10 months on, NMC yet to act against 30 doctors for ‘sponsored’ foreign trips: Report
New Delhi: Nearly ten months after the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) recommended disciplinary action against 30 doctors who accepted free foreign trips to Monaco and Paris worth Rs 1.91 crore last year, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has reportedly taken no action.
The doctors allegedly received lavish trips under the pretext of attending medical conferences. A government-appointed committee found that these trips, funded by AbbVie Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd., were in violation of the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), as reported by The New Indian Express on Wednesday.
Despite this, the names of the doctors remain undisclosed, and the NMC's Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) has not initiated any disciplinary proceedings.
As per rules, the NMC’s Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB), which regulates professional conduct and promotes medical ethics, needs to dispose off the complaint within six months. According to the norms, a doctor’s license can be suspended if they are found guilty of violating the code of ethics.
However, RTI activist and Kerala-based ophthalmologist Dr KV Babu said that the EMRB has yet to act on the matter. “The MCI ethics regulations 8.7(ii) stipulates that once the EMRB receives the complaint, it should be decided within a period of six months. However, in the case of the thirty doctors, where there is an allegation of professional misconduct, EMRB is still sitting over it. This is despite the apex committee for pharma marketing practices recommending NMC to take action against the thirty doctors last year on December 23 for violation of ethics regulations,” TNIE quoted Babu as saying.
In its order, the committee also directed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to evaluate the tax liability of AbbVie Healthcare India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of AbbVie Inc.,and take action in accordance with the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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Delhi CM inaugurates Atal Canteens, offering Rs 5 meals
New Delhi (PTI): The Atal Canteens, inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will offer nutritious meals for just Rs 5.
The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to workers, the poor, and other needy residents of the national capital. The government has allocated Rs 104.24 crore for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.
Each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals per day, benefiting over 1,00,000 people daily across Delhi, said an official statement.
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near 'Apna Bazaar' in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar.
Gupta, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance, and human sensitivity.
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He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile.
By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.
He added that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi centred on service, good governance, and welfare of the poor, the initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Gupta also described the scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
Recalling the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said his leadership and commitment to good governance continue to inspire public service initiatives across the country.
She said that 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 will become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.
The chief minister said a symbolic contribution of Rs 5 has been fixed to preserve the self-respect of beneficiaries, encourage responsible consumption, and prevent food wastage.
Each beneficiary is provided freshly cooked meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 per plate, while the Delhi government bears Rs 25 per meal.
Under this scheme, 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi. Each canteen will serve meals twice a day.
A standardised menu has been prepared for all canteens, including nutritious items such as dal-rice, roti, and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants.
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To ensure transparency and smooth operations, digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits have been put in place. In addition, the quality of food and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and high-quality meals for citizens.
Each meal weighs approximately 600 grams, providing an average of 700-800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein, in line with balanced and nutritious dietary norms.
The lunch timings are from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner is from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Approximately 700 people will gain employment under this scheme.
For the operation of Atal Canteens, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by DUSIB through a transparent tendering process.
