Annual Activity Report of IMA Ludhiana-2012

 

 

President – Dr. D P Singh Arora 

     

Honorary Secretary – Dr. Narjit Kaur 

 

Sr. Vice President – Dr. Ajit S. Chawla 

 

Vice President – Dr. Gaurav Sachdeva 

 

Finance Secretary – Dr. P S Jassal 

 

Joint Secretary – Dr. Narindetjit S. Toor 

 

8th January 2012

1st GBM

The new team for local branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) today introduced its office bearers to press and announced its agenda for 2012 at IMA House.

Dr. Manoj Sobti & Dr. Kulwant Singh introduced the New Team as Dr DP Singh Arora President, Dr Ajit Singh Chawla senior vice president, Dr Gaurav Sachdeva vice president, Dr Narjit Kaur Honorary secretary, Dr P S Jassal Finance secretary, Dr Narinderjit S Toor Joint secretary. All the records and finance report of year 2011 was handed over to new team by previous secretary Dr Karamvir Goyal and Dr Narjit Kaur.

The plan of activities for 2012 was presented by Dr DP Singh Arora. To ensure proper implementation of Medicare Protection Bill. To workout modalities for security to doctors in the event of mob violence. To get the IMA house vacated from the illegal occupier. To construct Auditorium at the IMA House. To work out modalities for setting up blood bank at IMA house and to have our own ambulance. To observe various health days by holding seminars and awareness programmes for general public with the help of media. To oppose clinical establishment bill proposed by centre and help the state to make their bill, more doctor and patient friendly. To help the doctor for redressal of grievances in issues related to PC & PNDT act with Appropriate Authority. To sensitize the public against female feticide and bring home to the authorities that it is social issue and not only a medical issue.

Dr. Narjit Kaur told annual GBM is going to held today in evening. Regular GBM’s will be organized this year to increase participation of members in all activities. She further emphasized proper work will be done to strengthen the association further by enrolling all non member doctors of Ludhiana as IMA members.

Dr Ajit Singh Chawla said more participation of IMA members would be ensured in programmes to control diseases such as swine flu, dengue etc.

Dr Gaurav Sachdeva said IMA will organize free medical camps for needy patients in poor areas. He said IMA will involve other specialties for organizing CME’s at IMA house.

Dr Narinderjit S Toor said IMA declared to work for 'green, clean and healthy' Ludhiana with the help of other medical organisations and NGOs.

Dr P S Jassal said IMA will keep its all activities transparentand will update its members time to time.

10th January 2012.

Seminar on Bio Medical Waste Management

Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI) Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh conducted training program on Bio Medical Waste Management in collaboration with Punjab Pollution Control Board & IMA Ludhiana at IMA House Ludhiana from 10am to 4pm today.

It was sponsored by Ministry of environment & forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Function was inaugurated by Er. G.S Majithia-Senior Environmental Engineer Zonal office Ludhiana. Er. G S Majithia appreciated the efforts made by IMA, PPCB & EPTRI.

Dr. D P Singh Arora-President IMA Ludhiana said that these types of lectures are very important, so that every doctor/paramedical staff is well educated about the importance of Bio Medical Waste Management & know proper methods of segregation & disposing the waste.

Dr. Narjit Kaur-Honorary Secretary of IMA Ludhiana said IMA Ludhiana is

very thankful to Dr. Vimla Thomas & EPTRI along with PPCB & MOEF, Govt. of India for their initiative & IMA Ludhiana will make sure that all hospitals/doctors/staff will be trained in BMWM & ask them to comply with rules of PPCB properly.

Dr. Vimla Thomas associate professor Osmania college, Hyderabad trained the doctors/paramedical staff in categorization, segregation, collection, packaging, storage, transportation, treatment and Disposal of Bio-Medical Waste. Other speakers on the occasion were Mr. Tejwant Singh Gill, Mr. Sunil Aggarwal and Mr. Mohammed Khader also spoke on the topic.

24th January 2012

National Girl Child Day.

IMA celebrated National Girl Child Day in IMA House on 24-01-2012. They gave the slogan “BETTIAN HAMARI SHAAN, INKE BINA KUCH NAI JAHAAN”.

Dr DP Singh Arora said, this year they will dedicate many activities towards welfare and upliftment of women. He showed his concern on decreasing sex ratio.

Dr Narjit Kaur said in her address that everybody is focusing on PNDT act only, but nobody is bothered about MTP act. She said sex ratio is declining because of illegal and unsafe abortions which are being carried out at unregistered centres mainly by quacks and dais.

Dr Ajit Singh Chawla said IMA will do seminars related to health, nutrition and education of adolescent girls along with empowering them to face challenges like Domestic Violence, Child marriage and dowry.

Dr Gaurav Sachdeva emphasized on adolescent age group of girls. He said in India 8.3 crore girls are in the age group of 11-18 years which constitute 17% of the total female population of 49.65 crores. The female literacy rate is only 53.87% and nearly one third of the adolescent girls are undernourished.

Dr PS Jassal and Dr Toor expressed concern on the fact that 56.2% women in the reproductive age group 1 are anemic.

