Bengaluru: In a significant move, the state government has announced the formation of the State Allied and Health Care Council and has appointed Dr. UT Ifthikar Fareed, Principal of Dr. MV Shetty College of Physiotherapy, as its Chairman. This council is established under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act, 2021, and will be responsible for overseeing all allied and paramedical course colleges across Karnataka.

The council will include several ex-officio members such as the Director of the Directorate of Medical Education in Bengaluru, the Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences in Kalaburagi, and the Director of the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubballi.

Dr. Ifthikar Fareed is a prominent figure in the fields of social, political, and service activities. His extensive involvement in various organizations highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare and physiotherapy in India. Dr. Fareed also holds multiple prestigious positions, including Syndicate Member of Rajiv Gandhi Health University, State President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, President of the Sports and Fitness Training Federation of India, and President of the UT Fareed Foundation.

Dr. Ifthikar Fareed completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from Dr. M.V. Shetty College, Mangalore University, Karnataka, in 1999. He further pursued his Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) at the same institution, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (R.G.U.H.S), Karnataka, completing it in 2003. He then obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation from the National University of Medical Sciences, USA.

Dr. Fareed began his professional career as a Lecturer at Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy in Mangalore in March 1999. He then progressed to become an Assistant Professor at the same college from November 2003 to October 2005. Following this, he served as an Associate Professor from November 2005 to January 2009. Since February 2009, he has been serving as a Professor at Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy, which is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.

In his role as a Syndicate Member of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Dr. Fareed has contributed to the advancement of physiotherapy and allied health sciences. He has been involved in academic and clinical teaching for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of physiotherapy, while also actively participating in clinical practice at the 800-bed Government District Hospital in Mangalore. Additionally, Dr. Fareed has served two terms on the Board of Studies in Physiotherapy at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 2003 to 2008.

As a recognized undergraduate and postgraduate examiner at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Dr. Fareed has played a crucial role in shaping the future of physiotherapy education in the region. He has also served as an observer, squad member, and invigilator for examinations conducted by the university. His expertise is further recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, where he serves as an inspector.

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Panaji (PTI): A court in North Goa on Wednesday remanded Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, in police custody for five days.

The brothers, brought to Goa from Delhi after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 blaze that killed 25, were produced in the court after undergoing health check-ups twice at the District Hospital in North Goa.

Judicial Magistrate First Class Mapusa Puja Sardesai remanded the two brothers in police custody for five days.

Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing Bhavana Joshi who lost four family members in the tragedy, said that the accused were asking for “special consideration” claiming poor health.

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“We said they should not be given any extra relaxation,” he said, adding that the court has taken cognisance of the fact that this is about the death of “25 people in the form of mass genocide”.

“But since they kept pressing for medical check-up, the court ordered reexamination of their health. It is clear in the medical examination that they don’t require any consideration. The accused sought special considerations in the lock-up like a good mattress, which the court refused,” said Joshi.

A team of the Goa Police, along with the Luthra brothers, arrived at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in North Goa at 10.45 am.

The duo was initially taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for medical examination. They were then taken to the District Hospital at Mapusa.

After their health assessment, the two were brought to the court.

The court directed that the accused be sent for fresh medical examination. Accordingly, the two were again taken to the District Hospital.

Later, they were produced before Judge Sardesai, who ordered the five-day police custody of the accused.

After the fire tragedy at Arpora village, the Anjuna police had registered a case against the Luthra brothers on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The brothers were arrested in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. A court there allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand.

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The duo had fled to Phuket in Thailand early on December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.

They were detained by Thai authorities at Phuket on December 11 following a request from the Indian government, which later coordinated with officials in Thailand to deport them under legal treaties between the two nations.

Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the fire.