News & Events
Increasing resistance to Antibiotics will have serious impact on healthcare
Date: 29.01.2024
Increasing resistance to Antibiotics will have serious impact on healthcare
Dr Arun Mitra
The Union Health Ministry has asked the doctors to judiciously use the antibiotics and give reason whenever using them. Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel has said that the doctors must specify “indication, reason and justification while prescribing antimicrobials”. This is in the backdrop of increasing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which has reached alarming levels globally. Antimicrobial resistance means the bacteria or fungi causing the infection are resistant to the antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Therefore if remedial steps are not taken now, it would be difficult to control infections in future. This would have serious repercussions in the developing countries in particular where the infection rate is high. There is enough evidence that as a result of AMR, prevention and treatment of infections is becoming a challenging task. This is resulting in prolonged illness and greater risk of death. According to Kamini Walia, ICMR researcher, the AMR is assuming pandemic proportions in India. Sagacious use of antibiotics is urgently advised or we will be back to the pre-antibiotic era, according to her as per news item published in The Tribune on 19th January 2024 (1).
AMR represents a global challenge. 4.95 million people who died in 2019 suffered from drug-resistant infections. AMR directly caused 1.27 million of those deaths. One in 5 of those deaths occurred among children under 5 years old. Low and middle-income countries bear high burden of drug-resistant infections. India has the 145th highest age-standardized mortality rate per 100,000 population associated with AMR across 204 countries. In 2019, there were 297,000 deaths attributable to AMR and 1,042,500 deaths associated with AMR. In 2019 the WHO labelled AMR as one of the top ten global threats to public health (2).
India leads the world in human antibiotic use. According to The Lancet Microbe journal. According to the Lancet study “Over-the-counter use of antibiotics, lack of awareness, inadequate use of diagnostics, overcrowding, cross-infections, financial compensation of doctors by pharmaceuticals, and poor health infrastructure also amplify India’s antimicrobial resistance problem”. On one side there is over prescription of drugs in India on the other hand the regulatory system is very ineffective (3).
Tuberculosis, as a communicable disease, is an on-going global epidemic that accounts for high burden of global mortality and morbidity. Globally, with an estimated 10 million new cases and around 1.4 million deaths, TB has emerged as one of the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality in 2019. India accounts for 28% of all TB cases in the world, according to the Global TB Report 2022. There were 21.3 lakh cases detected in 2021. Despite an increase in the budget to tackle Tuberculosis (TB), the interim estimated number of deaths due to the infectious disease in India rose by 10 per cent, from 500,000 in 2020 to 505,000 in 2021, noted the Global TB Report 2022 released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This comes to 1383 deaths due to TB per day. This leads to prolonged hospitalisation incurring large sum of money.
In addition to death and disability, AMR has significant economic costs. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$ 1 trillion in additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030 (4).
A new study published in the BMJ Global Health has found that over half a million lives could be saved each year with the effective use of existing vaccines and the continued development of new vaccines to tackle priority pathogens. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures including vaccination in slowing and containing the spread of AMR (5).
Different approaches are required to tackle this problem through policy and regulation. Education and Awareness are extremely important to promote the use of antibiotic scientifically.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognised global threat to health security. Hence its effective management also requires global collaborative efforts.
The G20 summit recently held in India had serious discussion on this issue. The G20 document highlights the need to ensure accelerate research and development (R&D) efforts and revitalize the antibiotics market according to Dr Ranga Reddy, President Infection Control Academy and Honorary Professor University of Hyderabad.
Important issue of concern is that the pharmaceuticals are controlled by the corporate companies. For them profit is the priority than public health. It is important that the researchers, the governments and the civil society activists keep a vigil on the machinations by the corporate interests. We have seen how the vaccine producing companies made super profit globally during the COVID Pandemic. India had established a good infrastructure in the public sector in pharmaceutical and vaccine producing industry. This needs to be rejuvenated.
References:
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/doctors-must-spell-out-reason-for-giving-antibiotics-dghs-582465
- https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/Projects/GRAM/India_0.pdf
- https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/pharma-healthcare/over-prescription-self-medication-and-regulatory-gaps-leading-causes-of-antimicrobial-resistance-in-india/3322656/
- https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/pharma-healthcare/over-prescription-self-medication-and-regulatory-gaps-leading-causes-of-antimicrobial-resistance-in-india/3322656/
- https://www.who.int/news/item/28-07-2023-vaccines-could-avert-half-a-million-deaths-associated-with-anti-microbial-resistance-a-year#:~:text=Globally%20there%20are%204.95%20million,with%20antimicrobial%20resistance%20(AMR)
Published in :
https://ipanewspack.com/increasing-resistance-to-antibiotics-seriously-impacting-healthcare/
https://tryxyz.com/article27211-INCREASING-RESISTANCE-TO-ANTIBIOTICS-SERIOUSLY-IMPACTING-HEALTHCARE
Changing Paradigm of war – increasing humanitarian crisis
Date: 12.01.2024
Changing Paradigm of war – increasing humanitarian crisis
Dr Arun Mitra
War is the most serious threat to public health with catastrophic effects on infrastructure and environment and accounts for more deaths & disability than many major diseases combined. It destroys families, communities and sometimes whole cultures. It channels limited resources away from health and other social needs. Any nuclear exchange can be an existential threat to humanity.
Since 1800, more than 37 million people worldwide have died while fighting in wars. As there is no fool proof method to count the number of dead in the wars, this number could be much higher if we add those who die of displacement, abuse, hunger and disease (1).
In the past when it was possible to maintain secrecy during war, Nazi concentration camps were not exposed to the world until the Red Army found them after the defeat of Hitler. Not many people believed the situation in these camps until some survivors came out with the stories of the atrocities committed on them.
With the advent of new technology, the satellites and now the artificial intelligence it has become almost impossible to keep anything hidden. Any activity can be watched with utmost precision from thousands of kilometres away. This has led to targeting the sites accurately during warfare to the extent that the Israeli defence forces were able to kill Wissam Tawil, commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces on 8th January 2024 in Lebanon. Likewise Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian major general, was killed by an American drone strike near Baghdad International Airport, Iraq on 3 January 2020, while travelling to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.
Based on the information, it is now easy for the global community to stop the wars with collective intervention. But it is an irony that at a time when nearly 24000 people have been killed in Gaza, out of which 70% being women and children, the world community has failed to stop the Israeli aggression and occupation. The rules of war as agreed upon in various conventions are being flouted with impunity.
In spite of the wisdom to choose the target precisely, the reports coming out from various conflict zones show that the number of non-combatants being killed or injured and infrastructural damage has increased many times. There has been an increase in civilian fatalities from 5% at the turn of the 19th century to 15% during World War I, 65% by the end of World War II, and to more than 90% in the wars during 1990's, affecting more children than soldiers. As a result of changes in warfare strategies and ideologies over the last decades, the battlefields have moved into civilian's backyards, making them more vulnerable to and involved in wars as per an article published in frontiersin.org (2).
The wars cause serious humanitarian crisis. There is large scale displacement in Ukraine. An estimated 5.1 million people have been driven from their homes and are internally displaced and more than 6.2 million people have crossed into neighbouring countries in the region including Poland, Hungary, Moldova or other countries globally (3).
The displaced people are forced to live in refugee camps in unhygienic and unprotected conditions where they are likely to develop serious health problems. Women and children are more vulnerable to abuse of all kinds. In large scale aggression there is compete paralysis of health care system as we observe in Gaza today. This is further affected by the fact that work of relief agencies suffers in such conditions. President ICRC Mirjana Spoljaric who was in Gaza on 4th December 2023 said: "The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible” (4).
Several health workers have been killed adding to violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), thus raising new ethical and moral concerns (2).
There are several parts of the world with internal conflicts affecting the people’s lives. The on-going conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria and situations in Somalia, Syria and Afghanistan pose a serious threat to the lives of citizens. In such conflicts there occurs destruction of schools, hospitals, roads, factories, houses, cars and farms. The displacement and wars lead to several mental health problems including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (5).
