Thumbay Institute of Artificial Intelligence & Technology in Healthcare launched at GMU
Gulf Medical University has achieved a significant milestone in the Middle East's medical education landscape with the launch of Thumbay Institute/College, which specializes in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). It becomes the first-of-its-kind institute in the region to focus on integrating AI and the metaverse into medical education, offering new avenues for research, innovation, and healthcare advancements. The institute aims to empower students to develop cutting-edge AI solutions that can revolutionize healthcare practices.
The idea behind this pioneering institute was conceived by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Gulf Medical University. Professor Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, emphasized the institute's significance in integrating AI into healthcare and praised its visionary concept. Located at the Gulf Medical University campus in Ajman, the Thumbay Institute/College of AI in Healthcare recognizes the importance of emerging technologies like the metaverse and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in medicine, computer science, data analytics, and metaverse technology.
The institute's innovative programs and courses blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to equip students with the skills needed to develop AI solutions tailored to the healthcare domain. By embracing the metaverse, the institute aims to enhance medical education, healthcare delivery, and technological advancements. Through cutting-edge research, it strives to develop AI algorithms that can accurately diagnose diseases, optimize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes.
The Thumbay Institute/College of AI in Healthcare plans to offer certificate courses and training in collaboration with leading universities and technology companies worldwide. It also intends to provide comprehensive digital skill development programs to healthcare professionals, preparing them for a future where AI is integral to the practice of medicine.
The institute is expected to be operational by September 2023, initially offering comprehensive certificate programs with plans to transition into bachelor's and master's programs. Gulf Medical University aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and AI, empowering professionals to navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and data science. The university is committed to investing in the necessary labs, facilities, and manpower to ensure the institute becomes a key pillar alongside its other established colleges.
With 24 accredited programs specializing in health professions education, Gulf Medical University has a diverse student body representing over 96 nationalities. The university has graduated over 3500 students, contributing significantly to the healthcare sector in the UAE. Admission to various programs at the university is currently open.
For more information, visit www.gmu.ac.ae.
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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.
