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  • Myanmar crime syndicate faces Chinese court over telecom fraud

    Myanmar crime syndicate faces Chinese court over telecom fraud

    A total of 23 defendants, including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar stood trial in China on multiple charges including crimes that had killed 14 Chinese nationals and injured six others.

    A local court in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, heard the case from Feb. 14 to 19.

    The defendants included Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, ringleaders of a criminal gang led by their family, as well as major members of the gang and members of other related gangs who served as the “sponsors” of the family’s criminal activities.

    They were facing 11 counts of criminal charges including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.

    According to the prosecutors, the defendants took advantage of the family’s influence in relevant areas in northern Myanmar and set up several compounds to house criminal gangs, providing armed protection for the operations of the “sponsors” and colluding with them in relevant crimes, such as telecom fraud schemes targeting people in China.

    The gambling and fraud crimes involved funds of more than 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) and caused the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and injuries to six other Chinese, the indictment said.

    In a high-profile incident, on Oct. 20, 2023, the gang, in collaboration with the “sponsors,” organized armed escorts to relocate people working for their gangs in an attempt to evade an upcoming crackdown.

    During the relocation, some individuals attempted to escape but were shot by the armed escorts, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

    At the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and each defendant and their lawyers examined it. Both sides gave their respective accounts, and the defendants made their respective final statements.

    More than 100 people, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of those involved, and members of the public, observed the court proceedings.

    The verdict will be announced in due course.

    In addition to the latest trial, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups have been put under investigation after they were linked to more than 10,000 reported telecom fraud cases.

    A prior official statement emphasized that the handling of the case reflects China’s dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.

    The crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardized the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties, according to procuratorial sources. Xinhua

  • Bain-NASSCOM report outlines India’s 2047 tech ambitions

    Bain-NASSCOM report outlines India’s 2047 tech ambitions

    As India sets its sights on becoming a developed economy by 2047 in line with its Viksit Bharat vision, a report by Bain & Company and NASSCOM offers several suggestions on how the country can achieve this ambition.

    The report, titled India @2047: Transforming India into a Tech-Driven Economy, outlines a strategic roadmap focusing on the electronics and services sectors. This initiative is part of India’s broader ambition to achieve a GDP of $23-35 trillion and create a tech-driven economy.

    Electronics sector
    The report identifies three key phases for the evolution of the electronics sector:

    • Near term (next five years): A geopolitical shift in supply chains is anticipated, alongside advancements in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. The report states, “AI-enabled chip design and production will become pivotal, with a declining cost of AI access facilitating broader adoption.”
    • Medium term (5–15 years): The focus will shift towards post-silicon electronics and touchless fabrication. The report emphasises, “Next-generation batteries and the development of resilient electronics will be critical for sustainability and circularity.”
    • Long term (15+ years): Innovations in additive manufacturing and high-tech materials, as well as human-machine interfacing (HMI) and neuromorphic chip design, are expected to redefine the industry. The report notes, “Next-gen connectivity will enable smart use cases, enhancing multi-device continuity.”

    Key technology advancements
    The report highlights several technology advancements that will shape the future of the electronics sector:

    • AI-enabled R&D and fab design.
    • Low-power electronics.
    • Biodegradable components.
    • Flexible and transparent displays.
    • Touchless fabrication.

    These advancements are crucial for positioning India as a global leader in electronics manufacturing, the report states.

    Challenges and growth strategies

    Despite the promising outlook, the report also identifies several challenges:

    • Supply chain disruptions and component shortages.
    • Inadequate infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.
    • Dependence on imports.
    • Regulatory and compliance challenges.

    To address these, the report suggests potential levers such as smart factories and generative AI (GenAI) for infrastructure development. “Accelerating domestic production and increasing participation in the global value chain are essential for growth,” it states.

    Services sector

    The services sector is projected to contribute significantly to India’s GDP, with growth driven by:

    • Favourable infrastructure.
    • Technological advancements and innovation.
    • Availability of a skilled workforce.
    • Rising contributions from MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).

    Technological advancements in BFSI
    In the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, the report outlines several advancements:

    • Explainable AI-led core processing.
    • Virtual AI agent-led open banking.
    • Data-based flexible insurance and claims pricing.
    • Blockchain-enabled transactions.
    • Quantum encryption for advanced cybersecurity.

