Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2024

KARNATAKA AMENDMENT ACT2024 regarding issues of medical council & violence & quackery !

The Government of Karnataka on July 24, 2024, issued the Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to further amend the Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961, and the Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009.   The following has been stated namely: - • In the Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961,  o after section 3, the new section 3A shall be inserted, “3A.- Process of election. - The process of election of new members to the Council from the respective categories under clause (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 shall be completed three months before the completion of the term of the existing members." o after section 13, the new section 13A shall be inserted, “13A. Prohibition to practice. -(1) No person shall practice/represent himself as a medical practitioner unless he has registered with the Council as per section 13." • I

How to tame the Quackery?

  Quackery or health fraud is the promotion[1] of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices. A quack is a "fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill" or "a person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skill, knowledge, qualification or credentials he or she does not possess; Quackery, or the practice of medicine by unlicensed or untrained individuals, is indeed prevalent in India. The reasons for this are multifaceted and include a combination of societal, economic, educational, and regulatory factors:   1. Historical and Cultural Roots: India has a rich tradition of alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. While many of these systems have proven effective and are part of the country's healthcare framework, the lack of clear distinction between these traditional practices and modern evidence-based medicine can sometimes lead to the acceptance of unproven treatments. 2. Low Awareness and Education: There is a signif

Brief Report on Court Judgments Against Quacks and Quackery in Medical Practice in India

  Report on Court Judgments Against Quacks and Quackery in Medical Practice in India             Quackery refers to the practice of medicine by individuals who are not licensed or properly trained in the medical field. This not only poses a significant risk to public health but also undermines the credibility of the medical profession. In India, the prevalence of quackery is a serious concern due to various factors such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and lack of awareness among the population. To combat this issue, the Indian legal system has implemented several laws and regulations, and the courts have played a crucial role in upholding these laws and protecting the public from the harmful effects of quackery. This report provides an overview of various court judgments that have addressed the problem of quacks and quackery in medical practice in India. 1. The Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and the Professional Misconduct Regulations: The primary legislation governin

Abolish GST on Health Insurance

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has undoubtedly transformed the financial landscape of India, but its application to health insurance is detrimental to public health and welfare, necessitating its complete removal. Firstly, imposing GST on health insurance increases the financial burden on individuals and families seeking essential healthcare services, making it harder for them to afford adequate coverage.   In a country where out-of-pocket expenditure on health is already alarmingly high, the addition of a 18% GST can discourage citizens from purchasing health insurance altogether, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic health expenses. This tax can disproportionately affect lower-income populations, exacerbating existing health inequities and hindering access to necessary medical care, which should be a fundamental right for all.   Furthermore, the increased cost of health insurance can affect the uptake of preventive care services, as families may forego insurance altogether o

A Peek in to Physical Literacy.

Understanding Physical Literacy . Physical literacy refers to the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person  . It encompasses motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life  . This concept is multidimensional and describes a holistic foundation for physical activity engagement, including the ability to identify and express the essential qualities that influence movement, understand the health benefits of an active lifestyle, and appreciate appropriate safety features associated with physical activity in a variety of settings and physical environments .  Physical literacy and recreational sports play a pivotal role in fostering a healthy, active lifestyle that extends beyond childhood and adolescence into adulthood, fundamentally shaping one’s overall well

Health Illiiteracy in INDIA.

  In India,the cost of low health literacy is  3 trillion rupees Low health literacy in India leads to a substantial delay in medical treatment, resulting in prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and reduced productivity. In fact, the study suggests that low health literacy leads to a loss of approximately INR 3 trillion  annually.  Low HL  results in avoidable readmissions, increased healthcare workforce burden, and reduced patient satisfaction. Therefore, addressing low health literacy in India is crucial to reduce healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes. In India,  at least nine out of ten individuals lack health literacy . Additionally, India has a high rate of general illiteracy and extreme poverty, both of which have a negative impact on HL. Frequent hospital visits are a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Health illiteracy in India poses a significant challenge to the overall well-being of the population and the efficacy of healthcare delivery systems

The Indian Government's Health Expenditure in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview

  The Indian Government's Health Expenditure in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview As India navigates the complexities of public health, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government's health expenditure in 2023 reflects a strategic push toward enhancing health infrastructure, accessibility, and quality. This article provides a detailed note on the various components of Indian government health expenditure in 2023, including key schemes and initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PM SSY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, and others. The Indian Government's annual budget for 2023 did not specifically allocate funds to individual schemes like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (PM SSY) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY). Instead, the budget allocated funds to the overarching Ministries and Departments responsible for these schemes. The Ministry of W