On this day everybody at IMA felt that all political parties have neglected the women candidates for MLA elections. Every woman should come forward to secure their

rights; otherwise in spite of all women favoring acts, they will always be overshadowed by their male counterparts. All doctors have pledged to campaign

against female foeticide and malnutrition to bring a boom in the national awareness.

26th January 2012

Republic Day

IMA Ludhiana has celebrated Republic Day by hoisting a flag at IMA house on January 26, 2012. The flag was hoisted byDr Livtar Singh Chawla Former Dean of BFUHS who was chief guest and Dr Kulwant Singh was the Guest of honor on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Dr. L S Chawla said that the present day generation has to carry forward the task under taken by the freedom fighters that brought the country out of clutches of colonialism. Our job is as medical professionals are to ensure health care to all. We should make the population aware of prevention of diseases with right perspective. There is need to strength the positive value and national interest rather than self interest. We have to be role model for the new generation.

Dr DP Singh Arora IMA Ludhiana told the audience that although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. He urged the doctors to work for ailing humanity and continue their fight against female foeticide.

Dr Narjit Kaur said Constitution of India was formally adopted by the Parliament, and India declared itself as a "Republic" on January 26, 1950, a date thereafter celebrated annually as Republic Day in India. She said Medical fraternity

has a great role to play in bringing gender equality, upliftment of women, improving health/nutrition of children and decreasing maternal mortality.

Dr Kulwant Singh was guest of honour on the occasion.

Dr Sanjeev Uppal sang a patriotic song. Master Harsehaj & Baby Manasveen also sang some songs.

Other present at the occasion were Dr. Anakhvir Gill, Dr. Shiv Gupta, Dr. S S Bedi, Dr. Ajit Singh Chawla, Dr. Arun Gupta, Dr. A S Sahni, Dr. Puneet Kaur, Dr. Anil K. Vohra, Dr. Roshan Lal Gupta, Dr. A S Azad, Dr. Karamvir Goyal, Dr. Bharti Uppal, Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, Dr. Narinder Toor, Dr. P S Jassal, Dr. A S Chawla, Dr. Tarsinder Goyal and Dr. Sachin Goel.

30th January 2012

World Anti-Leprosy Day

IMA Ludhiana observed WORLD LEPROSY DAY on the 30th of January, 2012. The World Leprosy Day is observed internationally on January 31 or it’s nearest Sunday to increase the public awareness of the Leprosy or Hansen's disease. This day was chosen in commemoration of the death of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India who understood the importance of leprosy.

Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. Leprosy is an

infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation.

Team of doctors from IMA including Dr DP Singh Arora, President IMA Ludhiana, Dr Bimal Kanish & Dr. Ravneet Kaur-Skin Specialist, Dr. Arun Gupta, Dr. Suman Bali and Dr. Amit Khanna went to Kushth Ashram, Islamganj, Ludhiana. Dr Bimal Kanish & Dr. Ravneet Kaur examined the patients. Fruits, sweets and Biscuits were distributed. Cash of eleven hundred (1100/-) was also donated to the Kushth Ashram Trust.

Dr. Bimal Kanish gave an awareness lecture about do’s and don’ts of disease.

Dr. D P Singh Arora told leprosy has been associated with social stigma. Lepers were outcast from society and forced to live in separate leper colonies. But in present times, with adequate treatment, leprosy is a completely curable disease. Moreover, after the start of anti-leprosy treatment, disease rapidly becomes non- infectious for others. So message to society is it is curable disease and one should not hesitate to interact with people with leprosy.

4th February 2012

World Cancer Day

IMA Ludhiana observed world cancer day in Apollo hospital today by holding a free medical checkup camp at oncology department. Dr DP Singh Arora, President IMA Ludhiana said this year's theme is, "Together It Is Possible". So IMA Ludhiana in collaboration with big hospitals of city has started a derive towards early diagnosis and prevention of many cancers. Dr Narjit Kaur, Honorary Secretary IMA Ludhiana said many cancers are curable, if diagnosed early and treated /follow up properly.

Dr Amit Dhiman cancer and bone marrow transplant specialist said "New inpendent evidence confirms that increasing global trend of unhealthy and sedentary life style is responsible for putting millions at an unnecessary high risk of cancer". Dr. Dhiman, Dr Anupreet, Dr Gautam examined the patients . Around 80 patients came for consultation in this camp. Message to society is good life style including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and taking regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer.

18th February 2012

Protest against - statement given by Health Minister Ashwani Chaube in Bihar

All doctors of IMA Ludhiana seriously condemn the attitude of our politicians towards doctors. All citizens of a democratic country have a right to protest if their demands are not fulfilled. IMA Ludhiana requests all doctors to wear black badges in protest to statement given by Health Minister Ashwani Chaube in Bihar that if doctors go on strike, their hands will be cut. This is a criminal statement and it is very shameful for a society to have such kind of public representatives.

21st February 2012

Pregnancy Awareness Week

IMA Ludhiana had observed Pregnancy Awareness Week from 21st February 2012 to 27th February 2012.

