, colleges and institutions throughout the world have closed. As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic and nationwide lockdown, medical education in India has seen significant disruption since March 2020. Measures to avoid spread and therefore social distance have resulted in the closure of medical schools and forced both medical professors and students to work from home. Almost all medical college undergraduate students are transferred to their homes, leaving their hostels immediately before the start of the lockdown, of local, interstate, and foreign travel. As a result, ordinary didactic lecture classes, practicals, tutorials, seminars, clinical (ward, outpatient department [OPD], and OT) posts, and internal assessment assessments are no longer available. Physical attendance of medical teachers/clinicians at workshops, CMEs, symposia, and conferences, on the other hand, has ended. People are in danger of suffering life-threatening diseases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, posing significant issues for medical education, as instructors must give lectures safely while simultaneously guaranteeing the integrity and continuity of the medical education process. Due to the concentration on COVID-19 patients, these problems have resulted in restricted patient care, limiting the availability of bedside teaching opportunities for medical students. Therefor they will be unable to complete their clerkships. Clinical rotations for medical students have been halted. Other problems include the possibility that medical students will get the virus during their training and spread it to the population. Students are also expected to stay at home and follow social distancing norms. What students did? In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools have halted their instructional programmes. However, students were about their current enrollment status and whether they had suspended or paused their education for any other reason. It is been discovered that the majority of students did not suspend their education and were enrolled officially at the start of the pandemic, while some had suspended their education for a variety of reasons. However, some participants claimed that their medical school had halted clinical training and laboratory skills training because of the COVID-19 epidemic, while others reported that their medical school had ceased lectures and educational events. Only a few people reported being in training or volunteering as healthcare allied forces during COVID-19. During the pandemic, the majority of the students opted to volunteer at hospitals. Furthermore, the majority of students thought they were squandering their study time as a result of the pandemic and subsequent school shutdown. Some of them felt that the pandemic had had an impact on their personal well-being and that they were concerned about getting exposed to COVID-19 during their clinical training. Some of the students felt that their medical professors had advised them throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, the majority of responders stated that the epidemic had impacted the training program's timeframe. What are the approaches? Some of the most frequently recommended approaches include planned live online video lectures with interactive discussions, as well as the use of various programmes or self-study online recorded lectures made available online for medical students at each university. Educators must, however, plan to continue providing medical education and patient care during the pandemic, and these services must be carried out in compliance with ethical frameworks based on beneficence and the professional qualities of bravery and self-sacrifice. Another alternative advocated in reaction to the stoppage of clinical clerkship rotations was a virtual clinical experience. This would allow medical students to act as healthcare professionals by interviewing patients, planning treatments with attendants, assisting with paperwork, and counselling patients about their sickness.

Sumasri

Dec 09, 2022

Public Healthcare System In India

INTRODUCTION Healthcare has become one of India’s largest sectors, both in terms of revenue and employment. Healthcare comprises hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance, and medical equipment. Due to improved services, coverage, and rising spending by both public and private entities, the Indian healthcare industry is expanding quickly. The public and private sectors make up the two main components of India's healthcare delivery system. The government, or public healthcare system, concentrates on establishing primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural areas while maintaining a small number of secondary and tertiary care facilities in major cities The private sector provides the majority of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care institutions with a major concentration in metros, tier-I and tier-II cities. This article aims at discussing the public healthcare system in India. Read on! According to the Indian Constitution, the central and state governments are responsible for different aspects of health. State governments are in charge of infrastructure, jobs, and service delivery while the national government continues to be in charge of medical research and technical education. Issues that affect many states are included on the concurrent list (in the 9th schedule to the Indian Constitution), for example, stopping the spread of infectious or contagious diseases between states. Even though the states have a great deal of autonomy in running their healthcare systems, the national government has a lot of financial control over the state-run healthcare systems. Furthermore, the article deals with the schemes provided by the government and the problems associated with public healthcare in India. GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE SCHEMES The Government of India has been operating a number of healthcare schemes and programmes aimed at all demographic groups through its various ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and others. According to the government, these plans and initiatives are designed to support SDG 3: "Good Health and Well-Being for All," which calls for universal access to affordable healthcare. Here are some of the major healthcare initiatives of the central government to boost public health in the country: Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY): The Ayushman Bharat Yojna, which was launched in September 2018, intends to offer primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare as well as health insurance to the underprivileged. There are two sub-missions for the ABY: Establishment of Wellness and Health Centers: These facilities are designed to increase access to primary-level healthcare that is both affordable and of high quality. These facilities offer Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), which includes free essential drugs and diagnostic tests and addresses non-communicable diseases, maternity, and child health services. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: It offers the underprivileged financial security so they can access secondary and tertiary healthcare services. The Ayushman Bharat card entitles its holders to access cashless medical care up to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakh in all government and private hospitals that have been empanelled for the programme. Ayushman Bharat cardholders cannot be turned away from these hospitals, and the programme covers all pre-existing conditions. The programme includes diagnostic treatment and medication costs. It also covers 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization. eSanjeevani OPD: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) created the eSanjeevani OPD free teleconsultation system to allow people to receive medical consultations from the comfort of their homes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. By registering on the eSanjeevaniOPD website, anyone with a laptop, a desktop computer with a camera, microphone, speaker, tablet or mobile phone with video chatting capability, and a mobile phone to receive one-time passwords, may use the service. One can check the official website to see the eOPD timings in each state and union territory. National AIDS Control Programme: NACP was established in 1992 to combat the HIV-AIDS pandemic and to provide HIV patients with quality care, treatment, and dignified life. The services offered through NACP include prevention programmes for high-risk populations like sex workers, drug injectors, and others; HIV counselling and testing services; parent-to-child transmission prevention; free antiretroviral treatment (ART) through ART centres; laboratory services for CD4 testing and other investigations; paediatric ART for children; and early infant diagnosis for HIV-exposed children and infants below six months of age. All government hospitals have ART centres. National Mental Health Programme: In 1982, the Indian government established the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) with the intention of addressing mental diseases in the country. The main goal is to make mental health care readily available to everyone and easily accessible in order to lessen the distress, disability, and premature mortality caused by mental illness as well as to improve recovery from mental illness. The three primary facets of the National Mental Health Programme are the treatment of mentally ill people, rehabilitation, and prevention and promotion of good mental health. Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Programme: The Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) programme primarily focuses on addressing the main causes of mortality among women and children as well as the delays in receiving and utilising health care and services. Additionally, it introduces brand-new programmes like the Score Card, which tracks health performance, the National Iron + Initiative, which aims to combat anaemia in all age groups, and Comprehensive Screening and Early Interventions for Birth Defects, Diseases, and Deficiencies in Children and Adolescents. PROBLEMS WITH PUBLIC HEALTHCARE IN INDIA India's healthcare system has been battling various issues, including the lack of institutions and insufficient human resources for quite a while now. The Indian healthcare system was essentially defined by a three-tier structure: primary, secondary, and tertiary care services. According to the Indian Public Health Standards, sub-centres, primary health centres, and community health centres provide primary healthcare to rural residents while district and sub-district hospitals provide secondary care. On the other side, super speciality hospitals or regional/central level institutions provide tertiary care. While it is vital to concentrate on all three levels of healthcare—primary, secondary, and tertiary—the government must prioritize strengthening primary healthcare as a public good. The issues that public healthcare is facing are listed below: Shortage of efficient and trained manpower: The significant lack of qualified personnel in the medical stream, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and basic healthcare workers, continues to be one of India's most serious concerns. The majority of India's population lives in rural areas, where the situation is still concerning. The problem can be effectively resolved by increasing the capacity of currently operating educational and training facilities while also eventually bringing on new ones. Neglect of Rural Population: The neglect of rural populations in India's health system is a severe flaw. Urban hospitals serve as the foundation of this service. The urban bias is evident despite the vast number of PHCs and rural hospitals. Additionally, doctors are reluctant to practise in remote areas. Instead of strengthening the periphery by developing a health system dependent on paramedicine. India has developed into a top-heavy society that is dependent on doctors. Focus on Culture Method: India's healthcare system is mostly based on western concepts that have been imported. It has no roots in the culture and tradition of the people. Most of the services are provided by urban hospitals. This has come at the expense of all people receiving thorough primary healthcare. However, it has utterly disregarded public health, pro-motivation, rehabilitation, and preventative measures. Infrastructure issues: Lack of infrastructure is undoubtedly the biggest problem affecting India's healthcare system today. An unmanageably overburdened national healthcare system results from a chronic undersupply of hospital beds, a lack of specialised faculty to treat serious diseases, and excessive out-of-pocket costs. The burden on this faltering healthcare system is now hanging by a thread due to the low rate of professional training compared to other nations. Healthcare without a holistic approach: There are many factors that affect health that is outside the purview of the health ministry, such as better access to clean water and sanitation, better nutrition, and the health and education of women and girls. CONCLUSION Health systems and policies have a crucial role in determining how health services are provided, utilised, and affect health outcomes. Despite the challenges facing Indian healthcare, there is a great deal of optimism and room for progress given the country's approach to healthcare education. To sum it up, there is a pressing need to increase operational transparency among healthcare service providers. This will make it easier to hold people and processes accountable for delivering improved healthcare services. Only then will the healthcare system be able to take a few deep breaths.

