Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

To address the ongoing shortage of doctors in the state, the West Bengal government has announced that non-clinical professors in medical colleges will now be permitted to take on patient care duties. The decision, which will be implemented across all medical colleges in the state, is aimed at bridging the significant healthcare gap, especially in rural areas where medical resources are in high demand.

Non-clinical professors, typically focused on teaching and research in fields like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, will now have additional responsibilities, including direct patient care. While some faculty members have raised concerns about the potential impact on their primary roles in teaching and research, many have acknowledged that the decision is a necessary response to the current medical workforce crisis.

A senior official from the West Bengal Health Department explained that the move is essential to maximize the use of available medical expertise to meet the state's healthcare needs. “We are facing an acute shortage of doctors in the state, and this decision will help us utilize the expertise of non-clinical professors to provide better healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas,” the official said.

The decision is expected to significantly impact rural healthcare, where the shortage of medical professionals is most pronounced. Many rural areas have long faced difficulties in accessing quality healthcare due to the lack of sufficient trained doctors. With this new policy, non-clinical professors will be able to assist in treating patients, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on the existing clinical staff.

While the shift has garnered support from some quarters, there are concerns about the added workload and its effect on the quality of education and research in medical institutions. Non-clinical professors, many of whom are already burdened with teaching and administrative duties, will need to balance their new patient care roles with their academic responsibilities.

Despite these concerns, the initiative has been widely seen as a necessary step toward improving healthcare accessibility in the state. With its implementation, the West Bengal government hopes to not only enhance patient care but also offer a solution to the shortage of medical professionals that has long affected rural communities.

The cutoff percentile for NEET PG 2024 has been reduced, making it easier for aspirants to qualify for counselling. This policy change is expected to benefit thousands of candidates who were previously at risk of missing out on postgraduate medical admissions.

As per the revised notification, the cutoff percentile for general category candidates has been lowered to the 50th percentile, while for candidates in reserved categories, it now stands at the 40th percentile. The anticipated scores reflecting these percentiles range from 280-295 for the general category and 245-260 for reserved categories.

This adjustment comes as a welcome relief for aspirants who had narrowly missed meeting the earlier eligibility criteria. An official from the National Board of Examinations (NBE) remarked that the decision aims to ensure a wider pool of eligible candidates for the counselling process, addressing the concerns of those who were on the verge of disqualification.

For NEET PG 2024, the number of seats available includes 26,168 for MD courses, 13,649 for MS courses, and 922 for PG Diploma programs. This broad range of options provides candidates with ample opportunities to secure seats in their desired specializations.

The counselling process is expected to begin shortly, with candidates advised to stay updated through official announcements. The revised cutoff has allowed aspirants to shift their focus from eligibility concerns to preparing for the upcoming counselling process.

This policy change reflects a broader approach toward inclusivity and fairness in medical admissions, ensuring that deserving candidates have the opportunity to pursue their careers in medicine. Experts have hailed the decision as a positive step, particularly in light of the growing demand for skilled medical professionals in the country.

The NEET PG exam, considered one of the most competitive in the medical field, serves as the gateway to postgraduate medical education in India. The lowered cutoff percentile not only expands the pool of eligible candidates but also reduces the stress and uncertainty that many aspirants have faced.

With this announcement, aspirants can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the next phase of their journey in medical education. Stay tuned for further updates on NEET PG 2024 and its counselling process.

In a delightful and unexpected turn of events, a group of hostel girls in Mumbai managed to win over their strict warden with their infectious dance moves, creating a heartwarming moment that has since gone viral on social media. The video, which showcases the girls dancing alongside their warden, has touched the hearts of thousands, spreading positivity and joy.

The lively performance began when the girls were caught dancing to a popular Bollywood tune in their hostel. Initially, the warden, who had arrived with the intention of stopping the girls, soon found herself swept up in their exuberant energy. Rather than reprimanding them, she decided to join in, letting go of any formalities and showing a different, more playful side. The students and the warden can be seen enjoying the moment together, their laughter and shared enjoyment creating a rare display of camaraderie between students and an authority figure.

The video quickly made its way to social media platforms, where it garnered widespread admiration. Viewers from all corners of the internet praised the girls for their infectious spirit and the warden for her open-mindedness and willingness to join in the fun. Comments flooded in, with many people highlighting the positive impact of such spontaneous and joyful moments in breaking down barriers and fostering connection between different generations and authority figures.

This impromptu dance performance not only entertained but also reminded viewers of the power of music and dance in building bonds. The video serves as a reminder of how simple, joyful experiences can bridge gaps between individuals and bring people together, even in environments where authority might typically create distance.