In this week, Doctors of IMA Ludhiana especially Dr. Narjit Kaur had gone to various areas like village Lohara & Dhandahri Kalan to educate ladies about do’s & don’ts during pregnancy.

On 27th February 2012 free check-up camp for pregnant ladies were held at various hospitals of the city (Arora Nursing Home, Iqbal Nursing Home, Didar Hospital, Bawa Hospital, Chawal Nursing Home, Preet Multi-Specialty Hospital, Bansal Hospital, Toor Hospital Chopra Hospital, Malhotra Eye & Maternity Centre, Satyam Hospital, Gupta Hospital, Sanjivani Hospital, Juneja Hospital, Bagga Nursing Home, Singla Hospital, Puri Nursing Home & Handa Hospital etc.)

Pregnant ladies were given pamphlets of Do’s & Don’ts during pregnancy. T.T injections were administrated. They were given free Iron & calcium tablets. Around 430 ladies were examined at various hospitals.

4th March 2012

International Women’s Day

All India Working Women Forum –AITUC Ludhiana and Punjab Istri Sabha in collaboration with Indian Medical Association Ludhiana celebrated International Women’s day at Shaiwal Public School, Chand colony, Rishi Nagar on 4th March 2012 by holding a health awareness & health check-up camp in coordination with Teja Singh Swatantar Mohalla Sudhar committee Chand Colony.

More than 200 patients including women & children were examined by a team

of doctors headed by Dr. Mrs Chanchal Gupta who was the chief guest and Dr. Arun Mitra- Member Punjab Medical Council was the Guest of honor at the function.

Dr. Iqbal Singh Ahuja leading gynecologist inaugurated the camp. Dr Narjit

Kaur Secretary IMA Ludhiana & Convener All India Working Women Forum –AITUC Ludhiana was the chief organizer.

Along with the camp a seminar was organized on health, nutrition,

contraception, abortifacient drugs, human rights & legal rights of women and status of women in today’s world.

The speakers who addressed the seminar include Dr Narjit Kaur, Mrs Gurcharan Kocher-President & Mrs Jeet Kumari Secretary-Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana, Dr Ginni Gupta, Mrs Parveen Modgil, Mrs Kusum Narula, Mrs Veena Sachdeva, Dr Kulbir Toor , Mrs Kulwant Kaur, Principal Inderjit Kaur, Dr. Neelam Sodhi, Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr. Gurbaksh Kaur, Dr Jyoti, Dr. Puneet Kaur, Mrs Upasna, Dr. Arun Mitra, Sh Dharam Pal Maur, Sh Gurnaam Sidhu and Sh Surinder Sachdeva

The speakers highlighting the importance of the day called upon women to unite in strength for equality and justice. For this they must know about their rights. The seminar demanded that the law for 33% reservation for women in legislature must be enacted by the Parliament immediately.

The seminar also demanded that the working women hostel in Ludhiana which has been occupied by the Police should be immediately vacated and used for the purpose it was built.

A Cultural programme was presented by the school children and they were awarded prizes.

11th March 2012

AAO GAON CHALEIN.

IMA Ludhiana with Gram Panchayat Phullanwal has organized “Ladies Health & Cultural Fair” in Elementary School Phullanwal. Theme of the function was AAO GAON CHALEIN.

Programme was a real blend of Urban & Rural population. Around 250 village

women & children have attended the function. Around 100 doctors of Ludhiana participated in fair with zeal and enthusiasm.

Function was inaugurated by Dr. Subhash Batta, Civil Surgeon Ludhiana. Chief Guest of the function was Dr. Raj Cheema .Guest of Honour on the occasion were Dr. Yashpal Mehta, Asst. Civil Surgeon Ludhiana, Dr. Manorma Markan, Dr. Jagjeet Kaur, Dr. Subhashini Verma & Dr. Parveen Chawla, Principal MTSM College Ludhiana. Dr DP Singh Arora, Dr Narjit Kaur, Dr Neelam Sodhi and Dr Bharti Uppal were main organizers of fair.

Main highlights of camp were-Anemia detection programme, Bone

densitometry test, Thyroid testing, Contraception advice, Menstrual and menopausal problems and Nutrition related consultation. Dr Neelam Sodhi, Dr Narjit Kaur, Dr Puneet Kaur, Dr Kulbir Toor , Dr Vijaydeep Kaur, Dr Saroj, Dr Jaswinder, Dr Jyoti examined the patients in camp. As most of ladies and girls were anemic so, free Iron and albendazole tablets were distributed to all ladies.

Prominent personalities of town who were honoured on the occasion were Dr.

Kamlesh Bala Minocha, Dr. Veena Jain, Mrs. Gurcharan Kocher, Mrs. Poonam Bindra, Mrs. Hardeep Kaur, Mrs. Mona Singh, Mrs. Inderjit Kaur, Mrs. Jaswinder Kaur Virk, Ms Pavit Sophat, Ms. Jasmine Kaur, Ms. Karishma and Ms. Karandeep Kaur.