Sumasri

Dec 08, 2022

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme 2023-24

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration. Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Shared Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. These scholarships are offered under CSC six development themes. For more details about Scholar eligibility, Eligible countries, Completing application form, Selection process & Other details refer the Official Website The closing date for applications is 13 December 2022 at 16:00 GMT.

Sumasri

Dec 02, 2022

A Career In Osteopathy In India

Introduction Osteopaths are healthcare practitioners who treat patients only with the help of their hands leaving behind the traditional route of prescribing medicines to them. They have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Interestingly, osteopaths work with people of all ages and provide treatment for various diseases and conditions such as joint pain, migraine, hormonal issues, thyroid, hypertension, paediatric problems, pregnancy, and related complications, arthritis, sports injuries, emotional stress, etc. Being relatively new to India compared to foreign countries and having a dynamic nature of going to the root cause of patients’ diseases, makes the scope of the career in osteopathy very wide for medical students. As of now, there are significantly fewer universities offering courses in osteopathic medicine. However, entering the field is as difficult as entering into any other field of medicine and one needs to have the relevant skills, a fit and healthy body, and a genuine desire to help people increase their quality of life. This article explores the educational qualifications, scope, and career opportunities in the field of osteopathy. Read on! Educational Qualification Required In India, there are primarily two types of osteopathy programs, which are described below: Degree Courses: Both undergraduate and postgraduate-level osteopathy degree programs are available. The duration of these programs usually varies from 2 to 4 years. Diploma Courses: Diploma courses in osteopathy are also available which can be completed within 1-3 years. Undergraduate Degree Courses Presently, Sri Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha is the only university in India that offers a full-time undergraduate degree course in osteopathy i.e. B.Sc. Osteopathy which can be completed in 4 years (8 semesters and 8 months internship). The university provides a comprehensive syllabus compliant with the WHO benchmarks for training in Osteopathy. The programme fee is Rs. 1, 50,000 per semester. Source: Official website Alternatively, one can pursue any of the following undergraduate degree courses or any other bachelor's degree in the medical field and then proceed to pursue a postgraduate degree or diploma in osteopathy: Course Name Duration Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic science 5.5 years (including 1 year internship) Eligibility for B.Sc. Osteopathy 10+2 with 50% marks in the science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects) NEET SSU CET (University-level entrance exam conducted by Sri University) Postgraduate Degree Courses Presently, Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha is the only university in India which offers a full-time postgraduate degree course in osteopathy i.e. M.Sc. Osteopathy which can be completed in 2 years (4 semesters and 3 months internship). The programme fee is Rs. 1, 70,000 per semester. Source: Official website Eligibility for M.Sc. Osteopathy M.B.B.S., B.D.S., B.A.M.S., B.P.T., B.H.M.S, or other graduation degrees with a minimum of 140 hours of Anatomy & 140 hours of Physiology SSU CET (University-level entrance exam conducted by Sri Si University) Diploma Courses Course Name University Mode Duration Fees Qualification Required Diploma in Osteopathy Medicine Alternative Medical Council Calcutta Distance Learning 1-2 years INR 18400 School final pass or equivalent Diploma in Osteopathy Medicines Holy Angels College Of Alternative Medicines Mumbai Distance Learning 1 year INR 38900 Above High School/ Standard Xth/ O Level or Equivalent Diplomate in Osteopathic Manipulative Theory and Practice Osteopathic College Of Ontario, Canada Offline 3 years Existing healthcare practitioner Diploma in Osteopathy Medicine Indian Institute Of Alternative Medicine, Arunachal Pradesh 3 years INR 7500/ year 10th Pass or Equivalent PG Diploma [Osteopathic Medicine] Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka Offline/Full-time 2 years MBBS degree or its equivalent qualification recognised by the Medical Council of India Source: Official websites of respective universities Top Osteopathy Colleges In India and Abroad Presently, there are only a few institutes in India that offer UG, PG or diploma courses in Osteopathic medicine, which have been already discussed above. Students can also opt to go abroad in order to specialise in osteopathic medicine since the field is already well established in foreign countries such as the US and UK. Some of the top universities offering the course are Campbell University, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University in the US, York University in Canada, University College of Osteopathy, and Oxford Brookes University in the UK. Scope Of Career As An Osteopath An osteopath can work independently by starting his own clinic or as a freelancer. One can also choose to work in a private health care centre, sports clinic, or with nutritionists, podiatrists, or physiotherapists. There may also be opportunities within occupational health teams or consultancy firms. With experience, an osteopath could also go into research or teaching. Infact, one could also work overseas where the field is already well-established. Note: In India, osteopaths are not licensed to prescribe medication or perform surgeries, unless they are qualified as doctors and surgeons via an MBBS degree (and a specialisation in surgery, in the case of surgeons). Roles And Responsibilities Having a thorough understanding of the patient's health and medical history Conducting a proper examination of patients from head to toe Using X-rays, CT scans and laboratory tests and/or other traditional methods to help with diagnosis (as per individual discretion) Planning the course of treatment after a proper diagnosis Going to the root cause of the patients’ disease than merely focusing on symptoms i.e. focusing on improving patients’ health so that health heals the disease Treating patients using gentle, hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, manipulation, massage or deep pressure Advising the patients about how they can improve their diet and lifestyle Informing the patients about the exercises they could do on their own Skills Required Good communication and listening skills Good organisational skills Good Interpersonal skills Thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and hygiene Ability to pay attention to detail Excellent hand-eye coordination A genuine desire to help people Ability to work as a team Good health and physical fitness Understanding and sympathetic Expected Salary And Remuneration The average salary of an osteopath is Rs. 983,193 per year in India, wherein a professional having an experience of less than one year could earn around Rs. 412,94 per year while one having an experience of minimum 5 years could earn around Rs.2,104,033 per year. Source: Careercafe Top Entities Hiring In This Field The Stance - Integrated Spine & Pain Clinic Eli Lilly and Company Marma Physiotherapy and Osteopathy Attribute Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation Clinic ANVE Physiotherapy and Fitness Consultants Conclusion Choosing a completely new and unconventional field in the medical world may not be an easy choice. However, the very nature of the field is what makes it unique because instead of restoring to technology or medicines, it resorts to the human touch. There are already high career prospects in alternative medicine and osteopathy may take them to another level in the near future. After all, it’s all about having magical hands! Medbots.in wishes you all the best!

