Latest news with #KeralaGovtMedicalOfficersAssociation
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Doctors protest appointment as food testing officers during vice president visit
1 2 T'puram: In an unusual directive from the health department, three health service doctors were appointed as "food testing officers" during the Vice- President's visit to the state. Usually, the doctors are appointed to the medical team during VIP visits. However, this time they were asked to ensure the quality of the food served to the VIP. These doctors stayed away from duty as the Kerala Govt Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) protested against it. The three medical doctors were appointed as food testing officers during the visit of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar to Ernakulam on Sunday and Monday. An assistant surgeon from the family health centre at Kodanadu in Ernakulam was asked to report for this duty at CAFS, Nedumbassery, which is the airline catering company operating at the airport. One lady medical officer from the district hospital was asked to report for duty at Aluva guest house and another medical officer at Ernakulam guest house. The medical doctors were surprised to receive this order from the district medical office, Ernakulam, as they are usually asked to accompany the medical team during VIP visits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo "The doctors did not attend the duty as we are not supposed to do this duty. We have lodged our strong protest in deputing for such duties to the concerned authorities. We will not take up such duties in future either," said KGMOA leaders. KGMOA is of the view that food testing should be done by professionally qualified people from that field and not by practising doctors of the hospitals. Fearing backlash from the association, the district medical authorities did not insist on the doctors reporting for duty.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
KGMOA calls for universal rabies vax rollout
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Govt Medical Officers Association ( KGMOA ) has urged the state govt to launch and institutionalize a universal pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) rabies vaccination programme, particularly targeting children and other high-risk groups."The rising number of rabies-related deaths in Kerala has emerged as a serious public health challenge, underscoring the urgent need for proactive, preventive strategies," said Dr Sunil PK, state president of KGMOA, in a statement issued on Tuesday. "The association is calling for the initiation and institutionalization of a universal PrEP rabies vaccination programme to address this challenge."While Kerala has made significant progress in rabies control—through mass dog vaccination drives, increased public awareness, and widespread availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—KGMOA pointed out that achieving zero rabies deaths will require a preventive approach, including pre-exposure association called on the govt to prioritize children in the first phase of PrEP rollout, noting that they make up over 35% of dog bite victims. "Children are less likely to report bites or perform proper wound care," said Dr Jobin G Joseph, state secretary of immediate statewide implementation is not feasible due to financial or logistical constraints, the association recommends starting with the most vulnerable populations, particularly children in high-risk areas with limited access to also urged the govt to form a task force of experts to design a phased PrEP implementation plan, with a clear roadmap toward universal coverage. The other recommendations include extending PrEP coverage to other high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, veterinary staff, wildlife personnel, sanitation workers, and others with frequent or occupational exposure to association said PrEP should be closely integrated with existing rabies control measures, which include timely administration of PEP, sustained dog vaccination, and ongoing public education campaigns. It called on the govt to advocate for the inclusion of rabies PrEP in the national immunisation programme for regions where the disease remains endemic.