    Potential levers for BFSI
    The report emphasises the importance of embedding AI for process automation and improving financial inclusion through GenAI. It states, “Flexible risk-based insurance premiums and enhanced cybersecurity measures are critical for future growth.”

    Retail and healthcare

    For the retail sector, advancements such as hyper-personalised shopping experiences using GenAI and autonomous delivery systems are highlighted. The report notes that “integrating on-demand production into supply chains will streamline operations and improve efficiency.”

    In healthcare, innovations like wearable health monitoring devices and AI-based predictive healthcare mechanisms are set to revolutionise patient care. The report suggests, “Expanding remote care and integrating genomics into precision medicine are essential for inclusivity and effectiveness.” CNBCTV18

  • Measat And SPACESAIL forge strategic partnership to enhance satellite broadband

    Measat And SPACESAIL forge strategic partnership to enhance satellite broadband

    The MoU exchange ceremony occurred in Shanghai, with Measat represented by Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim and SPACESAIL by its President, Dr. Jason Zheng. This partnership aims to facilitate the deployment of SPACESAIL’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband services and solutions, including its Thousand Sails mega-constellation, also known as “Qianfan.” The collaboration will focus on emerging technologies such as Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications, satellite-based IoT services, and Earth Observation (EO) capabilities in Malaysia and other Asian markets where Measat operates. Additionally, both companies will conduct a joint study on rain fade effects in Q-/V-band high-frequency transmission.

    Commenting on the MoU, Communications Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil said: “In 2024, Malaysia marked the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, celebrating the many positive outcomes of this cordial friendship. Looking forward, there are abundant opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in harnessing advanced technologies to enhance people’s lives. These innovations can potentially drive a wide array of benefits, from improving the delivery of government services to fostering economic growth through industrial and commercial applications. Additionally, with Malaysia serving as Chairman of ASEAN this year, we hope to showcase the country’s technological capabilities and explore new opportunities across the region.”

    Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Measat, added: “Measat is excited to begin this partnership with SPACESAIL to advance LEO satellite services across our markets. We firmly believe in a multi-orbit satellite network to achieve progress in society. We are pleased to have the opportunity to integrate the capabilities of SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega constellation with Measat’s fleet of Geostationary Orbit (“GSO”) satellites. In regions where Measat operates, satellites have immense potential to further bridge the digital divide and overcome geographical challenges. We look forward to realising this multi-orbit potential – from expanding the reach of established use-cases like satellite broadband in remote areas to advancing cutting-edge satellite solutions such as D2D connectivity and satellite-based IoT.”

    Dr Jason Zheng, President of SPACESAIL, stated: “For SPACESAIL, this partnership with Measat is another milestone in delivering global broadband connectivity and driving innovation in the satellite industry by synergising our respective strengths. China and Malaysia are two nations that value the role of technology in empowering businesses and improving lives. I look forward to achieving technological progress by tapping on Measat’s local expertise while strengthening bilateral ties – including in upcoming fields like the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network communications. I thank the Government of Malaysia, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, for welcoming SPACESAIL’s interest in offering our services in the country in collaboration with local industry leaders such as Measat.”

    SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega-constellation, which has launched 72 satellites to date, seeks to provide low-latency, high-speed and ultra-reliable satellite broadband internet services worldwide. The mega-constellation is targeted to consist of more than 15,000 satellites in the future. Broadcast Media Africa

  • Vodafone to open European space and land mobile broadband research hub

    Vodafone to open European space and land mobile broadband research hub

    Vodafone will open a research facility in Spain for integrating Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and terrestrial mobile broadband services with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga. Vodafone announced the center on Feb. 19, calling it the first of its kind in Europe.

    The hub aims to enable switching between satellite and cellular networks on smartphones. The initiative follows Vodafone’s successful space-based video call in January 2025 and aligns with its goal to expand mobile coverage across multiple markets.

    Opening by summer 2025, the hub is supported by an initial grant from the Spanish Space Agency. The hub will be located at Vodafone’s European innovation center in Málaga, Spain.

    The Vodafone hub will focus on the design, testing, and validation of open source hardware, software, and processing chips that can work in space and terrestrial networks. It will house a space-to-land gateway to allow its partners and other operators to test and validate their own services connected to AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites before launching them. Vodafone plans to evolve the hub into a comprehensive network and service operations center for European third-party companies.

    Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s chief network officer, said: “Vodafone, together with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga, will forge partnerships with like-minded organizations to build harmonious space and Earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity.”

    This venture builds on Vodafone’s existing relationship with AST SpaceMobile, solidified by a commercial agreement signed in December 2024. The agreement, lasting through 2034, allows Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband in its markets and through partner operators. Via Satellite

  • 360 Broadband secures $52M grant to expand internet access

    360 Broadband secures $52M grant to expand internet access

    Internet service provider 360 Broadband will expand and upgrade internet access in Fannin County, Texas, with the help of a $52 million award from the Texas Broadband Development Office’s Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program.

    The grant will fund part of a $65 million project to bring high-speed fiber internet service to the region, transforming connectivity for residents, businesses, and community institutions. In total, the buildout will improve internet speeds and reliability for 12,000 locations, with 4,355 funded by the grant and the remainder by 360 Broadband. The project is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, creating good local jobs in the process.

    “This is a pivotal moment for Fannin County,” said Kris McElroy, CEO of 360 Broadband. “Reliable, high-speed internet isn’t just a convenience – it’s necessary for education, business, healthcare, and overall quality of life. We’re honored to lead this effort.”

    “Our mission has always been to connect under-served communities in our area, and this will allow us to take that commitment even further,” commented Drew Beverage, COO of 360 Broadband. “We’re not just laying fiber; we’re laying the foundation for long-term growth and quality of life in Fannin County.”

    The BOOT II Program, spearheaded by the Texas Comptroller’s office, aims to bridge the digital divide by funding projects that deliver reliable, high-speed broadband to underserved areas. The Manila Times

  • OTT platforms striving to stay relevant in ever evolving market & technologies

    OTT platforms striving to stay relevant in ever evolving market & technologies

    There was a time that radio, broadcasting, and newspapers ruled the minds of global consumers, and then came the wave of OTT platforms that offered personalised content, playlists, and unique narratives that empowered the viewer. This changed the game and the entertainment sector rose to much significance. Also, as OTT media became mainstream entertainment, platforms now have a constant need to revamp their catalogue, marketing tactics, business partnerships, and technology to stay ahead in the game. The bar is raised on hygiene and consumers are discerning about the overall experience.

    The figures show that the Indian OTT streaming video market is currently in its second expansion and two billion dollars in advertising and one billion dollars in subscription is the current business value.

    Business Model Disruption
    The business model is where the major disruption has occurred. Aggregation is largely emerging as an answer to consumer questions at large. In India, there are an average of two OTT platforms being launched every quarter or so, and everyone is fighting for the same viewer. This pushes up the cost of digital inventory, thereby pushing up the cost of consumer acquisition which is already hitting the roof, making direct subscriptions expensive. India has a saving mentality and they like bundled options, which are slowly emerging as the mainstay of many OTT platforms, especially the smaller ones.

    There is a hybrid model, a freemium model, and the subscription model. Within the subscription model, the direct-to-consumer relationship is evolving into an aggregation and bundle model. But each platform will want to write its P&L narrative considering who is their TG, what is audience pool, content type, pipeline, and so on.

    Unexplored Yet Markets
    The potential of the regional market is unexplored yet is immense; at present, there is about 36 per cent of the regional market is left unpenetrated and showcases a huge potential for the OTT players.

    While platforms like Stage, Aha, Hoichoi, and Chaupal are trying to serve regional audiences, it’s the larger OTT platforms that need to take the plunge with a deeper more regional approach to enhancing their footprints. For example early on when Netflix and Amazon Prime were working to establish themselves in India, they saw tremendous success with shows like Sacred Games and Mirzapur respectively because a huge chunk of the population was able to identify with it at a deeper level than they were able to relate to the global content which was offered. But India is not just a Hindi-speaking market, it has diverse languages and content perspectives.

    The Fresh Content Narrative
    People increasingly turned to OTT platforms for fresh and high-quality content, as they had obviously been fatigued by the routine Indian TV serials. Additionally, OTT provided a platform for creators and artists to reclaim their status in the entertainment industry, which may have otherwise been overshadowed by a shift in the cinema or other forms of entertainment.

