August 22, 2023: (Press Release)- Marking a significant decision that highlights the dedication to excellence in UAE's Health professions education system, the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait has recognized the Gulf Medical University (GMU) as a prestigious institution for Kuwaiti students pursuing medical studies. This recognition is the outcome of a thorough evaluation process that included an in-depth inspection of the university's programs, buildings, laboratories, and affiliated teaching hospitals by the officials of the ministry. The decision stands as a testament to the high-quality education provided by Gulf Medical University and its commitment to shaping the competent healthcare workforce of tomorrow.
The accreditation earned by Gulf Medical University from the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence. With more than 90 different nationalities represented among its student body, Gulf Medical University has emerged as a global leader in medical education. This multicultural environment enriches the learning experience and fosters an international perspective among aspiring healthcare practitioners.
On the occasion of this accomplishment, Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said, "We are honored by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education's recognition of Gulf Medical University as a distinguished institution for Kuwaiti students seeking health professions’ education. This acknowledgement underlines our excellence in delivering top-notch learning ecosystem, encouraging a global perspective, and turning out excellent healthcare professionals. Our goal is to develop our students' abilities and aspirations while preparing them for success in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. This recognition further strengthens our commitment to continue pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks with innovative programs and clinical training systems."
A delegation from the Ministry conducted a comprehensive review that encompassed every aspect of the university's offerings. This included a meticulous examination of academic programs, faculty qualifications, research initiatives, infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, and affiliations with renowned hospitals.
Recently, Gulf Medical University was honored with the prestigious “Excellence in Research" award by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHP) of UAE, in addition to being recognized among the country’s top 10 institutions for health research, attesting to its academic brilliance and innovative contributions to healthcare.
In the last 24 years, more than 3000 students have graduated from the university. These graduates have advanced their careers and landed successful positions, such as CEOs, COOs, Medical Directors, and Heads of Departments in the healthcare and research sectors across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Additionally, Gulf Medical University’s graduates are recognized internationally and have access to employment thanks to the university's partnerships with more than 70 foreign universities and research institutions.
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Bengaluru (PTI): A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday over alleged non-payment of mining dues and the "unauthorised" continuation of quarry operations by the Adani Group’s ACC Limited, with ruling Congress and the opposition BJP members questioning the government’s handling of royalty recovery and permissions.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of his party MLC Arathi Krishna, alleged that substantial royalty dues remained unpaid even as operations continued.
Krishna wanted to know whether the Karnataka government was aware that the lease period granted to Adani Group’s ACC Ltd for mining in the Kannur Limestone Block at Wadi in Kalaburagi has expired.
“If it is true, what action has the government taken against the said company for allegedly carrying out unauthorised mining at the site without paying the total dues of Rs 850.21 crore towards royalty, rent or penalty payable to the state government?” she asked in the written question.
She claimed that despite the Law department having given a written opinion to the Mines department that the said company should not be permitted to undertake mining activities until it clears all pending dues payable to the government, no legal action has been initiated against ACC, and instead a letter has been written to the central government regarding renewal of the lease in favour of the company.
Krishna questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement between small quarry operators and large corporate entities.
“After the Adani Group took over quarrying, they had to pay Rs 837 crore as royalty. Till today, they have not paid the royalty. What prompted you to exempt them from this royalty?” asked Shivakumar, on behalf of Krishna.
“If there is any small quarry operator, if he does not pay royalty, you do not allow him... You just bring him and seize it.”
BJP MLC C T Ravi echoed similar concerns, questioning the legal and procedural basis for allowing participation in bidding and continuation of operations despite pending dues.
“Do your rules allow those with pending dues to participate? If such a provision exists, under which rule does it exist?” he asked, also seeking clarity on recommendations of the High-Level Committee, Law Department and concurrence of the Finance Department.
Responding to the allegations, Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, replying on behalf of the Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, maintained that no fresh licence had been granted and that the matter involved both an existing mining lease and a separate new application still under process.
He said the company had applied through the bidding route and was given time to complete formalities, which had since been done.
The minister explained that the issue of dues was pending before the court, which has allowed operations to continue subject to certain conditions.
“The old licence is continuing under court direction. It has not been stopped. We are following court direction,” he said, adding that part payment had been made and the balance would be decided through legal proceedings.
Ravi, however, pressed further, arguing that court orders did not prevent recovery of dues.
“The court has not said do not recover dues. What does your legal opinion say? Why have you not recovered?” he asked.
Shivakumar also raised concerns over declining non-tax revenue from mining, citing the state’s own budget observations.
“If Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore is allowed to let go like this, where will non-tax revenue come from?” he asked and sought to know why the government had not fully tapped the sector’s revenue potential.
The Minister reiterated that the due itself was under dispute, making immediate recovery difficult.
“How can we recover when the amount itself is not decided? Until recovery is possible, no further permission will be given,” he said, adding that consultations with the Law Department and Advocate General would be held to explore further action.
He also cited tender conditions, stating, “As per the tender notification dated October 5, 2020, a company must have paid all past dues to be considered a successful bidder.”
Unconvinced, Ravi demanded that the recovery of dues should follow.
