Yangon:

 Myanmar authorities have seized 100 kg of methamphetamine and 13 kg of ketamine in a recent operation in southern Myanmar, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control reported on Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a truck in Waw township in Bago region on Thursday, and seized the drugs worth more than 3.7 billion kyats (about $1.76 million), along with four mobile phones, according to the committee as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

Three suspects involved in the case have been charged under the country’s Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substance Law, it said. AGENCIES

New Delhi:

 The 16 remaining Indian crew members on board a cargo ship seized by Iran are set to be released soon, Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian assured his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in a telephonic conversation on Saturday.

“The humanitarian issue of the release of the ship’s crew is of our serious concern and we have announced consular access, release, and extradition to their ambassadors in Tehran,” Abdollahian was quoted as saying by the Iranian Foreign Ministry during his discussion with Rangel on MSC Aries – the seized Israeli ship carrying the Portuguese flag. Last week, Deck Cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, one of the 17 Indian crew members on board the seized vessel, returned home as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who had spoken to

Seoul:

 North Korea on Saturday reiterated its commitment to launching more reconnaissance satellites into orbit this year after putting its first spy satellite into orbit in November.

Pyongyang “will carry out an important mission to enhance its space reconnaissance capabilities as planned to monitor and control the US and other hostile forces’ military movements and aggressive attempts,” an unnamed spokesperson of the North’s National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea put its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit in November after two failed attempts in May and August and has vowed to launch three more this year. It has yet to disclose any timeline for the launches but has repeatedly reaffirmed the plan through the KCNA.

The North blamed the “US ambitions to militarise space” for its push for space development.

“The US has been building a big space army over the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding area with an ultimate goal to launch a preemptive nuclear attack,” the spokesperson said, accusing Washington of escalating the possibility of an actual war breaking out in the region.

The North also denounced recent remarks by Stephen Whiting, the commander of the US Space Command, that North Korea’s satellite launch violates UN Security Council resolutions, saying the US is acting based on “double standards.”

North Korea has the right to develop space and use it as a military means for self-defence, the spokesperson said, reiterating the country’s position on space development.AGENCIES

Washington:

 Dozens of tornadoes tore across the US Midwest and flattened entire neighbourhoods, particularly in and around the city of Omaha in the state of Nebraska.

“Numerous houses” in western Douglas County, outside of Omaha, were damaged by a twister that hit on Friday afternoon, Omaha police said in a statement.

Photos and videos showed buildings reduced to rubble. While there have been injuries, authorities have not reported any deaths so far.

“We’ve been very fortunate with very few injuries,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters during a press briefing late Friday. “It seems like our warning systems in the city of Omaha have been very effective.”

Thousands of households were left without electricity in the wake of the storms.

In Lancaster County, to the south-west of Omaha, some 70 people were rescued from an industrial building that had collapsed in the storm, according to media reports.

Another tornado reportedly crossed the Missouri River into the neighbouring state of Iowa to the east of Nebraska, where it caused severe damage in the small community of Minden, among others.

At least 60 tornadoes and cyclones have been reported from five different states on Friday, according to CNN.

The National Weather Service said it expects possible more bad weather later on Saturday, including “very large hail, damaging winds, and multiple strong tornadoes.”

While tornadoes are common in some parts of the US, experts say the rise of natural disasters, including storms, floods and forest fires, is also due to climate change.  AGENCIES

Riyadh:

 Senior Western and Arab officials are expected to meet next week in Riyadh to discuss the months-long war in the Gaza Strip on the sidelines of an economic forum in Saudi Arabia, according to diplomatic sources.

Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan will meet Monday in Riyadh with their US, German, British, French and Italian counterparts, the sources said.

The Arab officials, joined by a Palestinian Authority representative, will meet on Saturday to formulate a “unified Arab stance” ahead of the Monday meeting, the sources told dpa on condition of anonymity.