Sumasri

Nov 30, 2022

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship And Opportunity Programme

About ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship And Opportunity Programme ETH Zurich supports excellent Master’s students with the following scholarship programme: The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports students with a scholarship, mentorship and a network of the ETH Foundation. The scholarship covers the full study and living costs during the Master’s degree course. Application ESOP applications are supplied via eApply (online Master application). This also applies for ETH Bachelor students for a consecutive Master programme. Eligibility/Prerequisites 1. Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A) 2. Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February If you are already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP. Scholarship amount and duration The Excellence Scholarship/ESOP consists of a scholarship covering living and study expenses (CHF 12’000 per semester) as well as a tuition fee waiver. ESOP is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (three or four semesters). This also applies for the tuition fee waiver. Selection process For the start in the academic year 2023/24 there will be assigned approximately 60 ESOP scholarships. The applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programmes. The final decision for awarding scholarships in the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich. The exact number of annual scholarships depends on the availability of funds. The decisions are communicated by end of March. The application window will open 1st of Nov to 15th of Dec 2022 for start Master programme in 2023 For more details refer to the Official Website

Sumasri

Nov 22, 2022

Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities 2022

OBJECTIVE The scheme aims to award scholarships to deserving students belonging to economically weaker sections of the minority communities to provide them with better opportunities for higher education, increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability. SCOPE The scholarship is to be awarded for studies in India in a government or private higher secondary school/college/university, including such residential institutes of the Government and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government/Union Territory Administration concerned. It will also cover technical and vocational courses in Industrial Training Institutes/ Industrial Training Centres affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) of classes XI and XII level including Polytechnics and other courses (any course of less than one-year duration is not covered under this scheme; Certificate courses are also not covered). ELIGIBILITY The scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% marks or equivalent grades in the previous final examination and the annual income of those whose parents/guardians from all sources does not exceed Rs.2.00 lakh. The scholarship will be awarded to the students studying in Classes XI and XII including technical and vocational courses of this level including Polytechnics, ITIs, and other courses For more details about RATE OF SCHOLARSHIP, IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES, CONDITIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP, ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, RENEWAL OF SCHOLARSHIP, ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEME, PATTERN OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, MONITORING & TRANSPARENCY, EVALUATION please refer to the Scholarship Publisher Website. COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME – Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities

Sumasri

Nov 17, 2022

All About Health Insurance In India

The Healthcare Industry in India has been witnessing a significant rise in interest from the general public, attributable to factors such as increased awareness, a myriad of benefits, and other perks that accompany healthcare insurance. In the Indian context, the Healthcare Industry has been gaining more traction with the availability of different healthcare insurance plans in the market. How Is It Done Healthcare Insurance, in layman’s terms, can be simply defined as an agreement entered between a customer and an insurance company, which accords financial protection to the customer against medical treatments, the coverage depending and varying from one plan to another. It covers the healthcare and treatment-related expenses of the person holding the healthcare insurance or policy, i.e. the policyholder. The procedure for healthcare insurance is different for different types of healthcare insurance, with varying processes and regulations. That is, there is no uniform procedure or way in which healthcare insurance is secured. However, in the Indian context, the mode of getting Healthcare Insurance is to systematically understand the requirements of the person taking the insurance (e.g. Individual/group/critical illness), then after assessing the requirements of the insurance holder, soliciting a discussion with healthcare company representatives offering the specific coverage sought by the individual. There are many healthcare insurance companies catering to every type of healthcare need by way of insurance policies in the Indian context. Different companies offer various plans that can be customized to the needs and circumstances pertaining to the individual. An individual can also purchase more than one policy in case the individual has multiple needs and requirements from the insurance. How To Choose The Suitable One For You And Your Family After a perusal of the need for healthcare insurance, it is imperative that the most feasible plan must be selected in order to maximize benefits for oneself as well as family members. In order to partake in an informed decision about the suitability of healthcare insurance for any person, one must assess which healthcare policy best fits the needs of the potential policyholder. Generally, Individual Health Insurance is taken by an individual for self-utilization, wherein the applicability is limited to the insured individual. However, in case one wishes to take insurance with broader coverage, one must consider family floater or group health insurance, which provides coverage to family members, and companies respectively. These cover several individuals under a single plan. Based on age and health considerations, an individual can also go for Critical Illness Insurance, plans specifically designed for coverage of chronic or critical illnesses only, or disease-specific insurance, for specific diseases covered under the selected plan. Senior citizens can purchase health insurance specific to their age bracket, but have to pay a higher premium in order to enjoy the benefits of same. Recently, many insurance providers have launched more affordable health insurance packages with manageable costs to cover seasonal illnesses like dengue and other vector-borne illnesses, among others. For those with financial or economic constraints, bite-sized plans are also available. What To Look For While Getting One While there are various types of insurance policies from which an individual can select the one best suited to his or her needs, one needs to look for the following considerations before finalizing healthcare insurance- Selection of Suitable Plan- After perusing the budget, terms and nature of the requirement, financial limitations and other considerations surrounding the potential insurance holder, the individual must look out for leading companies with a proven record of delivering on the requisite healthcare benefits. Selection of Insurance Sum & Amount of Premium- The individual must see whether the amount of premium being paid by the individual is commensurate to the benefits being offered by the plan. The extent of Coverage-Whether the Insurance covers all medical emergencies incidental to any problem, or whether availing the insurance is limited to a particular time period or specific disease. Why It’s Important While the average life expectancy has greatly improved, it is also true that there are more diseases that impact us than ever before. Medical inflation and the nation's escalating healthcare costs can break the bank and have a serious negative influence on one’s financial situation. Purchasing health insurance is one method to prepare financially for unforeseen health risks. The importance of healthcare insurance stems from the various benefits it offers to the holders of the insurance, which include in-patient hospitalization coverage, coverage for day-care treatment, hospital room costs allowance, pre-hospitalization coverage, post-hospitalization expenses, time duration of coverage, medical coverage, support costs, etc. Hence, it is advisable for every individual to be mitigation ready by way of purchase of a healthcare plan in case of unforeseen circumstances. The Pros And Cons Of Not Getting A Health Insurance Tax Benefit- Policyholders can avail of tax benefits on the premium paid, under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. Policyholders can avail of as much as Rs. 1lakh in tax deductions on health insurance. Protection in Case of Emergencies- Healthcare insurance acts as a facilitator in mitigating unwarranted and unforeseen health expenses attributable to health issues. It reduces the last-minute stress over finances associated with unpreparedness, in case of any medical contingency, thus letting the individual undergo a stress-free treatment. Economic Benefits- By paying a premium, which is less compared to the total coverage offered, the individual self-contributes money, which does not unduly burden the individual with bulk payments in one go. Lifetime Rewards- Depending on the plan purchased, the coverage can extend to the lifetime medical expenses of the individual and/or dependents, thus providing greater maximization of returns vis-à-vis investment made by the individual in the healthcare insurance. Disadvantages- In case the need for medical coverage does not ever arise, then the individual, during that year, pays a premium for nothing in return. This might deter some individuals from taking up healthcare insurance, but several companies offer a ‘no-claim bonus’, wherein a refund of a partial amount is made towards the individual in cases of non-utilization. Where To Go For Healthcare If You Don't Have One Generally, purchasing a healthcare insurance plan is not a difficult task, with the availability of various attractive plans both online and offline. However, in case a person does not have any healthcare insurance, the person can take steps towards getting one by finalizing the company, with which the person wishes to deal and purchase a plan, followed by logging on to the company website, or visiting any of the authorized branches of the company, interacting with an authorized agent of the company, filling in the personal details required and submitting requisite documents, and then making the payment of the plan, thus concluding the finalization of the plan. Which Are The Best Companies To Get Health Insurance In India Some of the major healthcare insurance companies in India which offer the most attractive return on investment vis-à-vis coverage are- IFFCO Tokio Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Raheja QBE Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. Reliance Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Future Health India Insurance C. Ltd. Acko Health Insurance Ltd. ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Cholamandalam MS Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Liberty Health Insurance Co. Ltd. Conclusion Thus, it can be stated without a doubt that healthcare insurance coverage is of paramount importance for individuals seeking protection from unforeseen financial scares caused due to medical emergencies and exigencies. Hence, it is advisable that an individual must rationally analyze various plans before making a final selection on healthcare insurance, as it stands to benefit the individual in the long run.