It was expected that globalization would add to an interdependent world's economy, cultures, technology, and populations through increased cross-border connectedness, exchange of information, trade, and mutual use of technique and routines. It was expected that this interdependency would minimize military options to deal with bilateral and multilateral issues (2).
But it did not happen. The phenomenon turned to be one way globalisation with the powerful countries trying to dictate in various spheres to maintain their socio-economic and political hegemony. This has led to impoverishment in several parts of the world. To sort out the deepening economic crisis in the developed world, they are furthering military engagements and arms sale.
While there are resistance movement to this, it has also been observed that in many places there is rise of nationalism, and other types of reactionary movements. These lead to religious and political polarization in the society, and fosters extreme views and actions, leading to terrorism and modern armed engagements thus adding to internal and external conflicts (2).
It is unfortunate that the global structures responsible for restoration of peace have been weakened. This is clear from the veto by the US on the demand for cease fire in Gaza despite serious concern and appeal by the Secretary General and passing of resolution to the effect with an overwhelming majority by the UN General Assembly. This has necessitated urgent steps and effective measures by the global community to bring about changes in the UNO to make it responsive to the global needs for peace. How long we have to wait for such violations of human rights to go on ?
References:
- https://ourworldindata.org/war-and-peace
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.765261/full
- https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/
- https://www.icrc.org/en/document/israel-and-occupied-territories-president-icrc-arrives-gaza
- https://press.un.org/en/2022/sc14904.doc.htm
Published in:
https://www.ehitavada.com/index.php?edition=Mpage&date=2024-01-14&page=8
Misleading advertisements in medicine pose a serious health hazard
Date: 18.12.2023
Misleading advertisements in medicine pose a serious health hazard
Dr Arun Mitra
The Patanjli has been in the news not just for advertising its products and misleading claims in the media but also for criticising modern scientific medicine. This went on to the extent that the Hon’ble Supreme Court had to reprimand the Patanjli on 21st November 2023, for continuing to publish misleading claims and advertisements against modern system of medicine. A petition was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) challenging Patanjli’s outbursts. The Hon’ble Supreme Court warned the Patanjli to stop Misleading Advertisements, or will have to pay Rs 1 Crore Cost On Every Product Claiming False Cure (1).
Misleading claims has become the rule by the Patanjli. During the peak of COVID-19 it came out with Coronil as the cure for COVID-19. Astonishingly the then union Health Minister Dr Harshwardhan, an ENT Surgeon trained in modern medicine, promoted the product which had no scientific evidence to prove its utility. But this gave strength to Baba Ramdev to make unproven claims.
This is a serious matter as the medicines are used to get rid of the disease. We cannot let the human body fall prey to any unproven non-evidence based substance. Therefore there has to be proper regulation over drugs of any type and of any system of medicine.
In addition to the modern scientific medicine (Allopathy), several other systems of medicine being practiced simultaneously in our country include Ayurveda, Hoemeopathy, Yunani, Siddha, Yoga, Naturopathy, Accupuncture, Accupressure, Magnetotherapy, some ancient belief systems like ‘Jharra’, Witch Hunting, Tantra Mantra, Hymn reciting, use of gau mutra, cow dung and prayers to please and seek blessing of the super natural powers for cure. Whatever may be the complexities involved, it is essential to regulate all these systems and ensure that health of the people is protected and promoted.
While the modern medicine has a better regulatory mechanism, other systems need to evolve the regulation which is more effective than the existing. To regulate the marketing practices in modern medicine, a Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) was designed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, Government of India in 2012. It was prepared based on the comments/inputs received from various stakeholders on the draft UCPMP.
The code has set certain rules for the promotion of the drugs. It prohibits promotion prior to receipt of the marketing approval by the competent authority and mandates that information about drugs must be up-to-date, verifiable and accurately reflect current knowledge or responsible opinion. The Information about drugs must be accurate, balanced, fair, objective, and must not mislead either directly or by implication and it must be capable of substantiation. Claims for the usefulness of a drug must be based on an up-to-date evaluation of all the evidence and safety must not be used without qualification. It must not be stated categorically that a medicine has no side effects, toxic hazards or risk of addiction. Comparisons of drugs must be factual, fair and capable of substantiation. In presenting a comparison, care must be taken to ensure that it does not mislead by distortion, by undue emphasis, omission or in any other way. It must give recommended dosage, method of use and where not obvious, method of administration; adverse reactions, warnings and precautions for use and relevant contraindications of the product.
It was said that is a voluntary code of Marketing Practices for Indian Pharmaceutical Industry for the present and its implementation will be reviewed after a period of six months from the date of its issue. If found that it has not been implemented effectively by the Pharma Associations/Companies, the Government may consider making it a statutory code. Unfortunately even though the UCPMP was made effective in December 2014 with a promise to review it and make it statutory code after six months. But nothing seems to have moved forward.
A similar code should be made compulsory and mandatory for any system of healthcare being practiced in the country and should be implemented effectively.
Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder encompass the provisions for prohibition of misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims of drugs and medicinal substances including AYUSH medicines and for the penalty to be imposed on the defaulters. Central Government notified amendment of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 on 24th December, 2018 to insert Rule 170 specifically for controlling inappropriate advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines.
As a result of monitoring by Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), 732 cases of misleading advertisements of AYUSH were reported in 2017-18 and 497 cases in 2018-19. Out of which 456 cases of violation of Drugs & Magic Remedies Act, 1954 in 2017-18 and 203 cases in 2018-19 have been escalated to the State Regulators for taking necessary action in accordance with legal provisions.
Rule 170 was meant to prohibit advertisement of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs without the ad being cleared by the licensing authority of the state where the manufacturer of the medicine is located or where the corporate office is located, in case the manufacturing is happening in more than one state.
The rule 170 was withdrawn after the association of manufacturers of Ayurvedic medicines had given a representation in April 2023 seeking the repeal of Rule 170. The meeting of the Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB) held on May 25, recommended the omission of Rule 170, which was inserted into the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in December 2018. This has been challenged by various health experts saying that this revocation of the article adversely affects the health of the people and gives alibi to the manufacturers to market their product without any effective check (2).
It is high time that the UCPMP is reviewed and made statutory. Health of the people can not be left to suffer at the hands of misleading and false claims. Effective regulation for all the systems being practiced for healthcare delivery has to be ensured.
References:
- https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-patanjali-baba-ramdev-misleading-advertisements-indian-medical-association-242694?infinitescroll=1
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-does-u-turn-on-rule-against-misleading-ads-for-ayush-medicine/articleshow/103471526.cms?from=mdr
Published in:
https://thearabianpost.com/misleading-advertisements-in-medicine-pose-a-serious-health-hazard/
https://ipanewspack.com/misleading-advertisements-in-medicine-pose-a-serious-health-hazard/
https://tryxyz.com/article26890-MISLEADING-ADVERTISEMENTS-IN-MEDICINE-POSE-A-SERIOUS-HEALTH-HAZARD
COP28 fails to take cognizance of impact of militarization on climate change
Date: 07.12.2023
COP28 fails to take cognizance of
impact of militarization on climate change
It is welcome that over 80000 participants from around the globe have gathered in Dubai to deliberate on the strategies to mitigate the climate crisis which if not checked would be catastrophic. The event is happening at a time when just at a distance of 2600 kilo meters an appalling humanitarian crisis is unfolding as a result of bombing on the innocent civilians by the Israel in Gaza. This has killed over 16000 Palestinians of which 70 % are women and children and it has caused total destruction of the infrastructure making the people homeless.
Any military activity adds to the climate crisis. It is by now well known that the military activity is estimated to contribute 5.5 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the recent years we have witnessed substantial increase in the military spending worldwide. Presently it is higher than ever. In 2022 world military expenditure rose to $2240 billion out of which $82.9 billion were spent on nuclear weapons alone.
The reporting on military expenditure by the governments is always a secret matter and there is no transparency in reporting the military related activities for the ‘security reasons’. Dr Stuart Parkinson and Linsey Cottrell of the Scientists for Global Responsibility and Conflict and the Environment Observatory respectively, in a study ‘Estimating the Military’s Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions’ point out that If the world’s militaries were a country, this figure would mean they have the fourth largest national carbon footprint in the world – greater than that of Russia (1). Researchers found that the first 12 months of war in Ukraine accounted for 119 million tons of CO2, as much as Belgium produced in the same period.