    India is a land of great cultural and demographic diversity, presenting multiple chances for OTT players to reach out to a wide variety of viewers. But is that still the narrative of content or is it getting influenced again by television style or cinema offerings? That is the question that OTT platforms need to ask themselves constantly and revamp their pipeline to stay ahead in the game. Collaboration on content creation doesn’t only amortise the rising content cost, but partners are also able to leverage each other’s strengths, understand consumer insights better, co-market, and monetise the product with combined reach strength.

    Technology and thereof Experience
    An immersive experience helps set the OTT spaces aside from other forms of entertainment. As the users get to experience a newer, contemporary form of entertainment consumption, it builds a deeper connection between the user and the platform. Also, India being a mobile-first country, OTTs will need to leverage the 5G model to their advantage for faster and more reliable access to end-users with zero buffer and immersive experiences that can be AR/VR or E-commerce built into content-led.

    Also, OTT spaces need to understand the critical importance of personalised experiences and content, in terms of suggestions, playlists, etc when dealing with their audience. Speedy players and great recommendation engines along with a simple UI/UX are becoming the staple requirement of the day and non-negotiable. BW Marketing World

  • USAID cut derails South Africa-led HIV research project

    USAID cut derails South Africa-led HIV research project

    South African lab technician Nozipho Mlotshwa was waiting for the test results for a potential HIV vaccine, which has eluded scientists for decades, when the order came from USAID to stop work.

    The first round of vaccines she and her colleagues made in Johannesburg had produced an immune response in rabbits, which was promising but not conclusive – so they tweaked the formula and sent off four new versions for pre-clinical tests.

    “This was very exciting. We were getting quite good results,” Mlotshwa, 32, told Reuters in the lab in the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit at the city’s University of the Witwatersrand.

    Now the animal blood samples containing their results are sitting untouched in a freezer.

    A trial of an earlier, separate vaccine candidate, which was about to be tested on humans in South Africa as well as Kenya and Uganda, is also on ice.

    Both trials are among the casualties of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    They are part of a wider South African-led HIV vaccine development scheme known as BRILLIANT and funded entirely by a $45 million grant from USAID. It is unclear if or when the project could resume. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    “It feels like you’re building something and you could really make a huge difference,” Nigel Garrett, Chief Scientific Officer at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, a partner in the project, said.

    “And then it’s wiped away.”

    The project is one of many research efforts worldwide to be hit by Trump’s actions since taking office last month. Others include halting efforts to protect food crops from pests and diseases and blocking publication of a paper on the mpox outbreak.

    ‘Holy grail’
    HIV’s ability to mutate quickly has confounded efforts to create a vaccine ever since it was first identified in 1983. The researchers in Johannesburg are using the mRNA technology that created some COVID-19 vaccines.

    Several other mRNA-based HIV vaccine candidates worldwide have reached clinical trials. BRILLIANT is unique in being Africa-led, aiming to develop capacity for producing vaccines in Africa.

    For the past year the Johannesburg team had been working with genetic sequences from two South African patients who have HIV but whose bodies produce a rare type of antibody that neutralizes the virus. They are trying to simulate that immune response.

    “We were gaining momentum,” said Patrick Arbuthnot, director of the research unit, adding: “an HIV vaccine is the holy grail of the field”.

    Trump in January ordered a 90-day pause in all foreign development assistance pending assessment of its consistency with his “America First” foreign policy.

    Separately, he has targeted South Africa with an executive order to cut all funding to the country, citing disapproval of its land reform policy and its genocide case against U.S. ally Israel.

    The U.S. foreign aid freeze has affected programmes across the globe, stranding shipments of life-saving medical supplies, including HIV drugs, and leaving disaster response teams unable to deploy. Waivers for “life-saving humanitarian assistance” have been hampered.

    ‘Good for the world’
    Because South Africa has the world’s largest population of people living with HIV, at more than 8 million, it is a hub for research on the virus.

    “Most of the landmark and groundbreaking studies have been conducted in this country. But these have been good for the whole world,” said Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, which is spearheading the HIV vaccine search.

    Ntusi said he did not expect funding for projects like BRILLIANT to resume, given the executive order on aid to South Africa. The council gets about a third of its funding from U.S. federal sources, for research that is mostly on HIV and tuberculosis but covers other areas including maternal and infant mortality and antimicrobial resistance, he said.