Sumasri

Nov 11, 2022

How To Deal With High-Cut Expenses Of Private Hospitals

Introduction The healthcare industry figures among the fast-growing industries in India. It consists of healthcare providers, medical equipment producers, health insurers, and academic institutions. Public hospitals, corporate hospitals with super specialised capabilities, charity hospitals, private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, small and medium nursing homes, private clinics, and diagnostic centres are just a few of the establishments in India that offer healthcare services. However, the cost of health care has been rising at an unprecedented rate in recent years. The health inflation rates have seen a year-on-year increase of 7.4% in 2022, growing practically in lockstep with retail inflation. A close examination of the subgroups reveals an increase in the price of medications by 10.7% year over year, as well as increases in the cost of medical tests by 6.5%, consultation fees by 4.5% and hospitalization expenses by 5.9%. Due to the high hospitalization costs in India, these figures are concerning not only for economists but also for the end consumers of the healthcare ecosystem. While the effects of health inflation are felt throughout the entire healthcare system, the private hospital admittance rate in India is more obvious to end consumers. In India, the distinction between public and private healthcare is stark. A treatment which would lie in thousands in the former would increase to lakhs in the latter. This article aims to look into the reasons for the rise in private hospital costs, as well as possible recourse. Why Is Healthcare So Expensive In India In Private Hospitals? India's public hospitals are infamous for having a lack of staff, outdated equipment, and excessive wait times. While the pandemic brought the poor state of the public hospitalisation system to light, people in both rural and metropolitan cities relied on public health providers even in non-pandemic times due to the severely restricted reach of the public sector. Despite the fact that the average cost of hospitalization in India is higher in private hospitals than in public ones, the situation still looks bleak. They charge more because private hospitals are occasionally more commodious than sizable public hospitals, and patients are aware that they are paying more for the added service. In terms of whether your insurance is accepted and/or the overall amount of out-of-pocket costs, these hospitals frequently charge more for identical treatments and medical services. Private hospitals frequently have fewer patients under the care of each hospitalist and nurse, which gives the care a more individualised feel. Because private facilities exist for profit, they often deny extra care to people who cannot pay or have no insurance. In contrast to private hospitals, public hospitals do not budget money for slick advertising. They use a portion of their higher fees to cover expenses like marketing and advertising. Cost Transparency The health sector in India is in a complex state, with market conditions ranging from highly competitive to oligopolistic. Indian healthcare is in a complex state, from oligopolistic to fiercely competitive market circumstances. Service fees and reimbursements from a variety of insurers, including private commercial, employment state insurance schemes, central government health schemes, state government-sponsored insurance schemes, and others, may all be sources of income for one and the same hospital. In this circumstance, prices for the same service could vary. Pricing is consequently often arbitrary and unfair, and it is also not clear. Additionally, the hospital's financing options, which include cash, bank loans, donations, venture capital, and stock markets, might have an impact. Patients have the fundamental right to receive comprehensive information from hospitals regarding their medical bills and treatment. Every patient and their caregivers are entitled to information about the hospital's rates for each type of service it offers and the facilities it offers, which should be displayed prominently and in a brochure. At the time of payment, they have the right to obtain an itemized, comprehensive bill. It would be the organization's responsibility to post important tariffs prominently in both the local language and English and to provide all patients and caregivers with a booklet including the whole schedule of fees. Furthermore, Consumer rights are rigorously protected under the new Consumer Protection Act of 2019. The consumer has a basic and natural right to invoices and treatment information. A hospital cannot ever be allowed to withhold from its patient the costs and details of their medical care. Steps An Individual Can Take To File A Complaint If Overcharged By The Hospital You can make a complaint with the hospital in the following ways if you think you were overcharged by a hospital: Keep all supporting documents, including medications and bills, close to hand at all times. Lodge a formal complaint to the hospital's management so they can act immediately to rectify the situation. You have the option of filing a complaint with the local medical officer of the government. You can also contact your insurance company to ask about the matter; they are a party affected and would be ready to address any instances of hospital overcharging. Write a letter or send an email to your State’s Office of the Controller of Legal Metrology. Contact the state or Central health ministry; they can assist you with your problem. You can write to the Indian Drug Council and Indian Medical Council. Submit a complaint to your local consumer court. If you choose to file a case against the hospital, you can get in touch with a lawyer to do so. A person may also file a writ petition under Article 226 and Article 32 of the Indian Constitution because the right to health is recognised as a fundamental right under Article 21. Legal Remedies Against Overcharging Under Several Indian Statutes Remedies under Consumer Protection Act, 2019- You can hold the hospital accountable for unfair trade practices and overcharging if they have charged you more than the initial estimate and are unable to explain the reasons. You can file the case before the consumer court constituted under the Consumer Protection Act. If a service provider (in this case, a hospital) charges a price that is higher than what is (a) fixed by any law, (b) displayed, or (c) agreed upon between the parties, you may complain about them under the Consumer Protection Act. You can ask for a refund of the excess amount collected as well as any other compensation you want. Similarly to this, deceiving a customer about the price of a certain service is an unfair trade practice, and you have the right to complain about it. Criminal Action- One can always file a criminal complaint against a particular doctor or the hospital's management, alleging medical errors including overcharging. Disciplinary Action Under Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette And Ethics) Regulations, 2002- The punishments and disciplinary actions for misconduct are outlined in Chapter 8 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics and Regulations, 2002) enacted under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. A medical professional who is judged to have engaged in misconduct by the relevant Medical Council may be subject to the following punitive measures: For a set amount of time or permanently, the name of such a medical professional may be removed from the list of medical practitioners. The council has the power to stop a doctor from performing a procedure or engaging in another practice while it is being investigated if a complaint has been made. To make the public aware, it should be extensively reported if the doctor is fired in the local news and in publications from other medical associations or organizations. Conclusion The overcharging of private hospitals is a serious issue that requires a government response. If price-fixing protocols and methods are not put in place before reforms, the mere announcement of insurance coverage will not assist reduce poverty or out-of-pocket spending. The same goes for providers (hospitals and doctors), who need to be governed and have channels for complaints from customers. It’s high time to prioritize people’s health over political expediency and false rhetoric.

Sumasri

Nov 09, 2022

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2023-2024

About Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2023-2024 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students at Swiss Higher Education Institutions Through the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS aka ESKAS, CFBE), the Swiss Government grants foreign researchers postgraduate scholarships at Swiss higher education institutions (Universities, Federal Institutes of Technology and Universities of Applied Sciences, Arts and Music Schools). The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended for highly motivated, competitive young researchers who have graduated from university (postgraduates). These scholarships will enable applicants to undertake research work in the fields in which the Swiss universities are particularly active. Specific scholarship types are offered for each country. Please go to the FCS webpage in order to see which type of scholarship is offered to your country of origin. See: www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng Applications have to be submitted in the candidate‘s country of origin (citizenship). All candidates for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship have to submit their application at the specified contact (normally the Swiss Embassy) responsible for their country of origin. Double citizen submits their application in their country of residence. The applications have to be submitted for a preliminary selection to the national institution in charge and/or to the Swiss diplomatic representation in the applicant‘s country of origin. The Swiss diplomatic representation will then forward the pre-selected applications to the FCS for final selection. In case your current country of residence is not your country of origin please submit your application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country of origin. For more details refer to the Official Website