Many NGO’s participated in fair like Assal self help group, All India Working

Women Forum, Bebe di Rasoi etc. Stalls were put up at fair by Kheti Virasat Mission, Bebe di rasoi, Assal self help group, innovative science, alternative means of energy etc. Person behind the stalls were Amanjot Kaur, Jaswinder Kaur Virk, Mrs Kusum , Mrs Kulwant Kaur and Gurwant Singh.

Lecture on Health and nutrition was given by Dr Subhashini Verma. She also

counseled women and children regarding nutrition issues at the stall. Talk on Women Empowerment was delivered by Mrs Gurcharan Kaur.

Mrs Raj Cheema spoke on the occasion and congratulated young doctors for

putting their efforts for upliftment of women in general and taking care of their health and nutrition issues.

Dr Subash Batta assured IMA that administration is taking all possible steps to

meet health requirements of people of Ludhiana. Many school children including orphan school children presented cultural programme. IMA doctors/ and ladies from the village put Giddha to the tune of Boliyan on the occasion. All children were given gifts.

12th March 2012

Protest Meeting

Emergency executive body meeting of IMA Ludhiana was held at IMA house under leadership of Dr DP Singh Arora today. Doctors of IMA strongly condemned violent attack on very senior doctor-Dr GS Wander who is director and chief cardiologist in Hero DMC. IMA demands culprits should be arrested immediately and strong action should be taken against them,so that such incidents don't happen in future.

Dr Narjit Kaur -Secretary IMA told that doctors of IMA are very much concerned about deteriorating law and order condition in state.

Dr Karamvir Goyal said doctors of Ludhiana are feeling unsafe and insecure because of this incidence. Meeting was attended by Dr DP Singh, Dr Manoj Sobti, Dr Kulwant Singh, Dr Mohan Pal Sadana, Dr PS Jassal, Dr Ajit Singh Chawla, Dr Jagtar Singh, Dr Naresh Kalra, Dr Shavinderpal, Dr Arun Mitra, Dr Narinderjit Toor, Dr Karamvir Goyal and Dr S S Bedi. Dr Manoj Sobti, State IMA President Elect 2013, said if culprits are not arrested immediately, state IMA will be forced to take next course of action which will be decided by working committee of state.

24th March 2012

World TB Day

World TB Day is celebrated in IMA House today afternoon by Indian Medical Association, Ludhiana. Civil Surgeon Ludhiana Dr Subash Batta was the chief guest on the occasion. He motivated the doctors present there to participate fully in RNTCP Programme, so that we can eradicate TB from our country. Dr Gurcharan Avasthy medical director Apollo Hospital, Dr Manoj Sobti-President Elect State IMA, Dr Narotam Dewan-state IMA Finance secretary were guest of honor on the occasion. Around 150 doctors attended the CME.

Dr DP Singh Arora, President IMA Ludhiana told the press that the Project is funded by a Billion $ Global Fund aimed at control of three deadly diseases, namely AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Dr Narjit Kaur, Secretary IMA Ludhiana said, The Goal of the Workshop is to sensitize the doctors in Private Sector, about the RNTCP/DOTS Program.

Addressing the CME Dr. K. K. Bansal- IMA Technical Consultant for the State of Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh gave a detailed account of the programme. He said that India has the dubious distinction of harboring maximum number of TB cases in the world. We account for nearly 20% of the entire Global burden of TB patients world vide.

Most of the IMA members of IMA Ludhiana Branch attended the CME as delegates.

Dr. Ashish Chawla District TB officer Ludhiana told about the new trends in treating Tuberculosis. Dr Ajit S Chawla-senior vice president IMA Ldh, said that the CMEs are held to augment the efforts of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) in achieving its goal to bring down the burden of TB in India. Dr Gaurav Sachdeva vice president IMA Ldh said, The Objective is to improve access to the diagnostic and treatment services of DOTS and thereby improve the quality of care for patients suffering from Tuberculosis in the State.

Dr Narinderjit Toor highlighted the drawbacks of programme. Dr P S Jassal said private practitioners play a major role in health sector, so we want to involve

every doctor in eradicating this infectious diseases from our country. PMC Members Dr Arun Mitra, Dr Kulwant Singh were present in the function.

The doctors working in Private Hospitals and Clinics will be authorized to open DOT Centers and provide free TB medicines and diagnostic aids to all the TB patients in the State.

CME was followed by a Distt Training program for doctors in Private sector to train them in DOTS.

Report of District Training Programme RNTCP Doctors motivated to participate in RNTCP

In a workshop organized by the IMA Ludhiana doctors were asked to participate in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). Delivering a talk Dr. Ashish Chawla – District TB Officer said that the objective of RNTCP is to achieve and maintain a cure rate of at least 85% among new sputum positive cases and to achieve to maintain detection of at least 70% of such cases in the population. The strategy adopted is the Directly Observed Treatment, short course (DOTS). In this method the medicine is given to the patient under supervision so as to ensure the compliance. Since nearly 80% of the curative medical care in our country is provided by the private sector it is imperative that private practitioners are involved in the programme. He answered queries by the participants. Twenty Five Doctors from different specialties participated.

