GMU signs MoU with top Medical college of Bahrain for collaboration in Medical Education, Research
Ajman: Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, on 8th January 2020 signed an agreement for strategic collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Medical University of Bahrain, aimed to promote mutual cooperation in medical education and research. The MoU was signed at Gulf Medical University on 8th January 2020 by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor, representing GMU and Prof. Sameer Otoom, the President, representing RCSI Bahrain.
The MoU is part of GMU’s strategic objectives concerning internationalization and global collaborations. At present, higher education and training are confined within the walls of universities. E-learning and technological advances maximize the utilization and effectiveness of the learning process. GMU, as a leading medical university in the Gulf region, has close relationships with similar universities in the GMU.
Prof. Hossam Hamdy said the collaboration between GMU and RCSI Bahrain would open up several opportunities in education, research and internationalization. “Both the institutions share the same values and have the same vision and mission of imparting healthcare to the populations of the UAE, Bahrain and the GCC countries through innovations in medical education and healthcare. We hope to take this collaboration ahead in such a way that it benefits both GMU and RCSI Bahrain, as well as the region,” he said.
Prof. Sameer Otoom said that the collaboration would focus on three things mainly: exchange of examiners, joint research and clinical electives. Regarding the delegation’s visit to GMU and the tour of the teaching, training and research facilities, he said, “We are very impressed with the research facilities of GMU that we’ve seen today – a big research center focusing on one type of research and big modern hospitals within the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System. This is an exemplary concept.”
The delegation also complemented GMU for its innovative, technology-intensive training methodology, especially the Virtual Patient Learning (VPL) system developed by GMU to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Gulf Medical University has been establishing tie-ups with leading international universities and research institutions in the United States, Europe, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Gulf States and Egypt, in line with its strategic directions. In the field of research, the University has established international research laboratories that cooperate with a large number of international research centers and work with their counterparts in the UAE, especially in the field of immunology research to treat cancer. GMU receives students from more than 80 countries as its reputation and image goes beyond the region.
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MP HC sets up judicial commission to probe water contamination in Indore
Indore (PTI): The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday set up a commission of inquiry comprising a former HC judge to probe the issue of water contamination in city's Bhagirathpura, saying the matter requires probe by an independent, credible authority and "urgent judicial scrutiny".
It also directed the commission to submit an interim report after four weeks from the date of commencement of proceedings.
A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi constituted the commission while hearing several public interest litigations (PILs) filed simultaneously regarding the deaths of several people in Bhagirathpura due to the consumption of contaminated water.
The HC reserved the order after hearing all the parties during the day, and released it late at night.
The state government on Tuesday told the HC that the deaths of 16 people in Indore's Bhagirathpura area was possibly linked to a month-long outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water.
The government presented an audit report of 23 deaths from the current gastroenteritis epidemic in Bhagirathpura before the bench, suggesting that 16 of these fatalities may have been linked to the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water.
The report, prepared by a committee of five experts from the city's Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, stated that the deaths of four people in Bhagirathpura were unrelated to the outbreak, while no conclusion could be reached regarding the cause of death of three other people in the area.
During the hearing, the high court sought to know from the state government the scientific basis behind its report.
The division bench also expressed surprise at the state government's use of the term "verbal autopsy" in relation to the report, sarcastically stating that it had heard the term for the first time.
The HC expressed concern over the Bhagirathpura case, stating that the situation was "alarming," and noted that cases of people falling ill due to contaminated drinking water have also been reported in Mhow, near Indore.
In its order, the HC said the serious issue concerning contamination of the drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura area allegedly resulted in widespread health hazards to residents, including children and elderly persons.
According to the petitioners and media reports, death toll is about 30 till today, but the report depicts only 16 without any basis or record, it said.
It is averred that sewage mixing, leakage in the pipeline, and failure of civic authorities to maintain potable water standards have led to the outbreak of water-borne diseases. Photographs, medical reports, and complaints submitted to the authorities prima facie indicate a matter requiring urgent judicial scrutiny, the HC said.
"Considering the gravity of the allegation and affecting the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and the need for an independent fact-finding exercise, the Court is of the opinion that the matter requires investigation by an independent, credible authority," it said.
"Accordingly, we appoint Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, a one-man commission of inquiry into the issues relating to water contamination in Bhagirathpura, Indore, and its impact on other areas of the city," the HC added.
As per the order, the commission shall inquire into and submit a report on the cause of contamination -- whether the drinking water supplied to Bhagirathpura was contaminated; and the source and nature of contamination (sewage ingress, industrial discharge, pipeline damage etc).
The panel will also probe the number of actual deaths of affected residents on account of contaminated water; find out the nature of disease reported and adequacy of medical response and preventive measures; suggest immediate steps required to ensure safe drinking water as well as long-term infrastructural and monitoring reforms.
It will also identify and fix responsibility upon the officers and officials found prima facie responsible for the Bhagirathpura water contamination incident, and suggest guidelines for compensation to affected residents, particularly vulnerable sections.
The commission shall have powers of a civil court for the purpose of summoning officials and witnesses; calling up records from the government department, hospitals, laboratories and civic bodies; ordering water quality testing through accredited laboratories; conducting spot inspections.
All state authorities involving district administration, Indore Municipal Corporation, public health engineering department and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board shall extend full co-operation and provide records as sought by the commission, it said.
The state government shall provide office space, staff, and logistical support to the commission, it said.
During the hearing in the day, the state government also presented a status report to the court in this matter.
According to reports, a total of 454 patients were admitted to local hospitals during the vomiting and diarrhea outbreak, of whom 441 have been discharged after treatment, and 11 are currently hospitalised.
According to officials, due to a leak in the municipal drinking water pipeline in Bhagirathpura, sewage from a toilet was also mixed in the water.