This emphasises the urgent need for concerted action to be taken both to robustly measure military emissions and to reduce the related carbon footprint – especially as these emissions are very likely to be growing in the wake of the war in Ukraine and Israeli aggression in Gaza.
It is therefore imperative that disarmament should have taken a front seat during the deliberations at COP28. The last COP27 failed to issue any statement on disarmament and it appears that similar end result will be there this time too. However this time some organisations including the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) made it a point to highlight this issue, if not in the main forum, at least on the side lines among the participants.
It is strange that a declaration was adopted at the COP28 calling upon the nations to reduce their green-house gas emissions in health sector swiftly, sustainably and substantially (2). This has happened when as compared to 5.5% of total emissions by the military activity there is generation of 4.4% by the global health care sector. Whereas the military activity is meant to kill, the health care sector is to sustain life.
The IPPNW has further warned that continuation of wars could threaten the use of nuclear weapons which would be catastrophic (3). A study, “Climate Consequences of Regional Nuclear War” by Ira Helfand former Co-President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and Alan Robock from the Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, USA has pointed out that the present nuclear weapons present on earth pose a serious risk to climate and thus risk to all life forms. A nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan using 100 Hiroshima size nuclear weapons would put two billion people at risk; Any Nuclear exchange between the major nuclear powers could be end of modern civilization built through thousands years of human labour. Soot and debris injected into the atmosphere from the explosions and resulting fires would block sunlight from reaching the Earth, producing an average surface cooling of -1.25º C that would last for several years. Even 10 years out, there would be a persistent average surface cooling of -0.5ºC. This will reduce rainfall globally by 10% and lead to crop failure further leading to starvation and deaths.
It is therefore important that the COP28 should give a call for complete abolition of nuclear weapons and promote negotiations to encourage the nuclear weapons possessing countries to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
When there are talks of shifting to non-fossil fuel sources of energy, there is a lobby within the COP28 which speaks on the importance of nuclear energy. This is a false and dangerous narrative. Nuclear power is no solution to climate change; it has serious health consequences and increases the risk of nuclear proliferation (4). Nuclear power is expensive and unreliable, is losing importance relative to overall electricity production, lags behind renewables in terms of cost-effectiveness and output and is hence out dated. Therefore it is required that the world ceases the creation of new nuclear power plants, enact the rapid phase-out of nuclear energy generation, and shift to a just renewable energy transition.
We need to cut emissions by half by 2030 to stay within the 1.5 degree limit and thereby ensure planetary and human health. UN Secretary General’s video message on Glaciers from the Mount Everest Region “We must act now to protect people on the frontline and to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, to avert the worst of climate chaos” speaks of billions of peoples voice around the world who knowingly and unknowingly are being adversely affected as a result of climate crisis. “This is a sickness only you, global leaders, can cure,” he said, calling on the leaders to end the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and to fulfil the long overdue promise for climate justice.
That on the opening day of COP28 delegates reached a deal on the operationalization of a fund for loss and damage to help the world’s most vulnerable countries pay for the devastating impacts of climate disaster is welcome step to an extent. This is however not the final solution. This leaves lacuna for developed countries to move ahead but leaves the developing world behind in the race of development for its own citizens.
The global arms race threatens health and the climate. Disarmament and demilitarisation can help finance climate mitigation. Cooperation and human security should be at the center of politics and decision-making. The COP28 should at least form a commission to discuss the issue in details for the COP29.
References:
- SGRCEOBS-Estimating_Global_MIlitary_GHG_Emissions_Nov22_rev.pdf
- Explained: Why India Refused To Sign the Climate & Health Declaration at COP28 (thequint.com)
- Disarmament for Climate Justice and Health - International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (ippnw.org)
- Disarmament for Climate Justice and Health - International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (ippnw.org)
Published in:
https://theshillongtimes.com/2023/12/09/cop28-ignores-impact-of-militarization-on-climate-change/
Children’s Cry for peace will not go in vain
Date: 21.11.23
Children’s Cry for peace will not go in vain
Dr Arun Mitra
Children are the biggest gift of nature. It gives eternal pleasure to watch them grow because they are the hope, future and continuation of life. As a doctor it is a matter of great satisfaction to relieve the pain of a child caused by physical injury, disease or stress of any kind. It is difficult to comprehend how some people get pleasure in harming the children, even killing. Every day reports of children being killed by the Israel defence forces in Gaza is the biggest war crime of the on-going century. Nearly 120 children are being killed every day, that is one child every 12 minutes.
It is heart rending to watch the dead bodies of children in Gaza; mothers crying in deep pain, fathers upset over the loss of hope, brothers and sisters sitting dumb beside the dead body. With the Israeli aggression still going on, there is no guarantee when the death dance of the Israeli defence forces will stop. The nightmare people of Gaza are passing through is beyond imagination. It would be wrong to call it a war. It is a clear cut aggression and genocide of the innocent people including children. Hamas, that committed the barbaric act on 7th October 2023 is nowhere in the picture.
War always causes collateral damage. Children in these situation are worst sufferers for no fault of theirs. Now when the hospitals are being targeted with impunity, number of dead children, infants and foetuses in mother’s wombs will increase manifold including. According to the UN Rights Chief Volker Turk, “in such situations the outbreaks of disease, hunger are ‘inevitable’ in Gaza. Speaking at the UN in Geneva, he highlighted the extreme scarcity of food, fuel and medical supplies in Gaza and warned of the consequences of a complete collapse of water, sewage and healthcare services. Massive outbreaks of infectious disease, and hunger, seem inevitable,” he said.
The long-term physical, mental and social health consequences of the war on children will be severe and long-lasting. In the absence of proper food supplies leading to malnutrition, vulnerability to infectious and chronic diseases increases manifold. The mental health and developmental disorders occur from bereavement, on-going trauma and insecurity, fear, loss and deprivation and an uncertain future. (1)
Muthanna Samara, Sara Hammuda, Panos Vostanis, Basel El-Khodary and Nader Al-Dewik in an article published in the British Medical Journal published on 19 November 2020 point out that “Living in war situation for long periods the children develop “toxic stress” (2). This leads to anxiety, loneliness and insecurity which increases in the absence of family support and separation from the parents and friends. Their inability to attend school adds to the anxiety. The uncertainty of whether they will survive the next day always haunts children’s mind. They become over sensitive to any unfamiliar sound. This was observed by the team of doctors that visited violence affected area in Manipur, a north eastern state in India, to assess the health needs of the people living in relief camps. This constant state of anxiety can lead to bed wetting, difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares, and strained relationships with their loved ones.?Living in such situations for long they develop withdrawal and aggressive behaviour even towards their nears and dears. They may develop revengeful attitude on small matters. They may start fighting with, and shouting at their friends or bullying other children. As a result of fear many children can lose normal speech and start stuttering. Some can even experience partial amnesia. Some of them may resort to drugs. Even suicidal behaviour is observed.
In the long run, because of staying in refugee camps and losing the opportunity of education, their whole life trajectory changes. The girls have to face sex abuse and even rejection by the family and the society. Many children get debilitated because of land mines and other forms of injury. These get worse in the absence of medical facilities. The children may lose moral values because survival for them is the basic need for which they can even resort to crime. Children may lose their community and its culture during war.
All the above is being constantly observed in the aggression by Israel by Gaza.
Irony of the situation is that while the citizens are feeling the pain and reacting most of the governments have become either party to Israeli aggression or just paying lip service. European leaders are vocal to label what Hamas did was a war crime, but they are silent over the disproportionate violence perpetrated by Israel. Al Jazeera presenter, Osman Ayfarah, questioned Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, about the EU’s position on describing Israel’s and Hamas' actions as war crimes. ‘I am not a lawyer,’ Mr Borrell answered when asked whether the EU would describe Israel’s actions since 7th October as war crimes, and that the International Criminal Court will conduct an investigation into the matter. However, he said the EU considers Hamas’ attack on 7th October to be war crimes because it was ‘the clear killing of civilians without any reason.’ Whereas the UN Secretary General’s approach and his bold stand for ceasefire is appreciable, the UN as a body however has failed to contain the aggression.