8th April 2012

World Health Day

IMA Ludhiana has celebrated World Health Day on 08th April in IMA house. World Health Day is celebrated every year to mark the anniversary of founding of WHO in1948. The theme of WHO 2012 is Good health adds years to life. The focus is how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.

IMA has organized a CME on oncosurgery and colorectal surgery to mark the

celebration of day as early detection and good treatment in cancer patients can increase their life span.

Dr Satpal Singh Virk gastrosurgeon and Dr G S Brar oncosurgeon were the

main speakers. Dr KP Singh and Dr Satish Jain were the chairpersons. Dr. DP Singh Arora said in his speech that IMA has a vital role in spreading

information to public that many cancers are curable if surgery is done in time. Dr Narjit Kaur emphasized on the fact that proper follow up is must in all

cancer patients.

Dr Navdeep Singh oncologist told about the role of chemotherpy in head and neck cancers. Dr Tushar Arora Neur neurosurgeon highlighted that distant metastasis (spread) is rare in head and neck cancers. Many doctors from city attended the CME.

Others who were present on the occasion were Dr Arun Mitra, Dr PS Jassal, Dr Anakhvir Gill, Dr Ashish Ohri, Dr Shweta Ohri, Dr Seema Popli and Dr Rajesh Kaura.

19th May 2012

2nd GBM & CME

IMA Ludhiana has organized General Body Meeting and CME on Total Knee Replacement and Minimally Invasive Spine surgery on 19-05-2012 in IMA House Ludhiana. More than two hundred Doctors from Ludhiana & surroundings have attended the function.

Dr Narjit Kaur-Honorary secretary of IMA Ludhiana conducted the

proceedings of General Body Meeting. She read the activity report and told in detail about NSS Scheme.

Dr DP Singh Arora President IMA Ludhiana said in his welcome address that

we all doctors will stand united against NCHRH bill and he invited IMA members in Dilli Chalo Protest against this bill and state level protest will be held in Ludhiana on 18th June 2012. . He further said, this CME is very important as it is covering very common problem.

Dr P S Jassal read the finance report. The Chief Guest of the function was Dr. S.C. Ahuja, senior most

orthopedicion of the city. Chairperson in the CME was Dr. J.L.Bassi and Dr. Manoj Sobti. Speaker on the occasion were Dr Balwant Singh Hunjan from Hunjan hospital Ludhiana and Dr. Mohinder Kaushal from Chandigarh.

Dr. B.S. Hunjan said in his lecture that stage III & IV Osteoarthritis of Knee needs total Knee Replacement. They use ortho pilot navigation system – computed assisted technique – first of its kind in this region. Patient can bend their knees completely, can sit cross legged & can even run after the procedure.

Dr Mahinder Kaushal told in his lecture that minimally invasive spine surgery does not leave big scar on the skin, decreases hospitalization time, speedy recovery and better results. Other important persons present on the occasion were Dr. Arun Mitra, Dr. Kulwant Singh, Karamvir Goyal, Dr. Ajit Singh Chawla, Dr. Anakhvir Gill, Dr. Iqbal Singh Ahuja, Dr. NarinderJit Singh Toor, Dr. N D Avasthy & Dr. Harshit Kumar.

15th June 2012

Seminar on NCHRH Bill

IMA Ludhiana organized an awareness seminar on NCHRH Bill at CMC&H, Ludhiana.

Dr. Shiv Dutta Gupta – State President IMA Punjab, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sobti –

President Elect IMA Punjab, Dr. Arun Mitra – Member Punjab Medical Council & Dr. Narjit Kaur – Secretary IMA Ludhiana addressed the gathering. Director CMC Dr Abraham Thomas was the chief guest and Medical Superintendent Dr Kanwal Masih was the guest of honour. Dr Dalal welcomed the gathering and Dr Subash Singla was the chief organizer. Main objectionable points which the doctors highlighted are as follows-

• All bodies should be autonomous and enquiry commission should be there to look into the complaints against these bodies, but in this bill all members are nominated only and there is no provision for going to court against the decisions taken by this body

• This Bill nowhere mentions the designation of the enrolled medical practioner. Will the term “Registered Medical Practioner” be no longer valid? More over it has not been clarified as to who can use the Prefix/ Title “Dr”.

• It prohibits engaging in any other occupation /business except health profession. This is against the fundamental right given by the Constitution to every citizen to carry out any lawful profession within legal means.

• The law is silent about other problems like quackery and AYUSH system of medicine. Whether they are covered under this law or not.

• Law is silent about availability of medicines over the counter without prescription of doctors.

• Secondly this bill along with CEB is going to increase the cost of treatment and it will affect the middle segment hospitals and middle and lower socioeconomic group of people.

• It will de motivate our generations to take up medical courses.

In protest to this bill, there is nationwide DHARNA at JANTAR MANTAR ON 18TH June 2012 to reject this bill out rightly and COMPLETE MEDICAL STRIKE on 25-06-2012 in all branches of IMA throughout India.

22nd June 2012

Protest Meeting

A Press conference held in IMA House on 22nd June 2012 at 3:00pm. The IMA representatives- Dr. D P Singh Arora, Dr. Narjit Kaur, Dr. M K Sobti, Dr Arun Mitra Dr. Jassal addressed the press on NCHRH Bill & Clinical Establishment Bill. All Doctors of IMA Ludhiana are doing protest / strike against this bill on Monday 25-6-12.