The Palestinian official will not attend the talks with the top Western diplomats, the sources added.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry travelled on Saturday to Riyadh, sources at Cairo airport said.

Saudi Arabia is hosting an international economic forum in Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.

The international talks come amid fears of a planned Israeli offensive in Gaza’s Rafah city and renewed efforts to broker a hostage and ceasefire deal.

A top Hamas official said on Saturday that the Islamist militant group is studying an Israeli counterproposal regarding such a deal.

“Hamas will examine this proposal and submit a response,” Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of the group’s political arm in Gaza, said in a statement posted on Telegram.

He said the Israeli side was responding to a proposal Hamas had presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.

Negotiations aimed at releasing hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip and securing a ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory have been deadlocked for months.

But Israel’s preparations for a large-scale ground offensive on Rafah – the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip and the territory’s last Hamas stronghold – is reportedly putting pressure on the group.

US media outlet Axios reported, citing two senior Israeli officials, that Israel had warned Egypt that this would be the “last chance” to strike a deal before its Rafah operations begin.

Axios and Israeli media reported that Hamas and Israel are at loggerheads over the scope of the deal, including how many hostages could be released and how long the ceasefire would last. Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire, which Israel rejects.

Israel’s allies and critics have for months implored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call off the invasion of Rafah, fearing mass civilian casualties. More than a million displaced Palestinians from other parts of the Gaza Strip have taken shelter there.  AGENCIES

Seou:

 The new head of the doctors’ association vowed on Saturday to wage an all-out war against the government in case of any disadvantage to medical professors considering taking weekly breaks in support of the ongoing walkout by junior doctors.

Lim Hyun-taek, the president-elect of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), is known for his hawkish stance in the ongoing stalemate with the government regarding an increase in the medical school enrollment quota.

“The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s treatment of professors as criminals and its intimidation are deeply infuriating,” said the KMA’s transition team for Lim in a press release, adding that 140,000 doctors and medical students will launch an all-out war if the professors are mistreated.

Lim has come under police scrutiny after the Ministry of Health and Welfare filed a complaint alleging he violated medical law by inciting collective action by trainee doctors opposed to the government’s plan to sharply increase medical school admissions, reports Yonhap news agency.

The country’s 13,000 trainee doctors have been on strike, resigning ‘en masse’ since February 20, protesting the government’s decision to significantly increase the medical school enrollment quota. In solidarity with medical interns and residents, medical professors at major general hospitals nationwide have joined the movement.

In an attempt to break the stalemate with the doctors, the government last week accepted a request from the chiefs of six national universities for flexibility in expanding the medical school enrollment quota.  AGENCIES

CHANDIGARH:

“Embracing digital methods in the functioning of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is not just about modernization; it’s about revolutionizing how we combat leprosy. By harnessing the power of technology, we can enhance surveillance, improve patient care, and strengthen outreach efforts, ultimately bringing us closer to our goal of a leprosy-free world.” Said, Dr. Manjeet Pal, State Leprosy Officer during the visit of 17 Consultants from the National Health Mission (NHM) Odisha to the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital Sector 16 (GMSH 16) in Chandigarh during a 4-day Management Development Program tailored for National Leprosy Eradication Program Consultants from Odisha

The visit focused on illuminating the prevalent rates, the influx of new cases, and the accessibility of essential services for individuals affected by leprosy.  The delegates were shown the MCR sandals and the medicines that are provided at the hospital. The challenge of migration of new cases along with the geographical map of Chandigarh was discussed and the challenges of record maintainence for each patient was discussed. Subsequently, the consultants proceeded to the Health and Wellness Centre in Maloya, where they engaged in interactive sessions with the peripheral staff, notably the Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM). This interaction provided valuable insights into the methodologies employed in conducting surveys, the seamless referral processes for patients, the diligent follow-up mechanisms in place, and the crucial aspect of patient counselling. Moreover, the consultants gained firsthand knowledge of the streamlined procedures for providing medicines and conducting e-sanjeevani consultations, enhancing their understanding of the holistic approach adopted at the grassroots level.