    Garrett said the shot that was ready for testing on humans was a mix of two vaccine substances developed in the United States and the Netherlands which have shown promise but never been tested together.

    They are now sitting in storage.

    “We had a huge opportunity, good funding. It’s difficult for other funders to fill that gap,” he said. Reuters

  • AMC launches AI-powered integrated service platform for international patients

    AMC launches AI-powered integrated service platform for international patients

    Asan Medical Center has launched an AI-powered integrated service platform for its international patients.

    How it works
    According to a media release, the newly launched web-based platform of AMC International Healthcare Center allows patients to register, share their medical records, book a pre-consultation, and receive remote treatment.

    “Any foreign patient can easily upload a description of their symptoms, photos or videos of the affected area, opinions from the medical team at their local hospital, and CT/MRI test data to the website,” AMC said. These data are automatically linked to AMIS, AMC’s hospital information system, for systematic data management.

    Once the medical team at AMC International Healthcare Center reviews a patient’s case, they will arrange a pre-consultation with them to refer them to the appropriate department.

    Catering to patients worldwide, the platform uses AI to automatically translate at least eight major world languages, including English, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.

    AI is also applied to enhance the platform’s data verification and management, including patient identification, image and video conversion, and test data arrangement, which were previously done manually.

    Moreover, patients can receive post-treatment remote health monitoring, counselling, and education via the website. They can check on their progress in near real-time there as well.

    Why it matters
    The AMC International Healthcare Center sees around 20,000 patients from overseas each year. In 2024 alone, approximately 19,482 international patients – mostly from the United States and the United Arab Emirates, visited the centre.

    Since 2021, AMC has offered telemedicine services to patients outside South Korea. It has delivered 866 remote treatments to patients with chronic diseases, including brain tumours, pancreatic cancer, and liver cirrhosis, from 57 countries in the past five years.

    Over those years, patient data management proved challenging, compounded by a high risk of personal information exposure as pre-consultations were arranged via email or messaging platforms. The centre also has to deal with language barriers.

    AMC emphasised that with an integrated platform, international patients can now access the hospital’s services more conveniently.

    The larger trend
    Recently, AMC was validated for Stage 7 of the new iteration of the HIMSS Infrastructure Adoption Model – the first among hospitals in Asia-Pacific. It was commended for virtualising its IT servers, simplifying its IT infrastructure and saving $1.43 million in operational costs. It demonstrated the use of robotic process automation to streamline operations, saving over 10,587 hours of staff hours.

    Meanwhile, Kasih Ibu Hospital Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia, a private hospital that caters mainly to foreign tourists, recently had its EMR system validated for Stage 6 of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model. “As a hospital group based in Bali, the tourism hub of Indonesia, our strategic location requires us to meet high standards set by international insurance providers, ensuring that our facilities are top-notch and compliant with global benchmarks,” the group’s president Krishna Duarsa said, explaining why they took the validation.

    In other related news, private hospital group Bangkok Dusit Medical Services in Thailand signed last year a memorandum of understanding to cooperate with Russian private healthcare provider Medsi Group in providing telemedicine to their patients. Healthcare IT News

  • Teladoc Health to acquire Catapult Health

    Teladoc Health to acquire Catapult Health

    Teladoc Health, the global leader in virtual care, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Catapult Health, a leading provider of virtual preventive care services.  The company plans to leverage Catapult Health’s innovative approach to patient-centric at-home diagnostic testing, as well as its high-touch engagement and clinical support model, to complement Teladoc Health’s industry-leading suite of integrated solutions.

    Building on its over 93-million-member base, Teladoc Health’s acquisition of Catapult Health supports the company’s integrated care segment strategy, discussed most recently during the company’s presentation at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The strategy focuses on four key objectives: grow membership and use of services; leverage clinical strength and product breadth to deepen the impact on healthcare outcomes; expand its international business; and advance its scaled mental health position. The Catapult Health acquisition specifically seeks to advance efforts to improve early detection of health conditions, connect Teladoc Health’s members with high-quality care and deliver better health outcomes in care management.

    “Catapult Health’s capabilities will help advance our strategy in meaningful ways — from giving more members access to convenient and impactful wellness and preventative care, to unlocking greater value for our customers,” said Chuck Divita, Chief Executive Officer of Teladoc Health. “Catapult Health brings an experienced team and a strong culture of innovation, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Teladoc Health.”

