HRAWI TO ORGANIZE A SEMINAR ON ‘SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE’

HRAWI To Organize A Seminar On ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace’

Mumbai: As part of the initiatives taken for the benefit and awareness of hoteliers and restaurateurs, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has organized a special seminar that will address the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal on sexual harassment of women at workplace. The seminar will be organized at The Waterstones hotel, Mumbai, on March 29^th. Mr. Vishal Kedia, an eminent authority on the subject will address the audience.

“The law on the subject fits with the pledge of commitment towards ‘code of conduct for safe and honorable tourism’ signed by every hotelier for obtaining requisite licenses. We are keen to create awareness about the law amongst our member hotels. Compliance with the law not only helps female tourists and employees feel safer in India, but also fits with the concept of ‘atithi devo bhava’,” says Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI.

“Hospitality as an industry employs a sizeable number of women, and it is a figure that is growing. As the apex body of a progressive industry, we feel it is imperative upon us to facilitate a safe and secure work atmosphere for all our employees through constant training and information sessions,” concludes Mr. Malkani.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

CITY HOTELS TO PLAY DRY HOLI

City Hotels To Play Dry Holi

Mumbai: On the backdrop of an acute water shortage and farmer suicides, hotels in Maharashtra have decided to celebrate a dry Holi. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), the apex body of hotels of Western India, has advised its members to put up placards at visible spots in their hotels, strictly avoid water intensive celebrations like ‘rain dance’ and consciously engage in water conservation measures.

The association, urging members both in the capacity of individuals and as establishments, has asked hoteliers to respect the precious resource not just during festivities, but as part of their day to day routine. Holi or Dhulivandan also known as ‘The Festival of Colours’ falls on the 24^th of this month and is celebrated across the country.

Asking members to join together and pledge a commitment towards water conservation, Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI said that hoteliers question themselves whether they should be wasting water to have a colorful celebration of Rang Panchami at a time when India is grappling with back –to-back droughts. 

“Hence in an endeavor to create awareness about the seriousness of this issue amongst all HRAWI members; your Association requests you to do your bit to save water. It will save lives. You as Hoteliers and responsible citizens can play a pivotal role by taking a pledge of not wasting water during the festivities,” says Mr. Malkani in his communication to the hoteliers.

“The hotel industry is proactive and takes measures in every way to use resources conservatively. Whether with adopting newer technologies that are energy efficient or conserving water, we strive to do our bit. But the present water crisis demands more efforts. Our hotel industry has always reminded guests not to waste water with collateral reduce, reuse and recycle water conservation placards in washrooms for the past many decades. The message is loud and clear, for the present century water is one of the foremost challenging resource which has to be put to optimal use by aiming for zero wastage. Agricultural chain's dependency on water is therefore the key for our survival,” concludes Mr. Kamlesh Barot, past-President, HRAWI.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

HOSPITALS CANNOT COMPEL PATIENTS TO BUY MEDICINES FROM IN-HOUSE PHARMACIES; DOCTORS REFERRING GOVT. HOSPITAL PATIENTS TO PRIVATE NURSING HOMES COULD BE PENALIZEDHOSPITALS CANNOT COMPEL PATIENTS TO BUY MEDICINES FROM IN-HOUSE PHARMACIES; DOCTORS REFERRING GOVT. HOSPITAL PATIENTS TO PRIVATE NURSING HOMES COULD BE PENALIZED

Hospitals Cannot Compel Patients To Buy Medicines From In-House Pharmacies; Doctors Referring Govt. Hospital Patients To Private Nursing Homes Could Be Penalized

Mumbai: When Shenar Rehan was refused admission to the Cantonment General Hospital, Aurangabad little did she realize that her experience, while personally traumatic would set a precedent for thousands of patients across Govt. hospitals in India. The patient, in labor then, had sought admission to the hospital, but was directed to a private nursing home. When the aggrieved patient later approached the Courts, Hon’ble Dr. S. M. Kanitkar of the National Consumer Commission taking a harsh view on the practice not only imposed a penalty of Rs. 5 lakh but also observed that the Cantonment General Hospital Board can recover this penalty from the salary of errant doctors, CEOs, and staff, as per law.

“The unambiguous observation of Hon’ble Court that the hospital staff was ‘involved in referring poor patients intentionally to the private nursing homes’ and ‘the poor patients are deprived of essential medical services clearly shows that the courts have taken judicial notice of this widespread illegality and are seeking to address it,” revealed Adv. Mahendrakumar Bajpai, keynote speaker and a leading authority on medical laws at the 8^th Annual Medical Review held at Mumbai.

