High-profile delegation from Iran’s Tehran University of Medical Sciences visits Thumbay Medicity
Ajman: Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, UAE, received a distinguished delegation from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Iran on June 1, 2023. Led by Dr. Hossein Ghanaati, Chancellor of the institute, the visit aimed to establish a platform for meaningful interaction and foster long-term collaborations in knowledge sharing. The visit holds the potential for mutual benefits by facilitating ongoing cooperation and the exchange of expertise between the two parties.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, along with Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare, and other senior dignitaries of the management. As part of their visit, the esteemed guests were given a comprehensive tour of Thumbay Medicity's facilities, including Gulf Medical University's educational and research centers, Thumbay Rehabilitation Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, and Thumbay University Hospital. This tour provided an opportunity to showcase the state-of-the-art infrastructure, resources, and capabilities available at Thumbay Medicity to the visiting delegation.
Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception and acknowledging the exceptional facilities at Thumbay Medicity, Dr. Hossein Ghanaati, Chancellor of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, praised the outstanding quality of the academic curriculum, the focus on innovation, and the overall excellence of the healthcare facilities within Thumbay Group.
Highlighting the significance of the meeting with Gulf Medical University, Dr. Ghanaati mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The MoU aims to explore various avenues of bilateral cooperation, including online education, potential research collaborations, sharing expertise in health professions education strategies, discussing policy frameworks, and identifying areas of mutual interest for future cooperation.
The visiting delegation also commended Gulf Medical University's efforts in establishing a comprehensive Academic Health System, which is the first of its kind in the private sector within the region.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen expressed his gratitude to the esteemed delegates and emphasized Thumbay Group's commitment to building strong partnerships with healthcare institutions in Iran. The goal is to leverage Iran's significant achievements in the healthcare field for mutually beneficial collaborations. Dr. Moideen further elaborated on Thumbay Group's Vision-2028, which outlines a three-year plan to triple their business and set new standards in healthcare and education. This plan reflects their dedication to creating an environment that supports students and promotes knowledge exchange. Dr. Moideen also expressed delight at signing the MoU with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, as it strengthens their commitment to advancing medical education through global partnerships and embracing opportunities for knowledge sharing.
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Heated debate in Karnataka Legislative Council over continued ACC mining in Kalaburagi
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.