    With Catapult Health’s innovative at-home wellness exam, VirtualCheckup, members receive a simple kit with everything they need to collect a blood sample, check blood pressure, and provide other health screening information, followed by a virtual visit with a licensed nurse practitioner to discuss test results, review key health risks, and create a personalized health action plan.

    When Catapult Health’s members are assessed with conditions or high-risk factors that require a health action plan, Catapult Health’s clinicians will be able to directly enroll eligible members into Teladoc Health’s diabetes, hypertension, pre-diabetes and weight management programs, and seamlessly refer them to Teladoc’s virtual mental health therapists and primary care providers.

    The company will also use Catapult Health’s technology to support new product enhancements, such as providing customers with lab-confirmed A1c values on which to base population enrollment and close gaps in care.

    “For over a decade, we’ve been helping customers improve health outcomes and bend the cost curve,” said David Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Catapult Health. “Joining forces with Teladoc Health will help us accelerate our impact and advance our shared mission to empower healthier lives.”

    Key Facts
    Teladoc Health has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Catapult Health in an all-cash transaction for $65 million, with up to $5 million in additional contingent earnout consideration. Catapult Health’s trailing twelve-month revenue was approximately $30 million as of the third quarter of 2024. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Following the closing of the transaction, Catapult Health will operate within the Integrated Care segment of Teladoc Health.

    With hundreds of employer customers and more than three million covered lives, Catapult Health is recognized for its strong customer satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and cost savings. Catapult Health members consistently praise the VirtualCheckup experience, reflected in an impressive 81+ Net Promoter Score (NPS). The checkup has shown demonstrable results in the early detection of diseases and health risks, with 30% of members discovering high blood pressure and 28% learning they have prediabetes for the first time. Employers and health plans recognize Catapult Health’s clinical value, supported by an independent analysis by a third-party health plan confirming that the Catapult Health VirtualCheckup delivers more than $1,400 of cost savings over a 3-year period.
    NewsBit Bureau

  • TN to ramp up safety, security measures in all govt hospitals

    TN to ramp up safety, security measures in all govt hospitals

    The Health department has been instructed to put in place various safety and security measures, including additional surveillance cameras and security guards, strict implementation of attender and visitor passes system in all government hospitals and medical college hospitals and ensure single entry and exit mechanism to ensure access control.

    The Chief Secretary chaired a meeting on February 3 to discuss the recommendations of the National Task Force constituted by the Supreme Court on safe working conditions for medical professionals. A letter dated February 14 on the minutes of the meeting said that the Hospital Security Committee and Violence Prevention Committee were formed by the directorates in all their respective institutions. Security audit was completed in all institutions.

    Institutions under the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) required an additional 759 security guards to ensure safety and security of their institutions. It was instructed to explore the feasibility through outsourcing mode by the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC). Around 653 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in institutions under Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and Research and 3,041 CCTVs in DMS institutions were additionally required along with video management services and central security control room. For this, the Chief Secretary issued instructions to ensure installation through the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) funds wherever feasible and to also explore the procurement through MLA Constituency Development Scheme.

    The CS also instructed officials to ensure that the Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) were established and made fully functional. The DMS, as the regulatory authority for private hospitals, should issue instructions to all private hospitals in the State to constitute the ICCs.

    PHCs left out
    However, a government doctors association has flagged that there was no mention about reinforcing security systems in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), particularly 462 30-bed upgraded PHCs, and additional PHCs, including those located in hills and remote areas.

    P. Saminathan, president of Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association, said that in upgraded PHCs, doctors and staff nurses stay round-the-clock, while in additional PHCs, doctors were available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and nurses round-the-clock.

    “There are no posts of security guards in these PHCs that come under the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. There is no policy of outsourcing security personnel similar to what is followed in DME and DMS institutions,” he said.

    The association raised the need for proper implementation of Tamil Nadu Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2008 and fast tracking of cases already filed under the Act. Reviewing the progress of cases should be made mandatory in district crime meetings.

    “Shortage of health manpower is an important precipitating factor leading to an increase in unrest in government hospitals. Improving human resource availability based on patient footfall as per Indian Public Health Standards is important. There is a need to abolish 24 hours duty for doctors as it leads to exhaustion and increases patient-doctor conflict,” he said. The Hindu