Latest news with #Rughwani
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
MMC to make QR code system mandatory to tackle fake doctors in state
Pune: In a major step to crackdown on bogus doctors in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has decided to make its QR code-based system – know your doctor (KYD) – mandatory for registered medical practitioners, said council officials on Saturday. In a major step to crackdown on bogus doctors in Maharashtra, MMC has made its QR code-based system – know your doctor (KYD) – mandatory for registered medical practitioners. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) The decision comes after a recent discussion in the state legislative assembly about bogus doctors or quacks practicing in the state, especially in rural and remote areas. According to the state government data, of the 391 bogus doctors booked over the past five years, only two have been convicted and charges proved against 17 others, said officials. MMC had launched the KYD platform on February 11, 2025, to help people verify authenticity and qualifications of registered medical practitioner or consulting doctor. The code will help patients and citizens check the authenticity, up-to-date credentials, and licences of doctors along with their specialisation and areas of expertise. However, despite over 2.03 lakh registered medical practitioners (RMP) registered in the state, only 10,000 have so far signed up for the QR code system, as it was voluntary. Dr Vinki Rughwani, administrator, MMC, said, 'Joining the KYD platform was initially voluntary, and the state has now made it mandatory for RMPs. An order will be issued within a couple of weeks.' According to officials, the KYD Card issued by MMC has to be displayed at doctors' practice locations, like clinics and hospitals. Citizens can scan the QR code to check if a doctor is registered with the council and qualified to practice medicine, said MMC officials. Dr Rughwani said, 'With the rising threat of quackery, especially in villages, it has become essential for us to ensure that citizens can trust their doctors.' Dr Sunil Ingale, president, Indian Medical Association, Pune Chapter, said, 'Making the KYD QR code mandatory is a much-needed step. It not only protects patients from falling into the hands of quacks but also helps build trust in genuine doctors. It's a win for ethical medical practice.' KYD platform Doctor verification: Authentic and up-to-date credentials and licences for healthcare professionals Specialty details: Information on doctor's specialisation and areas of expertise Convenient access: Accessible via Android-based mobile devices for patients
Time of India
15-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rotaract, Interact Clubs Ideal Platforms For Youth Empowerment: Pankaj Rughwani
1 2 3 Nagpur: "Rotaract and Interact Clubs are among the best platforms for youth empowerment and community service," said noted businessman and chief guest Pankaj Rughwani, secretary of Sindhi Hindi Vidya Samiti, during the installation ceremony held at DRB Sindhu Mahavidyalaya on Tuesday. The Rotary Club of Nagpur North organised the vibrant event, installing the Rotaract Club of Dada Ramchand Bhakru Sindhu Mahavidyalaya and Interact Clubs of Sindhi Hindi Girls High School, KTR High School, and Mohanlal Rughwani Sindhi Hindi Boys High School. In his keynote address, Rughwani highlighted the importance of cultivating leadership, teamwork, and a positive mindset among students. He lauded the initiative as a vital step towards shaping responsible and confident future citizens. Rotary dignitaries present included past president and special guest Pooja Khatri, president Vinay Dara, vice-president Pankaj Upadhyay, treasurer Sumit Choithani, and youth director Nitin Jeswani. The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a welcome song by students. The Rotary Four-Way Test was explained by Interact chair Baljeet Kaur Anand and vocational director Khushboo Murarka. Khatri stressed the power of unity with her message "We over Me", while Dara reinforced Rotary's guiding principle Service Above Self". The oath ceremony was conducted by Jeswani, and an engaging seed-ball activity was led by environment director Rajesh Chawla. Also present were principals, vice-principals, and coordinators of the respective institutions, along with Diya Jeswani, Kajal Khatri, Kanchan Gedam, and Poonam Vazirani. The event concluded with group photographs and enthusiastic discussions on future service projects.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra suspends registration of homeopathy practitioners with bridge course
The state government on Friday set up a committee to look into concerns flagged by doctors over a notification that allows homeopathy practitioners to get registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) once they complete the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). After the state assured it will suspend the registration process and a government circular was issued to that effect, doctors with the Indian Medical Association withdrew their plan for a stir. Dr Santosh Kadam, president, IMA, Maharashtra told The Indian Express that their contention was that if homoepathy practitioners are registered with the MMC after they complete the bridge course (CCMP), it would allow them to practice modern medicine. Several organisations had protested against the government notification dated June 30, 2025 which had allowed homoepathy practitioners who had completed the bridge course to register with the MMC from July 15. Apart from the IMA, the Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors' Association and other medical groups had questioned the government's decision and supported the IMA's move for a token strike. The IMA had also filed a writ in the Bombay High Court in February this year regarding the potential registration of homeopathic doctors with the MMC. Doctors had also protested the notificiation as they questioned whether a bridge course in modern pharmacology would equip homeopathy practitioners to prescribe allopathic drugs safely. Dr Kadam along with former MMC chairman Dr Shivkumar Uttare and other doctors met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis late on Thursday evening, following which a meeting was held Friday morning. The CM had instructed Principal Secretary of Medical Education, Goverment of maharashtra, Dheeraj Kumar and MMC administrator Dr Vinky Rughwani to discuss the issue, following which a committee was set up that is chaired by the Commissioner of Medical Education and includes the registrar of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Maharashtra Homeopathy Council, Maharashtra Medical Council and others. Dr Rughwani told The Indian Express that the committee was instructed to submit a report within two months on the issue. 