Sumasri

Nov 04, 2022

Career Opportunities in Pharmacy in India

Just as the medical industry is the lifeline of healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry is the lifeline of the medical industry. Hence career in pharmacy can be a lucrative career option for people interested in the healthcare industry. It caters to the preparation and dispensing of medicines that are required to treat a patient. Eligibility In order to pursue any pharmacy course after class 10 + 2, all aspirants of the course need to meet the following eligibility criteria for Pharmacy courses in India. Course Name B Pharm D Pharm Academic Requirement 10+2 in Science Stream / D.Pharm Graduate 10+2 in Science Stream Subject Requirement Physics, Chemistry and Biology Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology Minimum Aggregate Score Requirement 50% and More 40% and More Education Qualifications Admission Process Various entrance tests are conducted by different universities for admission into a pharmacy degree. Names of a few entrance tests are given below: For Undergraduate Courses TS EAMCET AP EAMCET BCECE WBJEE Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET) Maharashtra B.Pharm Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) B.Sc Pharma Entrance Exam Rohtak B.Sc Pharma Entrance Exam Hissar Himachal Pradesh University Shimla B.Pharma Entrance Test B.Sc Pharma Common Entrance Exam, Kerala B.Sc Pharma Entrance Exam Bareilly GGSIPU – B. Pharma Common Entrance Test (IPU CET) B.Sc Pharma Entrance Exam in Punjab Rajasthan Pre Entrance Test for Pharmacy (RPETEAP) For Post Graduate Courses Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT); Telangana State Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test-TS PGECET West Bengal University of Technology Post Graduate Entrance Test-WBUT PGET and others Courses Available To pursue a career as a pharmacist in India, one may consider any of the following degrees are offered by various universities: B Pharm (Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy) (4 Years) Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) (2 Years) D Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) (6 Years) The students can opt for further studies and choose a specialisation as per their interest of career opportunities. Course options after graduation include: M Pharm (Master’s Degree in Pharmacy) (2 Years) The specialisation options include pharmaceutics, industrial pharmacy, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical biotechnology, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, etc. Top Colleges for Pursuing a degree in Pharmacy The reputation of the college among recruiters and the quality of education provided plays a major role in the type of career opportunities available following a degree in pharmacy. The names of the top private and government colleges in India are given below: Top Private Pharmacy Colleges In India Sr No Name Of The Colleges Average Annual Fees (In Rupees ) 1 Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi 1.45 lakhs 2 Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 85 thousand 3 BITS Pilani, Rajasthan 5.1 lakhs 4 Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Karnataka 3.1 lakhs 5 JSS College of Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu 1.4 lakhs 6 SRM College of Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu 1.75 lakhs 7 Poona College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra 1.02 lakhs 8 Nirma University, Gujarat 2.1 lakhs 9 Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan 2.03 lakhs 10 Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology, (Pharm) Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 1.11 lakhs Source: Click HERE Top Government Pharmacy Colleges In India Sr. No. Name of the institution Average annual fees (in rupees) 1 Panjab University, Chandigarh 15 K 2 Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu 1.4 lakhs 3 Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat 2 K 4 Bombay College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra 41 K 5 Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi NCR 37 K 6 Dibrugarh University, Assam 4 K 7 Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 25 K 8 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences-Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh 3.2 lakhs 9 LM College of Pharmacy, Gujarat 1.75 lakhs 10 Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology(GJUST) Haryana 42 K Source: Click HERE Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges In India Provided by National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) Jamia Hamdard University Punjab University BITS Pilani National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali Institute of Chemical Technology National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Telangana JSS College of Pharmacy Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Gujarat Important Skills For A Successful Career In Pharmacy Accuracy: As a pharmacist, accuracy in dispensing of medicines is very important. One of the most important aspects of a pharmacist’s job is to deal with medicines in product marketing and involvement in dispensing medicines. They are expected to deal with medicines in an expert manner without any errors and also with a swift approach. Communication Skills: Fluent communication skills are very important for the job of pharmacists jobs as communication is the key, and they are required to communicate with patients on a regular basis. It is important that they have a command of English and the local language of the region. A pharmacist, needs to communicate with the patients about the dosage of the medicine, when to take the medicine and how to take it- clarity and unambiguity are therefore of paramount importance. Proof Reading: The doctors sometimes miss out on the drug-to-drug interaction and prescribe medications so the pharmacist proofreads the prescriptions so they can inform the doctors regarding the issues and get the prescription changed as per the suitability of the patient. Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skill is also an important skill for a pharmacist to deal with patients. Patients can be of different types and attitudes so only a pharmacist can deal with them and make sure they cooperate and take medications. Being a pharmacist, it is a struggle between the doctor and the patient. Therefore, a pharmacist needs to have a great sense of humour and diplomacy as their interpersonal skills Multitasking: A pharmacist should be able to multitask their job along with dispensing medicines. They need to check for the expiry dates of the medicine, restocking of medicines and they need to do other small to big tasks that are assigned to them Duties Of A Pharmacist The job profile of a pharmacist working in a dynamic work environment can be quite diverse in nature. In fact, there is a steady workload at all times and one has to be diligent in working in this field with a high degree of accountability. The typical duties of a pharmacist include: Dispensing medications as prescribed by doctors and other medical professionals in the institution Reviewing prescriptions to ensure accuracy and to evaluate their suitability for the patient Providing important information and recommendation about drugs, their side effects, correct dosage and proper storage Providing other health advice, such as guidance on stopping smoking Maintaining meticulous records such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, and registries of poisons, narcotics or controlled drugs Planning, implementing and maintaining procedures for mixing, packaging and labelling pharmaceuticals to ensure they meet legal requirements Assessing the identity, strength or purity of medications by working with other healthcare professionals to plan, monitor, review, or evaluate the quality or effectiveness of drugs Ordering and purchase pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies, or drugs. Maintaining stock and storing and handling it properly Analysing prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and prevent excessive usage or harmful interactions Advising patients on brands of medication, medical equipment or healthcare supplies. Scope Of Career The extent and scope of drugs today incorporate worldwide healthcare services, which has paved the way to several careers options besides dispensing medicines at a medical store such as: Chemical/Drug Technician Pharmacy technicians are responsible for the overall efficiency and safety of pharmacy operations. Their time is usually split between using their technical skills for prescriptions and providing customer service. Drug Therapist Drug therapists, also known as substance abuse counsellors, help people who misuse or are addicted to prescription or illegal drugs. Hospital Drug Coordinator They provide pharmaceutical care services using approved protocols in collaboration with other health professionals. This includes managing drug therapy, providing patient education, and preparing and/or overseeing the preparation and dispensing of medications. The coordinator is also responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of the Pharmacy staff to provide pharmaceutical services in assigned areas. Bio-Technology Industries Pharmaceutical biotechnology is a relatively new and growing field in which the principles of biotechnology are applied to the development of drugs. Drug Inspector Drug Inspector is a profession in the field of pharmacy that monitors the safety, quality and usefulness of medicines from the production stage to the selling stage. Health Inspector A health inspector is a professional employed in various industries to oversee standard health and sanitation conditions. Health inspectors' jobs are to visit various food facilities, and public health nuisances to inspect that standard safety measures regularised by state government authority. Pharmacist Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the right way to use, store, preserve, and provide medicine Research Officer A Research officer or associate conducts research to ensure the products are safe by managing clinical trials Formulation Development Associate They oversee the development of new drugs, processes, systems and formulations. They offer technical assistance to the team. Pharmaceutical Sales/Marketing Executive All pharmaceutical companies require highly trained pharmacists for marketing and sell their products. Salary And Remuneration The average salary in pharmacy in India depends on various factors such as qualifications, area of specialisation, place of employment, skills and training received and much more. Like other industries, the more on-field experience a graduate of pharmacy gains, the better the job profile and pay scale of that candidate. Job Opportunity Average Salary Per Annum (INR) Drug Technician 3.1 Lakhs Drug Therapist 5.1 Lakhs Hospital Drug Coordinator 4.1 Lakhs Drug Inspector 4.9 Lakhs Health Inspector 2.7 Lakhs Pharmacist 2.8 Lakhs Research Officer 6.8 Lakhs Source: Click HERE Reputed Recruiters In The Field Of Pharmacy The pharmaceutical industry has seen massive growth over the past decade, where different pharmaceutical companies have been able to produce top-quality medicines and drugs for medicinal purposes. Here are some of the top recruiters in the field of pharmacy. Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd Cipla Limited Aurobindo Pharma Ltd Lupin Ltd Dr Reddy's Laboratories Abbott India Ltd Mankind Pharma Ltd Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd The chance to ensure the well-being of people ensures the gratification that very few careers offer and perform an important service to the community. A career in pharmacy is perfect for candidates who find it easy to communicate with others. Blood and surgeries are not something that everyone can handle and a career in Pharmacy is devoid of that. Even so, a pharmacist can be the hero by ensuring proper medication is prescribed or by creating a new medicine that might save someone’s life. Medbots.in wishes you all the best!