NCHRH is proposes to have Govt. Nominated persons and they can be from

any fields who will control the affairs of the medical profession. So it will be a Govt. body only. Doctors are strictly against this and this is against democracy also. We need elected members in council governing doctors and no bureaucratic control. The supremacy of the Medical council of India must be maintained.

NCHRH is against our basic human rights. It says doctors cannot change their profession. It says doctors can’t go to court against decisions taken by this council. NCHRH / Clinical Establishment Bill is in favor of corporate sector / hospitals. It is destroying medium level of hospitals which are catering to 80% of population of India. So it is not favoring anybody, neither doctors nor public.

These bills will increase cost of treatment tremendously, people of country like India will not be able to afford it. Our Govt. is copying developed countries and wants to bring these kind of bills in India but our politicians / bureaucrats are not understanding the fact that in those countries everybody is covered under medical insurance, basic needs of every person are fulfilled, schemes like old age pension, schemes like free education to children and many more like these are also existing in those countries.

At those places these bills can do but in our country only less than 10% people are covered under medical insurance, Over 40 % of people are still under poverty line, how they can afford treatment in corporate hospitals.

By bringing these type of bills our Govt. is running away from their responsibility of health of its people. They should increase basic health care infrastructure at Govt. hospitals, be more doctor friendly and give facilities to private practitioners like subsidized land cost, cheap machineries, exempt from commercial electricity bills, rebate on taxes etc. Govt. should create model hospitals and set examples for people/check feasibility/complicacies of these bills, increase share of money spent on health from a meager amount of 1.9% in this budget to at least 6%, ensure medical insurance of everybody and then only such type of bills can be brought. More over govt. has failed to check quackery but exercising unnecessary control on the qualified medical professionals. Just relying on corporate hospitals, Govt. is making doctors puppets in hands of businessmen. IMA has decided to lodge strong protest and go on strike on 25th June.

Our demands are— • Restore autonomy of MCI • Medical Profession needs independent Council. • Clinical establishment should not come. • BRMS Course is not at all acceptable (there cannot be double standards for

medical courses). • Basic human rights of doctors should be safeguarded. • Equality of rules/regulations for all professionals (doctors, engineers. CAs,

Lawyers, IAS,IPS officers etc). • Complete tertiary care facilities at Govt. Hospitals • Special focus on setting of small/medium scale hospitals (to cut short cost of

treatment) Health insurance for everybody.

25th June 2012

Medical Strike

Doctors of IMA Ludhiana went on strike today on nationwide call by IMA. All OPDs of IMA Doctors are closed in protest against NCHRH Bill. Doctors assembled at IMA House at 9 am for protest rally from IMA House to Deputy Commissioner Office.

The IMA representatives- Dr. D P Singh Arora,Dr. Ajit Singh Chawla, Dr. Gaurav Sachdeva, Dr. Narjit Kaur, Dr. M K Sobti, Dr Arun Mitra, Dr. Jassal, Dr. Narinderjit Singh Toor, Dr, Anakhvir Gill, Dr. Karamvir Goyal, Dr. Kulwant Singh, addressed the Gathering on NCHRH Bill & Clinical Establishment Bill.

NCHRH is proposes to have Govt. Nominated persons and they can be from

any fields who will control the affairs of the medical profession. So it will be a Govt. body only. Doctors are strictly against this and this is against democracy also. NCHRH is against our basic human rights. These bills will increase cost of treatment tremendously people of country like India will not be able to afford it.

1st July 2012

DOCTORS DAY

IMA Ludhiana celebrated Doctors day today at IMA House with a Yoga and Nutrition camp. Dr Narjit Kaur secretary IMA Ludhiana said that the theme of this camp was that everybody in today's world is overworked and overstressed. One must take time to fulfill body's health and nutrition needs. Doctors who have to cater to health needs of society, they themselves should be fit and energetic. For keeping oneself physically fit Yoga is the best way. A team from Patanjali Yog taught the doctors many Yog Assans. They also told the benefits of each and every assans alonwith. Dr DP Singh Arora President IMA Ludhiana said that doctors are not following healthy and balanced diet regimen for themselves. Most of them are skipping their breakfast which is not at all acceptable for good health. Small meals at frequent intervals/less of fast foods/plenty of water/Less use of tea/coffee/cold drinks is all what is required. Not taking meals at proper time/ sedentary life style / No physical activity /less sleep are the culprits for most problems. Alll these lead to increase incidence of high blood pressure/diabetes,heart disease in young age group. Ms Kanika senior dietician addressed the do's and dont's of nutriition. Dr Karamvir Goyal said one must understand that Yoga and good nutrition increases life span. Yoga is to be done in scientific manner. It decreases morbidity and mortality in many diseases but it cannot replace allopathic medicines in any way.