That the invading forces take no mercy even on the children shows serious aberration in human behaviour. This was witnessed when the Nazis killed the Jewish children. When the Nazis were killing Jews in millions, the world ignored for a long time saying they did not have any knowledge of the concentration camps. The western countries did not believe in the existence of concentration camps even after the Red Army discovered them. But now that excuse does not hold good any more. Thanks to the technological innovations, everything is clearly visible.
It is worth remembering the poem “The Cry of the Children” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning written in the context of children’s agony during forced labour in hazardous work.
"True," say the children, "it may happen
That we die before our time !
Little Alice died last year her grave is shapen
Like a snowball, in the rime.
We looked into the pit prepared to take her —
Was no room for any work in the close clay :
From the sleep wherein she lieth none will wake her,
Crying, 'Get up, little Alice ! it is day.'
If you listen by that grave, in sun and shower,
With your ear down, little Alice never cries ;
Could we see her face, be sure we should not know her,
For the smile has time for growing in her eyes ,—
And merry go her moments, lulled and stilled in
The shroud, by the kirk-chime !
It is good when it happens," say the children,
"That we die before our time !"
References:
- https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/protection/mental-health/ways-conflict-impacts-childrens-mental-health
- https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m3155
Published in:
Threat of use of nuclear weapon in Gaza is unacceptable
Date: 14.11.2023
Threat of use of nuclear weapon in Gaza is unacceptable
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is of the worst kind in the on-going century. Almost 11000 people out of which 70% are women and children, 40% of them children less than 15 years have been killed by the disproportionate aggression and unprecedented bombardment over the densely populated area. In Gaza one child dies every 10 minutes. Most of the infrastructure, including hospitals and refugee camps have been turned into rubbles. Not satisfied with the destruction, the Heritage minister of Israel Amichai Eliyahu has threatened the use of nuclear weapons. That the Prime Minister Netanyahu has removed him from the cabinet is an eye wash and a step only to save him-self from all round criticism. It would be naïve to believe that the minister’s statement has come without any discussion in the internal circles of the Israeli government. Neither the Prime Minster Netanyahu nor any other official have denied possession of nuclear weapons by Israel. This has confirmed earlier speculations that Israel is a nuclear weapons state. The Israeli aggression on Gaza which is said to have been prompted after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October has literally turned into ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
The USA was in the fore front to attack Iraq on the false pretext and unproven evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, has kept quiet on the statement of Israeli minister. The US is always accusing Iran of having nuclear weapons, but now when the Israeli minister has openly threatened the use of nuclear weapons, silence of the US government and its allies is intriguing. The IAEA too has not spoken a word. The International Criminal Court (ICC) which has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, is also silent even after watching thousands of children being massacred by the Netanyahu government with the explicit support of the US.
It is a matter of anguish that the US and allies voted against the Jordan’s resolution for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestine in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). India’s abstention from voting amounts to siding with Israeli government’s justification of the killings. Israel’s Prime Minister has already praised India’s position. Attack by the Hamas on 7th October can-not be justified; but as has been pointed out by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that “Hamas attacks on Israel did not happen in a vacuum". Israel and the US have built a narrative that Israel has the right to defend itself, whereas the history is full of events to show that Israel has not only occupied Palestinian land but also pushed them out and made them stateless citizens thus clearly defying the international law and two nation principle of peaceful co-existence as was adopted in 1967 between Israel and Palestine with the intervention of USA and USSR.
False narratives are built by the aggressors to justify their crimes. They demonise the opposite on one pretext or the other. The Nazis blamed Jews for the ills of Germany. They spread the myth that Germany did not lose in the First World War on the battlefield, but through betrayal at the home front (1). The Jews, Social Democrats, and Communists were held responsible. The prejudices about the role of the Jews in the war were false. Over one hundred thousand German and Austrian Jews had fought for their fatherland (2). Hitler completely ignored the above facts and used false narrative against the Jews to build mass hysteria and eliminate over 6 million of them.
Such bigots also talk of their being a superior race and justify their right to subjugate, even eliminate the ‘inferior ones’. Churchill held similar views. In 1937, he told the Palestine Royal Commission: "I do not admit for instance, that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia. I do not admit that a wrong has been done to these people by the fact that a stronger race, a higher-grade race, a more worldly wise race to put it that way, has come in and taken their place."
In 1943, India, then still a British possession, experienced a disastrous famine in the north-eastern region of Bengal. At least three million people are believed to have died. Churchill blamed the Indians for the famine, claiming they "breed like rabbits" (3). The truth however is that food meant for the people in Bengal was diverted to the British army in Burma.
In 1994 the Hutu ruling tribes in Rwanda spread hatred against the Tutsis minority that left eight lakh people dead in just 100 days.
India faced a serious humanitarian crisis during partition in 1947 in which 25 lakh Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were killed by the fundamentalists on each side. Unfortunately anti-minorities rhetoric is being spread at present as we see the minorities particularly the Muslims being demonised by the Hindu fundamentalists with the overt support of the ruling dispensation at the centre.
We must understand that Zionism has to be differentiated from Jews, Nazism from Germans and Hindutva (Hindu Fundamentalism) from Hindus. All Muslims cannot be equated as terrorists. Such ideology can be disastrous and serve only the war mongers. Therefore the statement of Israeli Heritage Minister’s statement has to be taken seriously. It appears he was made to speak to see the reaction of the world.
The US is trying to resolve its economic crisis through building up the Military Industrial Complex and generating wars in different parts of the world. NATO is already on the door steps of Asia. Organisations like the QUAD and the AUCKUS are a threat to peace in Asia Pacific.
People’s voice is for peace. There have been huge protests all around the world for immediate ceasefire. South Africa’s peace plans for immediate ceasefire are very apt and should be taken seriously. The anti-nuclear movement has to be more vociferous at this moment.
Reference:
Published in
70 hours a week – a serious health hazard
Date: 06.11.2023
70 hours a week – a serious health hazard
Dr Arun Mitra
The Chairman of Infosys Shri N R Narayana Murthy seems to have forgotten the popular poem that was taught to us during school days ‘The Cry of the Children’, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, dedicated to the condition of children in England who were made to clean chimneys and work for long hours in hazardous industries. As a result many would catch serious diseases and eventually die an early death. The poem examines children's manual labour forced upon them by their employers. It was published in August 1843 in Blackwood's Magazine. Charles Dickens too has written about the hard labour the children were forced into in England in the mid 19th century. But since then England has moved far ahead. All the children go to school, get proper nutrition and healthcare required of them. These writings of the legendary personalities are however applicable to all categories of the workers whether doing manual or white collar job. Mr Narayana Murthy has asked the youth to consider India as their own country and that they should put in 70 hours of work per week for the progress of the nation.
This proposal needs to be analysed from various angles; the trade union angle, health angle, social angle and from the angle of impact of technological developments on production. As a result of long drawn struggle workers were able to get legal right to eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep and the rest eight hours for recreation and the family.
The Trade Unions have rejected 70 hours of work per week as it is clearly against the internationally accepted time framework for the workmen. According to International Labour Organisation (ILO), people in India spend maximum time on work but are paid the least; meaning thereby, that there is too much exploitation of the workers and violation of the law. This is applicable to the organised as well as the un-organised sector. Just to quote an example, staff working in the catering services in the special trains like Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat spends almost 18 hours on work per day on a meagre salary. There are millions who are working in sweet meat shops or the Gig workers who spend similar number of hours on work every day. With the advent of new technological developments, the companies’ production has increased many fold, so is their profit but the gains have hardly trickled down to the workers.
It is equally important to study the health impact of excess working hours. It is a well-accepted fact that productivity increases if workers are healthy and happy. An exhausted person can never give better production. They are also liable to have more accidents and make mistakes. Our organism is unable to be productive for 8 consecutive hours, notably because of what is called the “circadian rhythm”, that is to say, our daily biological cycles. How our body reacts during the day depends on many factors: our hormones, our diet, our exposure to daylight. Scientists studying these issues have found is that we have a very specific biological rhythm. Thus, we are more productive at certain times of the day, intellectually and physically speaking. So this affects all working manually or on the screens as many young people are doing these days (1).