Sumasri

Oct 28, 2022

Exploring Alternative Medicine Career in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy: Scope for Students as An Alternative Career

Introduction A common myth among Indians is that medical students cannot become a doctor without pursuing MBBS. However, there are many medicine-related courses that are not MBBS, yet one can earn a good salary and work at many reputed organisations after pursuing them. In fact, many of these courses can be completed in a similar duration as that of MBBS. These medicine-related courses are related to the field of alternative medicine i.e. Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy. There are many government and private colleges offering UG, PG and diploma level courses in these fields with affordable fees and a good work environment. The article aims to introduce the scope of a career in the areas of Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy and where and how they can be pursued. Read on! A Career In Ayurveda Ayurveda is a traditional system of natural and holistic medicine that has its roots in ancient India. People are increasingly becoming aware of the immense and speedy healing benefits of Ayurveda. The field is growing wider and so are the career options. From becoming an Ayurvedic doctor to working in a wellness centre, to going into academics or research -there are so many options to choose from. Educational Qualifications Required Below mentioned is a list of undergraduate, diploma and postgraduate courses which can be pursued to make a career in the field of Ayurveda: Course Name Duration Eligibility exam Average Course Fees B.Pharm- Bachelor of Pharmacy in Ayurveda 4 years Entrance of the respective university (wherever required) Rs. 1,50,000 BAMS- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery 5.5 years (including 1 year internship) NEET UG Rs. 10,000 - 50,000 Diploma in Ayurveda 6 months to 2 years depending on the course Entrance exam of respective university (wherever required) Rs. 20,000 to 1,50,000 MD in Ayurveda 3 years AIAPGET 2022 Rs.20,000 to 10,00,000 MS in Ayurveda 3 years AIAPGET 2022 Rs.1,00,000 to 7,00,000 Source: Collegedunia, Ncertbooks.guru Note: Apart from clearing entrance exams (wherever required), for pursuing B. Pharm and BAMS, students are required to complete 10+2 in PCB with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognised university. For pursuing master's courses, one requires a bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda or equivalent discipline. For diploma courses, students are required to complete 10+2 in any relevant stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognised university. Only professionals who acquire the degree of BAMS, MD, MS in Ayurveda get the title ‘Dr’. Top Ayurveda Colleges National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), New Delhi North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi JB Roy State Medical College, Kolkata All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi Shri Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur Scope An Ayurvedic practitioner can work in government or private Ayurvedic hospitals, Ayurveda speciality centres, Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals, National Rural Health Mission campaigns, Panchakarma Ashram, Ayurvedic spa centres, health resorts and other similar places. A practitioner may also choose to start his own practice or pursue a career in academics or research (after completing postgraduation). Job Profiles Job Profiles Description Ayurvedic Doctor An Ayurvedic Doctor is an excellent career option. The work includes examining patients by interrogation, looking after the physical condition of the patients, diagnosing patients via ailments and prescribing medicines, etc. Ayurvedic Health And Wellness Professional The professional focuses on preventive healthcare by means of specific diets and lifestyles based on Ayurvedic guidelines. He is also responsible for examining diseases and suggesting Ayurvedic medicines and treatments cure patients’ problems. Healing Therapist Ayurvedic Therapists use their expertise in a lifestyle intervention and natural Ayurveda therapies to guide clients on ways to prevent ailments and promote health, anti-ageing and healing of body and soul. They specialize in understanding and guiding the basic Ayurveda principles, working of yoga, medication, food and nutrition, rejuvenation therapies, and Panchakarma, among others. Demand for these professionals is widely increasing. Clinical Researcher The work of a clinical researcher may include validating and developing formulations for disease/clinical conditions such as obesity and peptic ulcer and collaborating with reputed institutes in certain areas for improving the quality of life in cancer patients, mental retardation, geriatric health, etc. One may also join as junior research fellows on research projects conducted by various institutions. Academician An ayurvedic graduate can work as an academician as well and teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in Ayurveda colleges and can actively participate in curriculum development and student involvement as well. Skills Required Interest in indigenous forms of medicine Thinking and listening skills Patience Observation skills Interest in curative properties of herbs Empathy Dedication Physical and mental fitness Assimilation and interpretation Expected salary and remuneration Job Profiles Average Salary Ayurvedic Doctor Rs. 6,00,000 p.a. Healing Therapist Rs. 3,00,000 p.a. Clinical Researcher Rs. 6,24,000 p.a. Academician Rs. 5,80,000 p.a. Source: Getmyuni Top entities hiring for this job Patanjali Ayurved Limited The Himalaya Drug Company Hamdard Laboratories Surya Herbal Limited Vicco Laboratories Career in Unani Unani works on the principle that a body has its own self-healing power which needs to be boosted. Unani medicine provides safe and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects. In fact, some diseases are known to be treated exclusively by the Unani medical treatment. Due to these reasons, there is an opportunity for high career growth in the field. The practice involves a lot of hard work but is highly satisfying. Moreover, the salary of Unani doctors is mostly similar to the other forms of medical practice. There are other career options to explore in this field as well. Educational Qualifications Required Several UG, PG and diploma courses that can be pursued by interested students are given below: Course Name Duration Eligibility exam BUMS- Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery 5.5 years (Including 1 year internship) NEET UG or entrance of respective university MD- Unani 3 years AIAPGET MS- Unani 3 years AIAPGET PG Diploma Course in Unani Medicine 2 years AIAPGET Note: For pursuing BUMS, students are required to qualify 10+2 or equivalent in PCB with 50% marks with Urdu, Arabic or Persian at High school level as an optional subject. Alternatively, students must have passed the 10+2 examination in