Latest news with #AnandRaj
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
For rural patients, MRI scans still a ‘distant' reality
Madurai: When S Palpandi's relative suffered a road accident a month ago, he had to travel around 50km with him to get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan done after being referred from Usilampatti Government Headquarters Hospital (GHQH), where the facility is yet to be established. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While larger hospitals like Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) are equipped with even multiple MRI and CT scans, rural patients rely on nearby govt taluk and headquarters hospitals. They either have to make a long journey or get the scans done at a private centre. "Even then, we were unable to get the scan done immediately at GRH as there was a long queue of patients waiting," he added. Usilampatti GHQH sees a footfall of around 1,500-2,000 outpatients and gets a number of road accident victims. There has been a long-pending demand for an MRI scan facility at Usilampatti GHQH but health department sources said lack of funds has been delaying it. An MRI scan machine can cost up to Rs 6 crore. Following a PIL filed by health activist C Anand Raj, Madras high court had, in 2017, directed the state govt to set up MRI scan in all Government District Headquarters Hospitals within one year. "There is no way rural patients can travel a long distance to a medical college just for a scan. Either they will neglect it or go to a private scan centre where it is expensive. The scans should also not be delayed when being covered under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) for free of cost," said Anand Raj. Health department sources said Usilampatti GHQH's case was recently taken up at the DISHA review meeting with officials, ministers, MP and MLAs. A proposal for setting up MRI scan facility at around Rs3 crore has been approved and work is to be expedited, added the source. "Similarly, in south Tamil Nadu, only three other GHQHs have both MRI and CT scan facilities. MRI scan facilities also have to be established immediately at GHQHs in Periyakulam (Theni), Kovipatti (Tuticorin), and Karaikudi (Sivaganga), which all cater to a sizable rural populations," added Anand Raj.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Consecration of temple on DD Health's office premises in Madurai draws flak
As against the rules of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a religious event subsequent to the construction of a temple-like structure was conducted on the office premises of Deputy Director of Health Services in Madurai on Thursday and Friday. An invitation which was allegedly released by the district health services office mentions that as a temple belonging to a particular religion was being raised on the office premises, the office staff and others were invited to attend the consecrating event and homam during 6 p.m to 9 p.m on June 5 and from 9 a.m to 1 p.m on June 6, said sources. Anand Raj, a social activist based in Madurai, said that a district health office was a place where people of all religions visit for health-related reasons. As per several Tamil Nadu government rules and Madras High Court orders, conducting of such religious events in a government office, not confined to any particular religion, was against the rules of the State, he added. Particularly, Government Order No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Per-A) Department, dated 13.12.1993, prohibited the construction of any new structure for religious worship within the office campus, or enlargement or modification of any existing structure for similar purpose, Mr. Anand Raj stated. Further, he said that the order stressed that, 'It restricted the practice of worship of different faiths in office premises by government staff.' Point 3 of the G.O. pointed out that: 'In view of the direction of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court all Heads of Departments are requested to follow the above instructions scrupulously and it is the responsibility of the Head of Department/Head of Office to ensure that the prohibition made under the said G.O. is implemented in letter and spirit. The Heads of departments are also requested to instruct all the sub-ordinate offices under their control to follow the instructions issued in G.O. Ms. No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, without fail.' Citing the instructions of the order, Mr. Anand Raj said that while it was the duty of higher officials to ensure such events do not take place, it is learned that Director of Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Madurai Deputy Director of Health Services have headed and took part in the event. 'When the State government espouses or follows the principle of secularism, such religious events in government offices should be prevented and strict action should be taken against those who disrespect the orders,' he stated. A health official, who did not want to be named said, the invitation for the event was shared with the doctors, staff and officials though a What's App group. Madurai district Collector M.S. Sangeetha said that she did not receive any information about such an event. 'I will look into it and take necessary action,' she added.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I'm venturing again into the zombie genre for my Telugu debut: Kannada Director Anand Raj
Anand Raj Director Anand Raj, who is set to bring Kannada cinema 's first zombie film to the screen, is now set to venture into zombie territory yet again — this time in Telugu with his upcoming debut. The project, starring Dhruva Vaayu , is set to begin filming in June.'The production house appreciated my previous work and expressed interest in a unique genre largely untouched in Indian cinema,' he shares.'The zombie theme felt perfect. While I'm working on similar themes in both Kannada and Telugu, the two films will be completely distinct in story, execution, and length. The Telugu version, in particular, will feature large-scale stunts .'He adds, 'The shoot for both films will take place simultaneously, but there won't be any overlap between the two projects. I'm excited to embrace this new creative challenge.'Sharing his thoughts on the Telugu film industry, he says, 'Tollywood has a more corporate work culture, with a strong focus on pre-production planning, which is a sharp contrast to the Kannada industry. Post-COVID, audiences are more open to content from other languages, no longer seeing language as a barrier. As filmmakers, it's crucial to adapt by understanding the cultural nuances of each state.'