The Annual Medico Legal Review, held consecutively since 2009 by Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) has been analyzing the complete medico legal environment in the country, compiling comparative statistics of medical malpractice cases, examining current trends in medical malpractice cases and underlying reasons for increasing cases of medical negligence.

“As compared to the previous years, 2015 has thrown a number of noteworthy trends and judgments. For instance, it was also observed that more and more aggrieved patients sued 'only' hospitals and notably omitted doctors. Two interesting cases bring this anomaly to fore. The first from Andhra Pradesh (Dr. M. Sarojini Devi v/s Galla Jayanthi) wherein despite directions from the court, the surgeon who had performed the surgery negligently was not made a party by the patient and the court had no other option but to hold 'only' the hospital negligent. The second case was from Delhi reported from the National Consumer Commission (Himanchal Kumari & Ors. v/s The Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi & Ors.). The hospital alleged and admitted in the court that the oncologist was negligent and not the resident doctor and the technician who gave radiation. The court agreed with what the hospital stated and did not hold the resident doctor and the technician negligent. But the hospital 'only' was held negligent as the oncologist was not sued by the patient,” added Adv. Bajpai.

The review also reported that complaints by patients forced to buy medicines from in-house pharmacies of hospitals were on the rise and that allegations related to delayed and improper diagnosis doubled as compared to the previous year. Filing of an unusually large number of cases of negligence against surgeons going on planned leave or absences immediately after a surgery were also observed.

In addition, in the year under review, Indian Courts continued with the trend of giving benefit of doubt to doctors; not questioning the correctness of medical records, except in cases of gross fabrications; and, courts continuing to hold that a wrong method or decision by a doctor does not necessarily constitute negligence. During emergencies courts were observed to be even more accommodating by overlooking and condoning deviation from standard protocol.

In 2015, the Courts also held that a doctor relying on a wrong investigation report of another qualified radiologist, sonologist or pathologist and acting accordingly is not negligent. It also deplored appeals in trivial cases and penalized appellants. “On the whole, the year was good as well as bad for doctors. The courts are hesitant in holding the healthcare providers negligent and are seeking more clear and convincing evidence from the patients. But once convinced that the doctor or the hospital has been negligent then the penalty that follows is heavy.”

Annual Medico Legal Review 2016 was presented by Supreme Court Advocate, Mahendrakumar Bajpai and chaired by Mr. Mayank Kshirsagar, Adv. Supreme Court, Dr. Atul Shah, Hon. Sec., Association of Plastic Surgeons of India and Dr. Mahesh Baldwa, Sr. Pediatrician & Medico Legal expert. The review in Mumbai will be followed by reviews in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Participation in this event is by invitation only with about 80 - 100 invitees in each city. The attendees would also include Ministry Officials, Regulators, MCI Office Bearers, Judges of the National / State Consumer Commission, and press.

“Law is dynamic. Every single judgment passed each day has the potential to amend the existing laws. While these changes impact everyone, it has a wider implication for doctors. With the exponential rise in medico legal cases and ignorance not being a valid defense, it becomes imperative upon doctors to be abreast of changes in medical laws and take appropriate precautions,” concludes Adv. Bajpai.

About Institute of Medicine & Law:

Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) provides education, information, and services related to medical laws. IML’s actionable content and analyses are delivered to doctors, hospitals, and lawyers on multiple platforms in real time.

IML is India’s foremost authority on medical laws possessing the best resources in terms of legal professionals and experts. Its detailed knowledge bank is continuously updated with the latest developments and is optimally utilized to provide medico legal solutions to the benefit of healthcare providers.

IML organized the first ever 'National Convention on Medicine & Law - 2015' (www.medicineandlawconvention.com), a platform to identify the legal issues relating to medicine, discuss them threadbare, and suggest remedial measures. Doctors, medical associations, hospitals, lawyers, judges, regulators, and policy makers were part of this initiative.

IML has been conducting an annual exercise of drafting and adopting a ‘SOP on Patients Consent’ (www.patientsconsent.com) together with major national medical associations like IMA, ASI, FOGSI, API, IOA, IRIA, AIOS, ISA, ISCCM, and CSI among others. This SOP is today accepted as a standard, comprehensive, and legally compliant document on patients consent in India.