7th July 2012

Seminar on Dengue

Indian Medical Association Ludhiana in association with Govt. Health Department organized a seminar on Dengue, Malaria & other vector borne diseases. Civil Surgeon of Ludhiana Dr Subash Batta presided

over the seminar. More than 150 doctors from Govt and private sector attended the seminar.

Dr DP Singh Arora president IMA Ludhiana said that this seminar will definitely motivate doctors to increase public awareness about these diseases and treat the patients according to latest guidelines.

Dr Batta said health authorities are fully prepared with all the arrangements in case of any outbreak. He congratulated IMA team for their efforts for public awareness campaign through pamphlets etc. He requested all the doctors that all suspected cases should be reported to Civil Hospital.

In seminar, Dr Gagandeep and Dr Puneet Juneja talked about the etio-

pathogenesis of Malaria and Dengue, their clinical presentation and their treatment. Steps required to be taken to prevent any outbreak were also discussed in detail

by Dr Narjit Kaur. She requested civil surgeon Ludhiana that effective spray and fogging should be done in all areas. She further stressed on the fact that diagnosis of the disease is very important and it should be done judiciously. Over diagnosis of disease can create panic in public. Every positive case should be reported to civil hospital.

14th July 2012

CARDIO-NEURO CME

Indian medical Association, Ludhiana has organized a Cardio-neuro CME on 14th July 2012 (Saturday). Dr D P Singh Arora presided over the function. Dr Narjit Kaur Secretary IMA Ludhiana said medical profession is very challenging, because of constant reasearch, newer more effective traetments are coming up every day. These continuous medical updates are required for knowing the latest treatments for all diseases.

Topics covered were Recent advances in management of Atrial Fibrillation and

Epilepsy.Dr GS Grewal, Dr. Ajit Singh Chawla, Dr Manoj Sobti, Dr Yashpal Singh were the chairpersons.

Talking on the topic recent advances in Atrial Fibrillation -DR RP Singh from Apollo hospital has told about a newer drug, named Dabigatran an anticoagulant. He said it needs no monitoring unlike older drugs like Low molecular weight Heparin and Warfarin etc. It can be given to patients who cannot get hospitalized and cannot come for daily monitoring. Dabigatran administered at a dose of 150 mg, as compared with warfarin, is associated with lower rates complications.

Dr RS Bhatia spoke on the topic of Epilepsy. He discussed in detail the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of Epilepsy in detail. Around 120 doctors attended the CME.

15th August 2012

INDEPENDENCE DAY

IMA Ludhiana has celebrated Independence Day by hoisting a flag at IMA house, BRS Nagar, Ludhiana on 15th August 2012. The flag was hoisted by Dr. Manoj Kumar Sobti - President Elect-IMA Punjab who was Chief Guest for the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Manoj Kumar Sobti said that the present day generation has to carry forward the task under taken by the freedom fighters that brought the country out of clutches of colonialism. He read excerpts from the speech of Jwahar Lal Nehru first prime minister of india made on 15th August 1947. There is need to strength the positive value and national interest rather than self interest. We have to be role model for the new generation.

Dr Arun Mitra, Member PMC said that electoral reforms are needed. Master Har Sehaj also sang a patriotic song.

Dr. Narjit Kaur Honorary Secretary IMA Ludhiana said that let us pay rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of the independence and sovereignty of the nation. The sacrifices of these freedom fighters and martyrs brought us freedom and gave us an opportunity to live and work with our head held high.

Dr. D P Singh Arora President IMA Ludhiana gave the vote of thanks.

19th August 2012

CME on Contraception

The Ludhiana Obstetrics & Gynecology Society (LOGS) in association with IMA Ludhiana conducted a Public Awareness Programme on Contraception for General Practitioners, under the aegis of Public Awareness Committee,FOGSI. It was attended by approximately fifty doctors from all fields.

The Civil Surgeon Ludhiana Dr. Subhash Batta was the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Dr. Maninder Singh, District Family Planning Officer (DFPO).

Dr. Subhash Batta said that it was a noble idea to associate the general practitioners in this important programme. As general practitioners are the backbone of health delivery system, they have a great role to play for the society regarding these family planning methods.

We at district level are ready to help and co-operate with you by all the possible means.

Punjab has already achieved its goal as far as Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is concerned as the National goal is 2.1 by 2012. Amongst the bigger states, Punjab is at no.3 after Kerala and Tamilnadu in the index of Birth Rate. But there is permanent need to stabilize the birth rate and the administration is adopting different methods to achieve this.

15th September 2012

CME ON NEURO & SPINE SURGERY

General body meeting followed by CME held in IMA House on 15 September 2012 (Saturday) by IMA Ludhiana.

In first part of function, GBM was held, activity report and finance report of this year was read by Dr Narjit Kaur and Dr P S Jassal. Total membership of IMA LUDHIANA is 865. New members made during this year are 14. President IMA Ludhina Dr. D P Singh Arora has appealed to all doctors practicing in Ludhiana to become IMA members. Dr Manoj Kumar Sobti state president elect has requested to donate generously for IMA House building.