Hosted by the International Public Health Management Development Program, under the aegis of the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health at PGIMER Chandigarh, this pioneering initiative aims to empower 17 senior district leprosy consultants from Odisha. The program features a comprehensive curriculum covering technical facets such as program implementation, planning, GIS mapping, monitoring and evaluation techniques, alongside soft leadership skills encompassing communication, advocacy, stress and time management, team building, conflict resolution, motivation, and morale enhancement. These skills will equip the participants to efficiently oversee policy and programs within the state of Odisha.

In addition to classroom sessions, participants will engage in a study tour of the PGIMER leprosy clinic to gain insights into its operations and quality perspectives. During the field visit, the consultants witnessed firsthand demonstrations of crucial diagnostic procedures and innovative approaches aimed at combating leprosy and its challenges. Notably, insights into slit skin smear examinations were provided at the Skin Lab of the Leprosy Skin Clinic. Dr. Sanjeev Handa, Head of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology at PGIMER, commended the Management Development Program for its dedication to advancing leprosy control and sharing best practices. The visit to the Department of Microbiology at PGIMER demonstrated the process of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for drug resistance, highlighting the institution’s proactive approach in tackling drug-resistant strains of leprosy.

The program will employ diverse learning methodologies such as case studies, management games, quizzes, role plays, videos, and mobile applications. A panel discussion titled “Leprosy Control: Bridging Perspectives from State Consultants and Tertiary Care Facility” is scheduled on day 3, featuring experts including Dr. Tarun Narang, Additional Professor at PGIMER, Dr. Rita Kotwal, State Leprosy Consultant, Haryana, and Dr.Sheenam Aggarwal, State Leprosy Consultant from Punjab. Additionally, delegates will acquire soft skills like team building, effective communication, stress and time management during the program.

The culmination of the program will witness the formulation and presentation of an action plan tailored for the state of Odisha. The program will conclude on April 26th, 2024, with a valedictory ceremony honoring outstanding participants across various categories.

CHANDIGARH:

The Regional HTA Resource Centre, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health at PGIMER, Chandigarh, successfully organized an international workshop on “Communicating Science for Policy Making: A Health Technology Assessment Perspective”. The workshop took place today and garnered significant attention from renowned individuals and institutions from both India and abroad.

The workshop welcomed a diverse gathering of 20 distinguished resource persons from five countries, along with more than 150 participants from esteemed medical colleges and institutions in India. The participants delved deep into discussions about the effective communication of scientific evidence for policy making, particularly in healthcare.

During the event, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER Chandigarh, commended the valuable contributions of Ayushman Bharat in enhancing healthcare services in India. Dr. Basant Garg, Additional CEO of the National Health Authority, emphasized how the evidence from Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is employed to design the Ayushman Bharat scheme and determine pricing. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary in the Department of Health Research, highlighted how HTA evidence on sickle cell disease screening significantly reduced costs by over 1500 crores. Dr. Arun Aggarwal, Head of the School of Public Health, reiterated the importance of fostering collaboration between researchers and policy makers for effective knowledge translation. Dr. Shankar Prinja shared insights on how the PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) has improved access to treatment and reduced individual expenditure.

Dr. Vinod Kotwal, Member Secretary of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, Government of India, brought attention to the challenges faced in real-world evidence utilization, particularly in pharmaceutical product pricing decisions. She discussed the regulatory functions performed by the NPPA and its contributions towards making healthcare more affordable in India.

The workshop also witnessed significant participation from prominent experts from HTA Agencies in Colombia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the World Health Organization, enhancing the global perspective on knowledge dissemination for evidence-based policy making.

This international workshop proved to be a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, sharing experiences, and exploring innovative strategies in communicating scientific evidence for policy making in the realm of health technology assessment. The Regional HTA Resource Centre, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health continues to play a leading role in promoting evidence-based decision making in healthcare in India and beyond.