THE WORLD’S FIRST CURCUMIN PASTILLE FOR ORAL HEALTH CARE LAUNCHED IN MUMBAI

The World’s First Curcumin Pastille For Oral Health Care Launched In Mumbai

• The World’s first Curcumin (concentrated turmeric extract) pastille for oral health care
• The 100 per cent ayurvedic and sugar-free medicine
• Highly effective in preventive and therapeutic applications in a variety of oral diseases including bleeding gums, receding gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis, among others

(L-R) Dr. Nirupam K Doctor & Dr. Lalit Chokhani launching world's 1st Curcumin pastille - DENNKUR

Mumbai: For the first time in the field of dentistry, Curcumin – a concentrated extract of turmeric with its excellent therapeutic effects has made its way as a pastille for preventive oral health care. This first of its kind pastille christened ‘Dennkur’ was launched in Mumbai and will be available with dentists across the country. The product has been introduced by Denteks, leading experts in dental technology of which Dr. Nirupam K Doctor and Dr. Lalit K Chokhani launched the breakthrough product in the presence of several eminent doctors and researchers.

The 100 per cent ayurvedic and sugar-free medicine is backed by clinical and social trials and has proved to be highly effective in preventive and therapeutic applications in a variety of oral diseases including bleeding gums, receding gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis, among others.

“Turmeric is an ancient spice and a traditional remedy, known and acknowledged the world over. Curcumin is the principle constituent of this spice with approximately 80 – 85 per cent concentration and is very well-known for its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties, and is a strong anti-oxidant agent. Years of study and research have conclusively proven that curcumin has a potential curative effect against various diseases while remaining safe and non-toxic. In dentistry too, it can decrease Aveolar Bone Loss occurrence in Periodontitis and prevents adherence of Streptococcus Mutans to the gums and tooth surface, thereby preventing Plaque formation and inhibiting dental Caries,” says Dr. Nirupam K Doctor, Founder, Dennkur.

“Dennkur is a soft, in-mouth dissolving pastille that contains Curcumin extract which offers the most unique delivery system for Oral Health Care. This preventive care not only makes the consumer confident but also provides an additional therapeutic adjunct in dentistry,” he adds.

Since the recommended way to consume the pastilles is by placing it in the mouth and allowing to be dissolved, it bypasses ‘First Pass Effect’ on routine ingestion pattern. When left in the oral cavity for nearly 20 minutes, the active ingredient of Curcumin remains in contact with oral tissues which are the target site for remedial effect.

“In our case the target sites are the plaque and BIOFILM that attaches to the tooth surface which is the beginning of all oral disease like gum disease and decay of teeth. So when one consumes the pastilles as per dosage, it acts as the first point barrier and healer. Being a routinely “edible” product, Dennkur a derivative of Curcumin is a food and health supplement and in general, is a detoxifier of body to help in healing several oral and general ailments,” concludes Dr. Nirupam.

Recommended dosage may range from two to four pastilles per day depending on whether it is being consumed for therapeutic, maintenance or preventive reasons. Dennkur will be available as a strip of ten pastilles and a box of twenty are priced at INR 300/- with a shelf life of twenty-four months.

About DENNKUR: DENNKUR is an innovative oral healthcare product that combines the effectiveness of Curcumin and convenience of pastilles. The soft pastilles are in itself a newly developed ‘Drug Delivery System’ containing menthol, eucalyptus oil and sweeteners besides its key component, Curcumin. The state of art technology of manufacturing DENNKUR pastilles preserves the natural goodness of Turmeric with modern drug delivery technology in the form of mouth dissolving pastilles or lozenges. The pastilles are being studied both in VIVO and VITRO at multi-centres and at the level of social trials adequate benefits have been demonstrated.

PUNJAB LEADS THE NATION IN TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CASES ;COURTS QUESTION DOCTORS REFERRING PATIENTS FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO PRIVATE NURSING HOMES – REPORTS 8TH ANNUAL MEDICO LEGAL REVIEW AMONG OTHER DATA & TRENDS

PUNJAB LEADS THE NATION IN TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CASES; COURTS QUESTION DOCTORS REFERRING PATIENTS FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO PRIVATE NURSING HOMES –  REPORTS 8TH ANNUAL MEDICO LEGAL REVIEW AMONG OTHER DATA & TRENDS

The 8^th edition of the Annual Medico Legal Review has reported that Punjab, with 24% of all medical legal cases, has taken the mantle of the top litigating State in the field of medical negligence. West Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu follow with 17, 16 and 11% respectively. The review has also reported that complaints by patients for being forced to buy medicines from hospitals are on the rise, a point on which courts have drawn adverse inference.