In second part of function, CME on NEURO & SPINE surgery was held. Dr L S Chawla was chief guest in CME. Chairpersons were Dr S S Grewal - Neurosurgeon from CMC, Dr Manoj Kumar Sobti - Neurosurgeon from Sobti Trauma Centre and Dr. Arun Kumar Dhanuka – Neurologist from Deep Hospital.

Speakers on the occasion were Dr Vikas Gupta and Dr Yashpal Singh from BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi. BLK Centre for Neurosciences is one of the tertiary cares Neurosciences Centre in Delhi. Dr. Vikas Gupta, Head of Neurosurgery and Neuro Endovascular surgery at BLK Centre for Neurosciences talked about the Centre and emphasized that this centre will not only be known for Neurosurgery but also for minimal invasive Brain & Spine Surgery. In his talk Dr. Vikas Gupta said that endovascular neurosurgery is the youngest of the super-specialty of neuro sciences. It involves treating brain vascular malformations by a needle puncture i.e Neuroangiography. Ballooning of Brain artery causes Subarchanoid Hemmorhage. These aneurysms are now treated by coils. Acute stroke is treated almost on same lines as Acute heart attack. Dr. Yashpal Singh Bundela , Sr. Consultant Neurosciences & Spine Surgery at BLK Super Speciality Hospital talked about how spine surgery has become safer and how minimal invasive techniques have made it possible to conceptualize the day care surgery. Spine Surgery is now seen as pain relieving surgery and hence has to be very safe and shorter hospital stay.

14th October 2012

Meeting of IMA executive body was held on 13-10-2012 over the case put forward by Geeta Diwan w/o Deepak Diwan on Dr. Amit Sofat & Dr. Rama Sofat. The IMA Executive Body has gone through all the relevant documents, consent papers & Medical Records of the Patient dully preserved by the hospital. We found signatures of both Geeta Diwan & Deepak Diwan on the consent papers. Operation was medically required and was explained to patient in details as per these consent papers. Patient was discharged in stable condition from the hospital with proper discharge card explaining procedure was given to patient.

The IMA is anguished by false complaint by Geeta Diwan that too four years after the operation. No medical data in world history is available that patient can suffer from direct complications of operation after four years.

All these baseless allegations by the patient (Geeta Diwan) have maligned the image of our reputed doctors in the society and we are sorry to say that the actions of a few unscrupulous elements are weakening the doctor patient relationship. We also appeal to the media to completely verify the facts before publishing such news. As in this case news published in some of the dailies has been done without corroborating the facts. This is not fare and not in the interest of healthy doctor patient relationship.

27th October 2012

CME ON PAEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

IMA Ludhiana organized "CME on Paediatric Cardiology" on 27th October 2012 in IMA House. Chief guest on the occasion was Commissioner of Police Sh. Ishwar Singh ji. Speaker on the occasion was Dr Manvinder Singh Sachdev from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi.

Dr Manoj Sobti welcomed the chief guest. Sh. Ishwar Singh ji interacted with the doctors and urged them to keep security guards, installation of CCTV outside the hospitals. He said IMA should adopt atleast one chowk of city and CCTV should be installed there by IMA. All the above measures will help in improving security system of city, decrease crime rate and lower traffic chaos in city. Theme of the CME was let the little heart beats. It's mainly focus was on the heart of baby in mother's womb and heart of children. It is very specialized field and very less work is being done in this area in Ludhiana.

Dr DP Singh Arora said if severe cardiac anomalies get detected in utero, then these pregnancies can be terminated in time and it will not have long term psychological impact on parents.

Dr Narjit Kaur said we can differentiate between severe and mild type cardiac anomalies by fetal echocardiography and we can counsel the parents well about the prognosis and treatment options available today.

Dr Manvinder Singh Sachdev said many of these anomalies are surgically correctable and he told that he will be available in Ludhiana at Heart Beat Diagnostics Gill Road on second and fourth Saturday.

Around 200 doctors attended the function. Prominent personalities were Dr Iqbal S ahuja, Dr Arun Mitra, Dr Karamvir Goyal, Dr Narinderjit Singh Toor, Dr RK Sharma, Dr Anakhvir Gill and Dr PS Jassal.

9th November 2012

Diabetes Awareness walk IMA Ludhiana organized Diabetes Awareness walk in association with World Diabetes Foundation & Deep Hospital on 9th November 2012.

10th November 2012

Diwali Statement IMA President Dr. D P Singh Arora urged the people of Ludhiana to celebrate green Diwali this year. Motto is to ensure peace and calm everywhere. Dr. Narjit Kaur Honorary Secretary IMA Ludhiana said we should celebrate an environmentally safe Diwali as fire crackers lead to noise & air pollution which leads to ENT/Chest problems. Dr. Arun Mitra said, Ludhiana is already leading in noise & air pollution and it has maximum number of Asthamatic and Allergic patients. So let’s say no to fire crackers. As noise level produced by crackers is so high that it can lead to permanent deafness in any age group especially children. Dr Karamvir Goyal said, sadly all fire crackers are mostly made by very young children. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic, many of there child laborers get sick and die in their teenage years. Dr R K Sharma said everybody should be very careful about sweets and eatables as lot of cases of adulteration are being found every day.