Although managers expect their employees to be at their best at all hours of the workday, it’s an unrealistic expectation. Employees may want to be their best at all hours, but their natural circadian rhythms will not always align with this desire (2).
According to an article “Are Shorter Working Days The Secret To A Happier, Healthier And More Productive Life?”, published in Youmatter on 25th September 2017, being in the office for more than 8 hours a day is associated with poorer overall health and with a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease or stress related diseases (1).
Scientists generally agree that the ideal daily working time is around 6 hours, and more concentrated in the morning.
According to a study published by Insurance Journal, overworking increases the risk of being injured by 61 percent, as well as the risk of having chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
Research also reveals the damage to our physical health that overwork can cause. A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that working an average of 55 hours or more each week increases your risk of stroke by 35 percent and your risk of dying from heart disease by 17 percent, compared to averaging a 35-40 hour workweek (3).
Overworking has a Negative Effect on our wellbeing Burnout and Stress in the Workplace. People who work long hours are twice as likely to have a major depressive episode, according to a study, especially if they work more than 11 hours per day (4).
Workplace culture is crucial for keeping employees motivated and satisfied. It's important to create a positive environment and encourage the employees.
The decision makers must realize that without a healthy workforce working in a conducive environment and guarantee of safety and health, productivity will be hit badly which will be detrimental to the interests of the country, the society and the employers.
Mr Murthy should realise that it is not the excess working hours that matter for productivity but it is the happy healthy person working in a conducive environment who can increase the productivity. It is important to know that there are millions looking for a job in our country whose services need to be utilised through proper planning.
Mr Narayana Murthy should have instead talked about workers’ wages as per the inflation and they should match the real profits of the companies. He should have exposed those who are evading taxes and not paying back loans taken from the banks as a result of which the NPA of the banks has increased to 25 lakh crore rupees in the last 10 years.
References:
- https://youmatter.world/en/schedules-working-days-productivity/
- https://hbr.org/2015/01/the-ideal-work-schedule-as-determined-by-circadian-rhythms
- https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2021-long-working-hours-increasing-deaths-from-heart-disease-and-stroke-who-ilo
- https://www.beforesunset.ai/post/how-many-hours-in-a-week-should-you-work
Published in
https://ipanewspack.com/narayana-murthys-70-hour-a-week-working-hour-proposal-is-a-health-hazard/
https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/narayana-murthys-proposal-is-a-health-hazard/
https://thehillstimes.in/epaper/10-november-2023-epaper
Ensure nutritious food to all
Date: 31 October 2023
Ensure nutritious food to all
Dr Arun Mitra
It is a matter of worry that at a GHI score of 28.7 in the Global Hunger Index Report 2023, India ranks at 111 position out of the 125 countries surveyed. In comparison, our neighbours’ performance is better with Sri Lanka at the rank of 60, Nepal 69, Bangladesh 81 and Pakistan at 102. A GHI score of 9.9 or less is considered to be low, 10.0–19.9 moderate, 20.0–34.9 serious, 35.0–49.9 alarming, and 50.0 or more is extremely alarming. That we are at a serious level of hunger is a cause of real concern. (1)
GHI scores are based on the values of four component indicators- Undernourishment that is insufficient caloric intake; Child Stunting that is low height for the age; Child wasting that is low weight for age and child mortality which reflects the share of children who die before their fifth birthday.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 revealed that India has seen no significant improvement in health and nutritional status among its population. 7.7% of children are severely wasted, 19.3% are wasted, and 35.5% are stunted. It is therefore of primary importance that the issue of under nutrition is addressed for better health of our citizens. This needs steps to reduce inequality by policy reform, effective implementation of nutrition programs, and ensuring a seamless food distribution system. National food Security Act 2013 should be implemented effectively.
An active Indian adult requires 2800 – 3200 Calories per day while a person doing manual labour will require over 3700 calories per day. A manual worker therefore requires higher amount of food intake.
A balanced nutritious diet means sufficient number of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and micro nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. According to the Planetary Health Diet as suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health the daily food should include Nuts: 50 g, Legumes (pulses, lentils, beans): 75 gm, Fish: 28 gm, Eggs: 13 gm / day ( 1 egg per week), Meat: 14 gm / Chicken: 29 gm, Carbohydrate: whole grain bread and rice, 232 gm, Carbohydrate: 50 gm of starchy vegetables like potato and yam, Dairy: 250 gm, Vegetables: 300 gm of non-starchy vegetables and 200 gm of fruit, Other: 31 g of sugar and Cooking oil : 50 g. Indian Council of Medical Research too has issued similar guidelines for Indians. (2) (3)
At the present market price the cost of this food per person comes to be around Rs.200/- per day. This means that a family of five members should spend Rs.1000/- per day or Rs.30000/- per month on food only.
According to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2023 report, which is jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organisation (WHO), 74% of the Indian population were not able to afford a healthy diet in 2021, which is the fourth highest share among the nations considered. This means that more than 100 crore people in India are bound to eat food with insufficient nutrition. It is well known that Poverty causes malnutrition, which, in turn, adds to poverty. (4)
It is pertinent therefore that the purchasing capacity of the people is raised through poverty alleviation, sufficient wages and ensure means of livelihood to meet the requirement of quality food for the citizens.
The government’s scheme to give 5 kg of grains and One Kg Daal and a bit of oil does not meet the required micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals which are essential for physical and mental growth. That the people are satisfied with even this much food is a matter of shame to the nation. It points out to the level of poverty that food which is barely sufficient for subsistence is a big relief to the people.
It would be pertinent to quote the Oxfam’s inequality report, ‘top 10% of the Indian population holds 77% of the total national wealth. 73% of the wealth generated in 2017 went to the richest 1%, while 670 million Indians who comprise the poorest half of the population saw only a 1% increase in their wealth. There are 119 billionaires in India. Their number has increased from only 9 in 2000 to 101 in 2017. Between 2018 and 2022, India is estimated to have produced 70 new millionaires every day. This is in contrast to that many ordinary Indians are not able to access the health care they need. 63 million of them are pushed into poverty because of healthcare costs every year - almost two people every second. It would take 941 years for a minimum wage worker in rural India to earn what the top paid executive at a leading Indian garment company earns in a year’.
‘While the Indian government barely taxes its wealthiest citizens, its spending on public healthcare ranks among the lowest in the world. In the place of a well-funded health service, it has promoted an increasingly powerful commercial health sector’.
‘As a result, decent healthcare is a luxury only available to those who have the money to pay for it. While the country is a top destination for medical tourism, the poorest Indian states have infant mortality rates higher than those in sub-Saharan Africa. India accounts for 17% of global maternal deaths, and 21% of deaths among children below five years’.(5)
Various workers’ organizations have demanded minimum wage based on the principle of the caloric needs to be fixed at Rs.26000/- per month. To utter dismay, the government announced a floor level wage as Rs.178/- per day. This is despite an internal labour ministry committee recommendation of Rs.375/- per day.
In this context the way Union Minister Samriti Irani spoke about Global Hunger Index at a FICCI event on 'Future Role Of Women In India' in Hyderabad is a reflection of her arrogance and insensitivity to the cause of the poor. It is important to know that no other country has objected to the methodology of calculating hunger index. It is a matter of anguish that Prof. K S James, Senior Professor and Director of International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) which had conducted the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019 – 2021) and reported increase in Anaemia among pregnant women and children in the country was suspended for bringing this fact in the report as it goes against the interest of the government.
Our government’s aspiration to become 5 trillion economy stands exposed for its hollow claims. Instead of criticising the report the government should have spoken about steps to be taken to correct this aberration.