“As compared to the previous years, 2015 has thrown a number of noteworthy trends and interesting judgments. For instance, an unusually large number of cases of negligence against surgeons going on planned leave / absences immediately after a surgery have been reported. We have also noted that allegations related to diagnosis - delay, failure and improper diagnosis – doubled this year,” says Adv. Mahendrakumar Bajpai, keynote speaker and a leading authority on medical laws.

The Annual Medico Legal Review held consecutively since 2009 by Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) has been summarizing the changes in medical laws that have occurred in the previous year and predicting trends for the forthcoming year in medico-legal environment from the perspective of Healthcare providers.

The highlights from 2015 include the Indian Courts continuing with the trend of giving benefit of doubt to doctors; not questioning the correctness of medical records, except in cases of gross fabrications; and, courts continuing to hold that a wrong method or decision by a doctor does not necessarily constitute negligence. During emergencies courts have been observed to be even more accommodating by overlooking and condoning deviation from standard protocol.

Some of the common allegations filed by patients in the preceding year included failure of hospitals / doctors to give complete details of treatment and or charges, overcharging, prescription of expensive drugs unnecessarily and charging for a different type of room / facility.

In 2015, it was also observed that more and more aggrieved patients are suing 'only' hospitals and not doctors. The anomaly is brought to fore by two interesting cases. The first from Andhra Pradesh (Dr. M. Sarojini Devi v/s Galla Jayanthi) wherein despite directions from the court, the surgeon who had performed the surgery negligently was not made a party by the patient. The court had no other option but to hold 'only' the hospital negligent. The second case is from Delhi reported from the National Consumer Commission (Himanchal Kumari & Ors. v/s The Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi & Ors.). The hospital alleged and admitted in the court that the oncologist was negligent and not the resident doctor and the technician who gave radiation. The court agreed with what the hospital stated and did not hold the resident doctor and the technician negligent. But the hospital 'only' was held negligent as the oncologist not sued by the patient

In 2015, the Courts also held that a doctor relying on a wrong investigation report of another qualified radiologist, sonologist or pathologist and acting accordingly is not negligent. It also deplored appeals in trivial cases and penalized appellants. “On the whole, the year was good as well as bad for doctors. The courts are hesitant in holding the healthcare providers negligent and are seeking more clear and convincing evidence from the patients. But once convinced that the doctor or the hospital has been negligent then the penalty that follows is heavy.”

Annual Medico Legal Review 2016 was presented by Supreme Court Advocate, Mahendrakumar Bajpai and chaired by Dr. Suresh Vasishta, President, Association of Surgeons of India. Other prominent speakers and guests included Yogendra Singh, Advocate - High Court, Mumbai, Dr. V.P. Singh, Editor- Legal Issues in Medical Practice, Dr. H. S. Bali, Director, Health & Family Welfare, Chandigarh, Sh. Hussan Lal (IAS), Managing Director, Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Mohali among others. The review in Chandigarh will be followed by Reviews in Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Participation in this event is by invitation only with about 80 - 100 invitees in each city. The attendees would also include Ministry Officials, Regulators, MCI Office Bearers, Judges of the National/State Consumer Commission, and press.  

“Law is dynamic. Every single judgment passed each day has the potential to amend the existing laws. While these changes impact everyone, it has a wider implication for doctors. With the exponential rise in medico legal cases and ignorance not being a valid defense, it becomes imperative upon doctors to be abreast of changes in medical laws and take appropriate precautions,” concludes Adv. Bajpai.

About Institute of Medicine & Law:

Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) provides education, information, and services related to medical laws. IML’s actionable content and analyses are delivered to doctors, hospitals, and lawyers on multiple platforms in real time.

IML is India’s foremost authority on medical laws possessing the best resources in terms of legal professionals and experts. Its detailed knowledge bank is continuously updated with the latest developments and is optimally utilized to provide medico legal solutions to the benefit of healthcare providers.

IML organised the first ever 'National Convention on Medicine & Law - 2015' (www.medicineandlawconvention.com), a platform to identify the legal issues relating to medicine, discuss them threadbare, and suggest remedial measures. Doctors, medical associations, hospitals, lawyers, judges, regulators, and policy makers were part of this initiative.