the Urdu Language from a University, Board or any registered society approved by the Government of India. For pursuing MD or MS in Unani, the qualification required is at least 60% marks from any institution approved by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM). The postgraduate courses are offered in 14 different specialities. For pursuing a PG diploma course, students must have a postgraduate degree in Unani Medicine awarded by a College/University recognized by CCIM, in the concerned speciality. To practice as an Unani doctor, it is mandatory to have an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree from a recognized university in India. Top Unani colleges HMS Unani Medical College, Tumkur Rajasthan Unani Medical College, Jaipur Ahmad Garib Unani Medical College & Assalam Hospital, Nandurbar Ajmal Khan Tibbia College, Aligarh Al-Farooque Unani Tibbia College, Indore Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad Tibbi College, Patna The National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bangalore Scope An Unani practitioner can work in a private or government Unani hospital, state-run dispensaries, nursing homes, Unani pharmacies and health centres. He can also indulge with companies dealing with the Unani preparations or work in research centres or as an academician in universities. Moreover, in certain states like Uttar Pradesh, there is a provision for 3rd Medical Officer for Unani doctors in Primary Health Centres (PHCs). At last, self-employment is always an option. Job profile Job Profiles Description Hakeem Hakeem is a doctor who treats his patients by performing treatments for all major diseases. He also performs surgeries according to Unani Medicine rules. Unani Institute Lecturer Unani Institute Lecturer teaches various Unani Medicine Practices to the students of the various Unani Medicine Institutes. Unani Consultant Unani Consultant gives health and medication advice to various people and solves health-related problems by following Unani rules and processes. Unani Therapist An Unani Therapist takes people’s whole personalities into account and employs certain techniques to provide them with Unani therapy services. He can either do private practice or can be recruited by hospitals. Skills Required Patience Concentration Self-motivation, Emotional stability Analytical skills Time management Ability to learn Research Skills Diagnostic skills Expected salary and remuneration Job Profiles Average Salary Hakeem Rs. 3,50,000 p.a. Unani Institute Lecturer Rs. 4,50,000 p.a. Unani Consultant Rs. 3,00,000 p.a. Unani Therapist Rs. 2,50,000 p.a. Source: Embibe Top entities hiring for this job Majeedia Unani Hospital - Jamia Hamdard Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Niamath Unani Hospital Hashmi Unani Pharmacy Central Council For Research In Unani Medicine Career In Homoeopathy Homoeopathy Courses are the branch of medicine studies that deals with eliminating the cause of an illness rather than suppressing it. A career in this field can be a great option since the earnings is good, demand for such professionals is increasing and one also gets to explore various opportunities in the associated areas. Moreover, with relevant educational qualifications and experience, a homoeopathy practitioner can even open his own pharmacy. Educational Qualifications Required There are several homoeopathy courses available for medical students at UG, PG and diploma levels. Aspirants can also choose to specialize post the completion of the UG course. Relevant courses are listed below: Name of the Course Duration Eligibility Exam Average Course Fees BHMS- Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery 5.5 years NEET UG or entrance exams of respective universities Rs. 40,000-1,10,000 MD in Homoeopathy 3 years AIAPGET or Entrance exam of respective university (wherever required) Rs. 40,000 Diploma in Electro-homoeopathy 3 years Entrance exam of respective university (wherever required) Upto Rs. 1,00,000 Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS) 4 years Rs. 80,000 Diploma in Homoeopathy Pharmacy 2 years Rs. 1,08,000 Source: Collegedunia, Inctu Note: For pursuing BHMS, apart from the entrance exam, students have to secure 50% marks in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as the compulsory subjects from a recognized university. The merit of class 10+2 in the science stream is taken into consideration for admission in diploma homoeopathy courses. For pursuing MD, students must have passed the graduation (BHMS degree) in a relevant discipline from a recognized board/ university. Top Homoeopathy Colleges The National University of Homoeopathy, Calcutta All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi University of Health Science, Vijayawada Armed Forces Medical College, Pune Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kerala North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong Patna Medical College, Patna Nehru Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, New Delhi Scope A homoeopathy practitioner can work at various private and government homoeopathy hospitals or dispensaries, industries engaged in homoeopathic preparations or in colleges as a professor. One can also start his own clinic or work as a researcher. A BHMS holder can open his own pharmacy as well after gaining substantial years of work experience. Job profiles Job Profiles Description Pharmacist A pharmacist owns a pharmacy and reads and interprets a doctor’s prescribed medicines. They are also capable of detecting therapeutic incompatibilities. Public Health Specialist They are specially trained professionals who have to ensure that the conditions are suitable enough to keep the general public health in good condition. Private Practitioner Their job role is to offer private services to their patients related to health, mental issues, and related issues. General Physician Physicians test and check patients, take their medical histories, prescribe medications, and suggest medical tests. Lecturer A lecturer teaches undergraduate and postgraduate level students in areas relating to homoeopathy allocated by and reviewed from time to time by the Head of the Department. Skills Required Time management Diagnosis skills Service Orientation Critical thinking and problem solving Sincerity and self-confidence Ability to learn Listening skills Empathy Ability to work under pressure Analytical skills Great communication skills Expected salary and remuneration Job Profiles Average Salary Pharmacist Rs. 3,00,000 p.a. Public Health Specialist Rs. 6,00,000 p.a. Private Practitioner Rs. 500000 p.a. General Physician Rs. 400000 p.a. Lecturer Rs. 400000 to 700000 p.a. Source: Collegedunia, Embibe Top entities hiring for this job Aditya Homeopathic Hospital and Healing Center, Pune SD Homoeopathy Clinic, Delhi Health Homoeopathy Center, Pune Pushpveda Homoeopathic Treatment and Research Centre Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Sumasri

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