References:
- https://www.globalhungerindex.org/india.html
- https://eatforum.org/content/uploads/2019/07/EAT-Lancet_Commission_Summary_Report.pdf
- ICMR Nutritional guidelines
https://www.nin.res.in/downloads/DietaryGuidelinesforNINwebsite.pdf
- https://forumias.com/blog/in-india-74-cant-afford-a-healthy-diet-un-agency-report/
- https://www.oxfam.org/en/india-extreme-inequality-numbers
https://ipanewspack.com/global-hunger-index-indias-abysmal-2023-ranking-is-a-huge-concern/
Published in
https://tryxyz.com/article26517-GLOBAL-HUNGER-INDEX-INDIA-S-ABYSMAL-2023-RANKING-IS-A-HUGE-CONCERN
Homage to Dr Parveen Kaur w/o Dr Surinder Singh Soodan
Homage to Dr Parveen Kaur w/o Dr Surinder Singh Soodan, former President and present Patron of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD)
It was a great shock to hear about the sad demise of Dr Parveen Kaur wife of Dr Surinder Singh Soodan, former President and present Patron of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) after a brave fight against Cancer for four years.
Dr. Parveen Kaur D/o Sardar Basawa Singh and Sardarni Parmeshwar Kaur was born in the month of June 1945. Her family originally hailed from village Chowki, Tehsil Bagh (P.O.K) and settled in the city of Poonch. She along with her family migrated to Jammu city when she was just 2 years old. Her father was a highly respected man, a Head Superintendent in the office of then Raja of Poonch state. Both the parents inculcated high moral values and greate virtues in her. She was the youngest among five brothers and three sisters. Her eldest brother Sardar Teja Singh was IAS Officer and former Chairman JKPSC and Additional Chief Secretary J&K.
She was the Head Captain of her school. She passed her matriculation from Gurmat Kanya Pathshala in year 1960 and did her intermediary from Govt. College for Women Jammu. She got selected for MBBS and passed her MBBS degree in the year 1968 from Govt. Medical College Srinagar. In the year 1969, she got married to Dr. Surinder Singh Soodan, an eye specialist and the eldest son in his family. Just one day after marriage she received interview calls for her post graduation from Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar. She decided to pursue her post – graduation in Govt. Medical College Amritsar where she completed her double MD in both Microbiology and Pathology.
She joined Govt. services in Govt. hospital Gandhi Nagar and later joined as lecturer GMC, Jammu. She kept climbing the road of her professional journey with her sheer hard work, loyalty, sincerity, dedication and academic brilliance.
She had a vast teaching experience of more than 35 years, more than 22 years as Professor. She had many publications in national and international journals. Besides being a teacher for undergraduate and post graduate students, she had been post graduate Guide and Examiner in Pathology and Microbiology for many universities in India and Abroad.
She was also assigned foreign assignment and deputed by Ministry of External Affairs as Assistant Professor to faculty of medicine University of Al-Fateh Tripoli, Libya for 5 years and was also assigned charge as Director of Laboratories to various hospitals attached there.
After coming back to India, she later became Head of Combined Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Blood Bank in Govt. Medical College, Jammu and later when Departments bifurcated for many years she worked as Head of Microbiology Department GMC Jammu. During her tenure as HOD Microbiology she was the first to start AIDS surveillance work in Jammu Province in the year 1986.
She got promoted as Principal and Dean, Govt. Medical College Srinagar in 2002 and was the first female Principal of Govt. Medical College Srinagar from Jammu region. She remained as the most respected Principal there and as Dean she got immense appreciation on record for the work done by her at Lal Ded Memorial and SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.
Her other professional responsibilities included Dean faculty of Medicine Kashmir University, Member Governing Body J&K State Medical Faculty, Coordinating member Water Pollution Committee Jammu District, Member standing investigative Committee J&K state, Member secretary Hospital infection Control Committee GMC Jammu, Incharge AIDS reference centre Jammu province and member Indian Medical Association.
Due to her professional excellence, sincerity and hard work, she got two years extension in her service and served as member board of professional entrance examinations J&K. After retiring from Govt. services she later served as Professor and Head Microbiology Department ASCOMS and also was member of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and kept continuing with her other social and family responsibilities with utmost commitment.
She was an inspirational figure and highly honest and immensely knowledgeable doctor, a beautiful respectful daughter, a sweet beloved vibrant sister, a very respectful dutiful daughter-in-law, a motherly loving Bhabhi, a highly committed and supporting wife, a wonderful motivational caring mother of three daughters , a loving and caring mother in law and highly loving and concerned grandmother of 4 grand children. Her personality was highly positive and she remained an epitome of grace, determination, great willpower, immense love and wisdom.
As in her own words quoted from the book “Quest of life” she said, “One thing that has remained my principal of life, I have always been empathetic. Empathy is to see and feel through the eyes of the other. I have always been like that whether it was dealing with people professionally or in my personal life. To be truthful and hardworking was my way. To be helpful and dutiful is how I have lived.
My father was a great man and he had nurtured us since childhood to be always prepared to face harsh realities of life, to be respectful, truthful and never hurt anyone. My mother was a pious lady, she always taught us to remain modest. My parents always taught us to remain humble yet to be bold.
Let me tell you I follow the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and according to him we should never hurt others but if some injustice is done then we must also know how not to stay quiet. So I suppose that was the teaching imbibed in us, we were soft but had immense strength to face the hardships of life. I knew I would never do wrong to others and so nothing bad would happen to me.
With God’s blessings I was married to a family where I was always loved and respected. The affection and regard I have received by each one of them has been a marvellous journey for me. This was a blessing. Being the youngest child in family, I was loved a lot by all much beyond the expression of words. When I got married I become the eldest daughter in law, my husband’s brothers and sisters were young. They have literally stayed with me and I always considered them to be my own children. Even today if you ask me his brothers and sisters come first and then my own children. This is the sort of bond we share. The respect and love that I had received from one and all is beyond any comparison. I am immensely grateful for I have received the motherly love from each one of them throughout my life.
My husband has remained a caring husband and always been like a shield for me. He has been an ideal father. We have always taken decisions of life together. My children, their husbands who are also like my children and my grand children are extremely loving ones, I feel blessed that I have got such a life and family. I am a totally contented lady, most grateful to God. There is nothing more that I could ask for in life.”
It is worth mentioning here that Dr S S Soodan was an active member of All India Students Federation and a close associate of Dr Joginder Dayal during his days of post-graduation at Aligarh.
Dr Bhavneet Kaur
Daughter
Jammu and Kashmir - IDPD annual meeting
Date: 21.10.2023
Jammu and Kashmir - IDPD annual meeting
21st October 2023 - Srinagar
Annual General body meeting of IDPD unit of Jammu and Kashmir was held on 21st Oct 2023, at IMA House Bemina, Srinagar. Following senior members attended the meeting besides many other junior and new members.
Dr Arun Mitra, Dr G.M Malik, Dr M.Lateef Chisti,Dr Ajaz A Rather,Dr. Zorawar Singh,Dr Mushtaq Ahmad,Dr Bashir Ahmad
Prof Ajaz Rather, General Secretary IDPD J&K section started the proceedings by welcoming Dr Arun Mitra and other Senior members of IDPD. After introducing IDPD to new members, he gave an overview of work and contribution of IDPD in J&K State (be it earth quake in 2005 or 2014 floods) and at National and international level for maintaining peace and restoration of human rights of war victims.
Dr Lateef Chisti in his Presidential address started with expressing condolence to Dr S.S.Soodan on the demise of his wife Dr Parveen Kaur, Ex-Principal GMC Srinagar by observing with 3 mints silence and briefed the audience about her contribution .He also directed General Secretary to send condolences to Dr S S Soodan on behalf of State IDPD. He gave a detailed overview of IDPD activities. As Dr Lateef has been working as President of JK -IDPD since 2012, when this new form was established, after being selected as Vice-President at National Level, he nominated Dr Ajaz A Rather as JK-State President which was seconded by Dr G M Malik and endorsed by Dr Arun Mitra.
Dr G.M .Malik, founder president of JK-IDPD congratulated Dr Mitra for his elevation to the post of President IDPD. He described the contribution of Dr Mitra in particular and National IDPD in general, in playing vital role in earth quake (in Karnah, Uri, Baramulla and Kupwara)by distributing blankets, clothes and other essential commodities and 2014 floods in Kashmir where goods worth for lakhs of rupees were distributed to victims in Srinagar.
Dr Malik stressed to new President to make this wing strong,as in past students from J & K like Dr Yasmeen, Dr Abid Rashid Shah, Dr Sehrish worked as secretaries at national level of IDPD students wing. More national and international programmes shall be expected in 2024at Srinagar and Jammu.