'Till such time that they submit the report, the government has agreed to withdraw the notification,' Dr Rughwani added. According to the MMC circular, the registration of homeopathy practitoners holding the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology is now suspended. When contacted, Dr R S Indulkar, advisor to Maharashtra Homeopathy Council, told The Indian Express, that there was a certain logic as to why the bridge course was introduced. 'There is a need for doctors in remote corners of the state. There is a paucity as most of the modern medicine doctors prefer to work in urban setups. By undergoing this CCMP course, the homeopathy practitioner upgrades his/her skill and is able to prescribe allopathic medicines. Moroever, even in urban areas, a majority of hospitals have employed homeopathy doctors. Then why this dichotomy?' She asked. Dr Bahubali Shah, administrator at Maharashtra Homeopathy Council ,has decided to go ahead with his hunger strike as a mark of protest. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mandatory sickle cell testing for students urged by Dr Vinky Rughwani
Nagpur: Dr. Vinky Rughwani, a paediatrician and President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society of India, called for mandatory Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) testing for all students enrolling in undergraduate programmes. Speaking ahead of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, Dr Rughwani emphasised the need for widespread screening to curb the spread of this debilitating genetic disorder, which causes severe pain and requires lifelong medical care. SCD, inherited when both parents carry the sickle cell trait, is prevalent in communities like Buddhist, Teli, Mahar, Kunbi, and tribal populations, particularly in regions like Vidarbha. Symptoms include chronic pain in the limbs, abdomen, and joints, low haemoglobin levels, and the need for frequent blood transfusions. Dr Rughwani highlighted that while a bone marrow transplant—costing Rs 14–15 lakh—is the only cure, it is expensive and risky, making prevention critical. The central govt's 'Sickle Cell Free India' campaign already screened lakhs of individuals, but Dr Rughwani advocates for mandatory testing at the university level to identify carriers early and prevent disease transmission. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "Early screening can save future generations from this preventable condition," he said. In a proactive step, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, in collaboration with Sankalp India Foundation, launched a screening programme across Maharashtra's govt hospitals and medical colleges. The initiative tests all pregnant women in their first trimester using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). If a woman is a carrier of the sickle cell trait or Thalassemia Minor, her partner is tested, he said. If both are carriers, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) at 12 weeks of pregnancy is recommended to prevent the birth of an affected child. This project, already operational in Vidarbha, is expanding statewide. Dr Rughwani also noted that SCD is now covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017, granting affected individuals educational reservations and access to govt schemes. Recent reforms in the Disability Certification Act simplified obtaining disability certificates, further supporting patients. To manage SCD, patients rely on lifelong medications like Hydroxyurea and Folic Acid, alongside regular blood tests and sonographies. Dr Rughwani stressed that testing before marriage is crucial, as carriers often lead normal lives unaware of their status. "A simple test can prevent a lifetime of suffering," he urged.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
MMC to fast-track disposal of medical negligence cases' backlog
PUNE: With over 650 complaints of medical negligence pending before it, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has decided to expedite efforts to clear the long-standing backlog beginning next week, officials said. The MMC – a quasi-judicial body which oversees licence- registration and renewal of over 2.05 lakh registered medical practitioners (RMPs) in the state –gets around 50 to 60 fresh complaints every year. The MMC also has powers to suspend or terminate the licence of a doctor found guilty of malpractice. However, given the number of pending cases and the increasing number of medical seats in the state, the current staff at the council is inadequate to clear the pending cases promptly, officials said. Dr Vinky Rughwani, administrator of MMC, informed that starting next week, disposal of cases will be fast-tracked to clear pendency. 'There are cases which are pending for several years and some of them are even 15-year-old cases. The pending cases are not new; they are cases that have accumulated in the past many years,' he said. Recently, as many as 150 doctors from both government and private hospitals have undergone training from the experts of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to handle cases of medical negligence. The MMC plans to utilise the expertise and help of these trained professionals to assist in complaint investigations and hearings. Dr Rughwani said, 'These doctors have been trained in legal and ethical aspects of medical negligence. Their support will help us review complaints faster and bring justice to affected patients and doctors.' Dr Rughwani said that the council is also considering using digital tools and streamlined processes to further improve efficiency. 'We are committed to ensuring that registered practitioners are held accountable when needed, while also protecting them from false allegations,' he said. According to officials, this is not the first time the MMC has tried to clear or reduce its backlog. Previously between 2017 and 2022, the council had brought down the number of pending cases from 1,500 to 800 by using a fast-track disposal method. Riding on its past success, the council is planning to adopt a similar strategy again, officials said. Furthermore, the rising number of medical seats in the state, along with growing patient awareness, is leading to more complaints. Also, several medical associations too are filing complaints with the council. Therefore, there is a greater need for timely and fair investigations. Citizens and healthcare professionals alike have welcomed the move. Patients' rights groups have long demanded quicker resolution of cases of medical negligence while doctors hope that timely handling will prevent prolonged uncertainty. Dr Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospitals, said, 'Timely and transparent resolution of complaints is in everybody's interest. It not only protects patient rights but also safeguards doctors from prolonged legal uncertainty. This initiative is a much-needed step toward restoring public trust.'