As the video continues to spread across the internet, it stands as a testament to the importance of fun, unity, and shared experiences in making our everyday lives brighter and more connected. This heartwarming moment of bonding between students and their warden has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on all who have watched it.

Health authorities in Bengaluru are on high alert after two infants were diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a rare and highly contagious respiratory virus. The cases have raised concerns about the virus's spread and prompted officials to issue precautionary guidelines.

The affected infants, aged three months and eight months were admitted to a private hospital in the city after experiencing symptoms including fever, persistent cough, and respiratory distress. Comprehensive medical tests confirmed HMPV as the cause. Hospital officials reported that both infants are stable and receiving specialized treatment.

In response to the cases, health officials have initiated measures to monitor and contain the potential spread of HMPV. Parents have been urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if their children exhibit any signs of respiratory difficulties.

HMPV, while rare, is known for its ability to cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces, making early detection and containment essential to prevent outbreaks.

Preventive Measures Advised

Health experts have outlined several precautionary steps to curb the virus's spread. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap.
• Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illnesses.
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, toys, and other commonly touched items.
• Monitor symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if a child displays prolonged or worsening signs of respiratory distress.

The Bengaluru health department has assured the public that efforts are underway to ensure the situation remains under control. Hospital staff are reportedly following stringent infection prevention protocols to minimize the risk of further transmission.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of public awareness in managing the situation. Educational initiatives to inform residents about HMPV and its prevention are being rolled out. Health officials are also closely tracking potential cases and coordinating with medical facilities to provide timely updates and support.

While the cases of HMPV in Bengaluru are currently isolated, the incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance, particularly during respiratory infection season. With swift action and community cooperation, health officials aim to mitigate the impact of this rare virus and safeguard public health.

The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has released the revised schedule for the INI-SS 2025 counselling, now available on the official AIIMS website. This comes as a crucial update for candidates who are set to participate in the counselling process for admission to various specialized postgraduate courses at AIIMS.

The revised schedule highlights the online seat allocation process, which will be based on the merit list and the preferences selected by candidates. Eligible candidates who have successfully qualified in the INI-SS entrance examination can participate in the counselling and choose their preferred seats accordingly. The online registration process for the January 2025 session has already begun, and candidates are urged to complete the registration process promptly.

AIIMS has also published both the Common Merit List (CML) and AIIMS Merit List (AML) for the INI-SS January 2025 session. Candidates are advised to visit the official website to verify their results and check their final seat positions. These merit lists are crucial for determining the eligibility and rank of candidates during the counselling process.

Candidates must be aware of the need to regularly check the official AIIMS website for updates on the counselling process, including any changes to the seat allocation schedule or instructions. AIIMS has issued a cautionary note regarding fake websites and misleading information circulating about the counselling process. Candidates are encouraged to rely solely on official communications from AIIMS to ensure they are receiving accurate and timely information.

For those participating in the counselling, the entire process will be conducted online, offering a streamlined experience for candidates to make informed decisions based on merit. The counselling will involve several rounds of seat allocation, taking into account candidates' rankings, preferences, and availability of seats in various specializations.

AIIMS continues to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, providing students with the necessary resources to make their educational journey smooth. To stay updated and for more information, candidates can visit the official AIIMS website regularly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced internship opportunities for students and young professionals from diverse academic backgrounds. This program aims to provide young talent with hands-on experience in global health and expose them to the work of the WHO.

The WHO internship program is designed for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degrees in fields related to public health, medicine, or social sciences. The program is open to citizens of WHO Member States, and applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old. The internship duration varies from a minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks, depending on the needs of the WHO technical unit and the availability of the intern. During this period, interns will work under the supervision of a technical expert and contribute to the work of the WHO.

One of the key benefits of the WHO internship program is the opportunity to work with a renowned international organization. Interns will gain hands-on experience in global health, work with professionals in the field, and develop valuable skills and knowledge. In addition to the valuable work experience, interns will also receive a daily stipend to help cover living expenses. The WHO will also reimburse travel costs to and from the duty station and provide health insurance coverage.

To apply for the WHO internship program, candidates must submit their applications through the WHO Careers website. The application deadline varies depending on the internship opportunity, and candidates must provide a CV, cover letter, and copies of academic transcripts and language proficiency certificates.

The WHO internship program offers opportunities in various areas, including programmatic areas such as technical programs, communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and health systems. Interns can also work in corporate services, including administration, finance, human resources, and information technology.

This internship program is a unique opportunity for young professionals to gain experience in global health and contribute to the work of the WHO. With its diverse range of internship opportunities, the WHO is committed to providing young talent with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of public health.