He also described the contribution of Dr Soodan –Present Patron IDPD, who also accompanied Dr Mitra to Kashmir in floods. He also congratulated Dr Lateef A Chisti for being selected as National vice -President. Dr Malik conveyed that Dr Lateef –(President) and Dr Ajaz –(General Secretary ) should strengthen the J & K-IDPD unit.
Dr Arun Mitra expressed his sadness and concerns over the present conditions prevailing in Palestine and Israel where innocent children are being targeted in Palestine. He emphasised the need to make a good history for newer generation and stop the innocent target killings. He described it a tragedy and without supporting anyone, he condemned the innocent killings in Palestine. He emphasised that Nuclear weapon needs to be abolished as most of national budget is spent on defence.
Emphasizing the need of spending on health, Dr Mitra said India is spending only 1 % of total GDP on health where it has to be 6%, also stated that we stand at No. 111 out of 125 countries in hunger index. He concluded by saying that keeping aside all the religious and communal lines, we should all work for wellbeing of people all over the country. He also wished that there should be a good number of participants in south Asian Meet of IDPD likely to be held in March 2024 in Kathmandu.
Students from SKIMS Mcedical College & GMC Srinagar who wanted to join IDPD attended the meeting and were assured by National President to be invited to participate in National/International conferences of IDPD, IPPNW.
Secretary, Dr Ajaz thanked J & K IMA President, secretary finance and general manager for providing meeting hall and other facilities free to organizers .Dr Zorawer Singh Finance secretary paid vote of thanks at the end and invited all participants for high tea.
Nagasaki Day at Nasik
Hiroshima-Nagasaki day Remembrance at Dr.VPMCHRC.
10th August 2023
On 10th of August 2023, remembering the devastation and destruction caused by Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing, homage was paid by the student activity wing IDPD under Prof. Dr. Major Singh, Vice President of IDPD.
Having an attendance of first years, second year and third year M.B.B.S students, along with second year of physiotherapy, the audience also had in its amidst the HOD of Microbiology and lecturers of physiotherapy. This served as sensitisation session for the in training medical graduates for their social responsibility towards the global good.
Starting the session, Sanjivani Sankhla talked about the receding tides of future hope due to war and the investment in maintaining our war arsenal and leaving the basic human rights and resources in trenches. Also, highlighting the importance of IPPNW and its affiliate the IDPD in igniting the young generation of doctors and the upcoming policy makers into an affirmative response towards a positive change. A brief glimpse into the recent activities was presented to invite the students to further the movement.
Taking the stage, Sana Pathan, a first year student voiced her condolences in the human made disaster and prefaced the students about how it played on the ground. She showed a video which translated the unthinkable into images for the entire session to see.
As an innovative and engaging session to follow, two first year students Omkar and Rishabh presented a mini quiz engaging the students in reason and curiosity.
Continuing the session, three first year students presented an empathetic series of monologues and self-composed poetry– Ananya recited her poetry as a mother of a PTSD suffering daughter grieving the generational loss of childhood and humanity due to continuing war. Then, Shruti took the stage to make the students stand in the shoes of a young doctor helpless due to mass casualties haunting the hospital. Towards the end, Shravani recited heart wrenching verses about a widow bidding goodbye to her braveheart bound by duty. These students stressed upon the loss of relations and unending animosity and bloodshed due to wars. There are no winners in a war was the resounding message.
Towards the end, for tying the ends of the session, Dr.Prof Major Singh, spoke to the students and esteemed faculties reminding them of urgency of the situation. He urged the audience to develop a scientific temper and a even more empathetic outlook to hone themselves as the path makers of the future.
This session would be followed by a number of more engaging and sensitising activities due to the great and positive response of the students.
6 Aug Hiroshima Day at Moga Punjab
Date: 06.08.2023
Dr Arun Mitra – President IDPD and Dr Indervir Singh Gill – Member Central Council IDPD addressing a function at Moga – Punjab organised by All Indian Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) along with IDPD to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6th August 1945.
Seminar held to Mark the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Build strong narrative to stop arms race and abolish nuclear weapons
Seminar held to Mark the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Any delay in taking effective global measures to stop arms race and to abolish nuclear weapons from the earth could lead to catastrophic impact threatening the very existence of mankind. Latest reports by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) on this issue are startling. The reports highlights that there has been exorbitant increase in the expenditure on arms in the year 2022. This is bleeding the resources from social needs to arms race. A seminar on ‘Arms Race Vs Social Security’ organised by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and Social Thinkers Forum Ludhiana here today called upon the peace loving people and forces to build strong public movements to impress upon the nuclear weapons possessing countries to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which was passed by the UN General Assembly on 7th July 2017 by 122 votes in favour and only one against and one abstention. On-going conflicts around the world are a big threat to the human life and resources. It is a matter of anguish that instead of learning lesson to unite to fight back the events like COVID Pandemic, there has been increase in the arms budget in 2022. At present it is estimated that there were 12512 warheads in January 2023, which is 86 more than in January 2022. Latest news of danger of nuclear bombing on the nuclear power plants particularly the largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is highly worrisome. We have already witnessed the damage caused at the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear plants accidents.
A major nuclear exchange between Russia and NATO-US could kill 20 crore people immediately and cause nuclear winter which would in turn lead to death of 5 to 6 billion people, and threaten the survival of humanity.
Dr Arun Mitra, President Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) & immediate past Co-President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) made a presentation on the subject. Others who participated in the deliberations include Dr Rainder Pal Singh Aulakh, Dr Parmider Singh Bhogal, Dr Devinder Grover, Dr Ms Param Saini, Balwinder Singh Aulakh, Vinod Kumar Sood, Gursharan Narula and Dr Jain. M S Bhatia Convener Social Thinkers Forum compeered the proceedings and told that the idea for peace will be continuously propagated by organising programmes in different sections of the society.
Dr Arun Mitra
M: 9417000360
Report of 23rd World Congress of IPPNW
Report of
23rd World Congress of IPPNW
Calls for timely action to prevent Twin Existential Threat of Climate Change and Nuclear War
It was enriching experience for the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) delegation that participated in the 23rd World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) held at Mombasa, Kenya from 27th April to 29th April 2023. The IDPD delegation comprised of 15 members Doctors Arun Mitra, Kshetrimayum Memcha Devi, Ningthoujam Shadhana, Ningthoujam Telhei, Heikrujam Harz, Kshetrimayum Sushma Devi, Kshetrimayum Manglem Singh, Naoremcha Munal Meitei, Naorem Rajeshwori Devi, Mohammed Rakibuddin, Yanglem Mohen Singh, Tejinder Singh, Hemant Rathore, Ulfat Pardesi, Alhas.
The congress dwelt at length on the threat to the existence of mankind which has never been so acute as today. We are faced with twin existential crisis due to climate change and nuclear war. The congress held different plenary sessions on Linking themes of Disarmament, Climate and Health; Nuclear Weapons and Health; Conflict, Climate Change and Health; Youth Forum on Climate Chaos; Nuclear War, Economic/Social Justice and Health; Energy choices: Fossil fuels, nuclear power/ uranium mining and health.
Several workshops were held to discuss in details the subject matter related to the plenary sessions. The South Asian delegation organised a workshop on Nuclear weapons, small arms, development and health in South Asia. This session was chaired by Dr Kamrul H Khan – Deputy Speaker of the International Council and Moderated by Dr Bimal Khdka – Co Chair of the IPPNW Board. Dr Arun Mitra gave a presentation on the subject which was followed by thorough discussion and question answers. Dr Arun Mitra also chaired the plenary session on Energy choices: Fossil fuels, nuclear power/ uranium mining and health. Various members of IDPD delegation participated in the discussion in various sessions. Dr Arun Mitra was elected to the Board of IPPNW. Dr Rakibudin was made a member of the committee on “Medical Peace Work and Better Communication within South Asia Region”. Dr Hemant Rathore participated in the bike tour from Nairobi to Mombasa.
IDPD delegation was given special award for largest and organised delegation.
The congress passed a declaration expressing concern at the twin existential threat and demanded steps for abolition of nuclear weapons and check on the deteriorating climate crises.
