Dear Members, Please join me in extending our hearty congratulations to Dr.T.Sadagopan, on being installed as President of Tamil Nadu Pondicherry Urologists chapter.

I also thank all the members who sent congratulatory messages to me on being conferred the title of “Kuruthi Maavallal Kon” by TANSAC, Govt. of Tamilnadu . I came to know that the message was sent to all members at 10.30 pm through the new system of Mass SMS implemented by the State Unit of IMA. Immediately thereafter, I started receiving congratulatory messages and phone calls. It is appreciable that all our members read and also respond instantly to messages on their mobiles.

In line with the views expressed in my earlier letter conveying my concerns about the proposal to merge the Medical and Para medical councils at the national level, the Prime Minister’s office has kept the merger idea in abeyance.

I received a call from Dr. Boopathi, of IRTT MC, Perundurai in this connection. In his opinion, the merger of the councils, would be beneficial as it would bring about greater transparency in operations.

We congratulate the MCI on adopting a positive attitude to recognize the Dharmapuri medical college. In this context we must really thank the Supreme Court bench comprising of CJI. Justice K.G.Balakrishnan, Justice P.Sadhasivam & Justice B.S.Chauhan, who made the MCI conduct inspection at Dharmapuri Medical College & Gowhati Medical College even after the cut off date as these were Govt. Medical colleges and merit students would be benefited. However when I spoke to the Dean, Dr. Kanagasabai, he was very worried that in spite of all these efforts, they had not received the official communication from the central Govt. until late evening of 30th September. In the meanwhile, the Dean has filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Central Govt. in this regard. Let us hope for the best!

Transport commissioner Thiru. Machendranathan, IAS, has confirmed that the organ donation clause will definitely be included in the smart cards of future Driving Licenses. Let us request the Govt. to include the clause in the cards being issued currently. Many branches including Erode and Dindugal have been conducting organ donation awareness programmes. As Addl. Chief Secretary Thiru. Syed Munir Hoda suggested, we can study the kidney transplant model in Iran and submit it to the Govt. We can assign this work to IMA Research wing with the permission of the chair.

This being the Anti Quackery week of IMA, let us pass on the available information regarding quackery to IMA State Office, to ensure full implementation and maximum penetration of the IMA drive against Quackery. It has come to my notice that a group of people calling themselves “Alternate Medical Practitioners” under the name and style of “Nalam Nadum Kalam” have issued a call to oppose the IMA Anti-quackery action by conducting meetings and rallies and they also claim to have represented to the Rajya Sabha MP Thiru. Raja in New Delhi. This matter needs to be followed up very closely.

Proposals have been put forward regarding introduction of shift system in Govt. as well as and private medical colleges for better utilization of facilities and to increase intake capacity of these institutions. This has to be debated widely to assess whether it would be justified for our profession and useful for the public.

IMA TNSB NHB- Secretary Dr. K.M. Abul Hassan along with IMA State secretary Dr. T.N. Ravi Shankar is actively following up with the Pollution Control Board regarding Authorization and Consent fee.

We congratulate Dr.C.N.Raja, ENT Surgeon, and Past President of EIMA for bringing pediatric cochlear implant surgery at a nominal cost to Erode. This was being done only in Chennai and Coimbatore earlier.

Dharmapuri Doctors united action succeeded in making the Govt. arrest the people who created problem in a Clinic.

Congrats to them.

A landmark decision in Western Australia’s Supreme Court has given a quadriplegic the right to refuse food & treatment from his care provider. Christian Rossiter, 49, was given the approval on the condition he understands the consequences of his actions.

Such an event is unlikely in our country. All our medical fraternity and public must be aware of Mr.Ramakrishnan of Aykudi near Tenkasi, a paraplegic who is running Amar Seva Sangam for children and public welfare.

He met with an accident while going for his naval recruitment training at the age of 21, however he did not lose hope or confidence. He is now married and rendering great service.

This is INDIA.

Let us be United Indians.
Thanking You, Regards
Dr. S.S. SUKUMAR
State President - Elect, IMA TNSB