CHANDIGARH:

 The National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, organized its 1st Interactive Session for the nursing students of NINE, PGIMER, Chandigarh . The event was graced by esteemed guests including Professor Vivek Lal, Director, Prof. Naresh K Panda, Dean, Academics and Mr. Ummed Mathur, Registrar, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

The highly anticipated interactive session provided a unique opportunity for nursing students to engage with distinguished professionals in the field. Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, Principal, NINE, warmly welcomed the guests and provided a brief history and background of NINE. She highlighted that NINE was established in 1964 as a Department of PGI with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) under the Post Basic Education Project. In 2003, the College of Nursing was upgraded to the National Institute of Nursing Education. Dr. Sukhpal Kaur also emphasized the various nursing programs currently being offered by the institute, including B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Nursing Post Basic, M.Sc. Nursing, Ph.D. Nursing, and a fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care Nursing. She further highlighted the importance of having highly qualified and dedicated faculty in preparing proficient nurses who can serve humanity. Dr. Sukhpal Kaur shared with pride that the alumni of NINE are now placed in reputed national and international organizations at various positions.

Professor Vivek Lal, in his address to the nursing students, congratulated them on choosing the noble profession of nursing and motivated them to give their head and heart in the service of mankind. He emphasized the purpose of the session and highlighted the importance of dedication and sheer hard work by nursing professionals in a healthcare system of national importance. He commended the upcoming nurses for their inherent compassion and commitment to the profession.

Dr. Naresh K Panda expressed his appreciation for the nursing faculty and students of NINE for their valuable contribution to patient care. He acknowledged the crucial role played by nurses in the healthcare system and highlighted the need for continuous learning and professional development in the field.

The interactive session provided a platform for the nursing students to interact with the esteemed guests and seek guidance on various aspects of their profession. They had the opportunity to raise their queries and concerns, which were addressed by the experts.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, who expressed her gratitude to the Director, Dean, Sub-Dean, and Registrar for gracing the event with their presence. She also thanked the nursing students for their active participation and urged them to make the most of the knowledge gained from the session.

The interactive session proved to be a valuable learning experience for the nursing students of NINE, PGIMER, Chandigarh. It provided them with insights and guidance from experts in the field, motivating them to excel in their profession.

CHANDIGAH:

The Department of Hepatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh has garnered significant recognition at the prestigious National Endoscopy Conference, ENDOCON- 2024, organised by Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI), held recently in New Delhi from 18- 21st April, 2024. 

Dr. Sahaj Rathi, a consultant from the department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh. and his team clinched the top two positions in the highly competitive Endoscopy Masters Cup video award. Dr. Rathi presented the video which secured the top position. The second video was presented by Dr. Ganesh CP, a second-year senior resident, showcasing the department’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation at all levels.

Adding to the department’s accolades, Dr. Arpit Shastri, also a second year senior resident, showcased groundbreaking research on Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided obliteration of gastric varices, securing the top award in the Presidential Abstract session. This pioneering work led by Dr. Sahaj Rathi and Prof Ajay Duseja, underscores the department’s dedication to advancing patient care and change the paradigm of management of this complex disease.

Furthermore, the conference witnessed Dr. Sunil Taneja’s outstanding contribution to a brilliant town hall discussion on endohepatology, an evolving field which amalgamates endoscopy and hepatology. The department of Hepatology is leading from the front in this field, with numerous innovative techniques and publications in the recent past

In a momentous recognition of a lifetime of dedication and service, the former  head of the department of Hepatology, Prof. JB Dilawari, was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI) in the same conference. Prof Dilawari’s vision and unwavering commitment to the field laid the foundation of ERCP in India. He was first person in India to perform the endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and removal of bile duct stone endoscopically way back in 1978 

Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, PGIMER expresses profound pride in the accomplishments of the Department of Hepatology. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, the department continues to set new benchmarks in patient care, research, and academic prowess, solidifying its position as a leader in the field of hepatology.