MOMBASA DECLARATION
MOMBASA DECLARATION
The world urgently needs to change course
MAY 5, 2023
The following Congress Declaration was published at the conclusion of IPPNW’s 23rd World Congress in Mombasa, Kenya, 27-29 April 2023.
We are honored to gather in Mombasa, one of Africa’s oldest and most historic cities, for the first IPPNW World Congress on the continent. As physicians, medical students, and health professionals committed to a peaceful and equitable world for all people, we join in solidarity with our African colleagues, who struggle on many fronts to erase the vestiges of colonialism, to end the post-colonial conflicts that have killed millions, and to advocate for policies that will provide health, true security, economic justice, and environmental protection not only for Africa but also for the world as a whole.
We regret, therefore, that Sudan’s hard-won progress toward democratically elected governance has faced a violent setback in just the past few weeks, and we endorse the calls of the African Union and other world leaders for an immediate ceasefire. At the same time, Sudan is embroiled in only one of dozens of ongoing armed conflicts in Africa that must come to an end. Civil society, here as elsewhere, plays an essential peace-making role, and we applaud our affiliates in the region for their efforts to bring peace and security to Sub-Saharan Africa over many years. We also thank them for hosting this 23rd World Congress and for the steadfast leadership they have provided to the federation as a whole.
The world in 2023 faces twin existential crises that have been exacerbated by a global pandemic from which we have yet to fully recover. We are at greater risk of nuclear war than at any time since the Cold War of the 1980s. And the accelerating pace of the climate crisis, driven by carbon emissions from the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, is bringing extreme weather events, agricultural disruption, rising sea levels, and vector-borne diseases to every corner of the world. The millions of deaths from Covid-19 over a two year-period not only tested the global capacity to deal with a public health emergency on such a vast scale, but also exposed the inequities in access to vaccines and treatments between wealthy and struggling nations. Unsurprisingly, the Doomsday Clock has recently been reset to 90 seconds before midnight, the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe.
The tragic invasion of Ukraine, now in its second year, has already claimed tens of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian lives, including more than 20,000 civilian casualties and several million displaced to other countries. The repercussions of the war for the world economy, including shortages of grain and other commodities, have been enormous. With more than 110 ongoing armed conflicts in the world today—more than 35 of them in Sub-Saharan Africa alone—we are reminded again that war and military actions are always unacceptable anywhere in the world.
Yet the severe global impacts of a war that has brought Russia into direct conflict with the US and NATO pale by comparison to what would happen if the nuclear threshold were crossed. Whether they are used in Ukraine, in South Asia where two nuclear-armed states, India and Pakistan, have fought four full-fledged wars, or during any other conflict, the use of nuclear weapons, for whatever reason, would almost certainly escalate into a nuclear war that would kill millions of people outright. Nuclear war would cause a climate disaster of another kind, plunging the world into a nuclear winter where agriculture would collapse and food scarcity would threaten billions of people with starvation, no matter how far removed they were from the conflict itself.
While nuclear war poses the most acute risk to the stable and hospitable climate we need, global heating from fossil fuel consumption is already increasing food and water insecurity, and has diminished the habitability of whole regions through sea level rise, extreme weather events, drought, flooding and intolerable heat. These rapid changes to the world’s climate are driving population displacement and increasing the prevalence of armed conflict. Each of these conflicts that involves a nuclear-armed state increases the risk of nuclear war, closing the circle of existential threats.
Nuclear power, which is an expensive, ineffective, and dangerous response to the climate crisis, also fuels nuclear proliferation by inextricably increasing fissile materials and the capacity to produce them. As we are seeing in Ukraine, nuclear power reactors are vulnerable military targets—essentially huge, pre-positioned radiological disasters-in-waiting. Misplaced investments in nuclear power, besides exacerbating this danger, delay the rapid scale-up of renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, and energy storage.
Military and nuclear weapons spending divert massive resources and create enormous opportunity costs that diminish and delay climate action and also steal resources from many other areas of human and environmental need, including health, shelter, and education. Militarization and armed conflict fuel tensions that diminish international cooperation in many areas, including climate action and disarmament.
We urgently need to change course if we are to avoid the catastrophic consequences of either a nuclear war or an environmental collapse. The diplomatic and political processes that produced the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) showed the world that a well-organized group of non-nuclear-armed nations, armed instead with scientific evidence and medical expertise about nuclear weapons and nuclear war, and supported by an informed and energized civil society, could effectively make the case that possession of nuclear weapons is illegitimate and that nuclear deterrence is not only foolhardy, but also immoral.
African states paved the way for this humanitarian disarmament process when they adopted the Pelindaba Treaty, which entered into force in 2009, making Africa a nuclear-weapon-free zone. African states and civil society organizations, fully aware that they would suffer from the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear war anywhere in the world, especially the climate consequences, helped to drive the ban treaty process and the negotiations that produced the treaty text. We are proud to recall that in July 2015, an international team of IPPNW medical students, young doctors, and other activists climbed to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, to raise awareness about the humanitarian and health effects of nuclear weapons and uranium mining in Africa.
The TPNW has already been signed by 33 African states, 15 of whom have joined as states parties. As we convene in Mombasa, we urge the Kenyan government to sign the Treaty and complete its ratification as soon as possible. All other states that have not yet joined the Treaty should do so and work actively to implement its prohibitions against nuclear weapons and other provisions, in order to hasten the day when they have been completely eliminated from the world’s arsenals.
As health professionals, we learned decades ago that there can be no medical response to a nuclear war. We are now learning that our capacity to respond effectively to extreme public health emergencies precipitated and multiplied by human-caused alterations to the world’s climate, is being severely tested. Moreover, those who are most vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis are most often those without the resources to mitigate the harm. We see this in Africa and other parts of the post-colonial world, where access to technology, health care and basic services are inadequate at best, and where wealthy nations continue to exploit disadvantaged countries for resources, such as uranium for nuclear weapons.
Our responsibility is to prevent what we cannot cure. IPPNW rededicates itself at this 23rd World Congress, in Mombasa, Kenya, to a habitable world free from the threat of nuclear extinction and climate catastrophe.
Mombasa Appeal for peace and prevention of nuclear war
Mombasa Appeal for peace and prevention of nuclear war
Mombasa, 30 April 2023
(The following demand for a ceasefire in Ukraine and negotiations for a peaceful solution to a war that risks escalation to a nuclear catastrophe was issued by IPPNW’s International Council and Board of Directors at the conclusion of the 23rd IPPNW World Congress in Mombasa.)
At our 23rd World Congress in Mombasa in April 2023, we, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, discussed the risks and impending consequences of the current, crisis situation on our planet. The war in Ukraine bears enormous costs for people mainly, but not only in Ukraine and causes unspeakable suffering. So many civilians and soldiers from both sides have lost their lives, health and livelihoods. In addition, global food supplies have already suffered and prices for essential goods are rising. According to current figures, hunger in Africa threatens to increase by 117% if the war is not stopped immediately.
Crucially there is a real and growing risk that the world will enter a nuclear war in the near future. With every day of the ongoing war in Ukraine, this risk increases.
At the same time, the conflict over Taiwan threatens to escalate further, including the danger of nuclear war involving China and the USA.
Nuclear war will almost certainly not remain limited. Military planning games regularly lead to total escalation and mutual annihilation once nuclear weapons are used.
The principle of nuclear deterrence, essentially unchanged since the Cold War, with the credible threat of mutual total annihilation due to its failure, threatens human existence.
A single bomb can completely destroy the urban core of a major city, with hundreds of thousands dead, injured and contaminated. The use of many nuclear bombs, as is likely in a nuclear war, would not only lead to many millions of dead and injured, but destroy key infrastructure, transport routes, the food supply and the health system. Recovery would take decades. We doctors must make it clear: In the event of nuclear war, there will be no medical aid. We will not be able to help you – or ourselves!
While the use of even 100 nuclear weapons would have severe impacts on global food production and cause up to 2 billion victims of hunger, the humanitarian consequences and risks of an all-out nuclear war would be devastating. Both Russia and the US possess over 3,700 deployable nuclear weapons. The use of even a part of them would lead to climate change with a sustained drop in temperature of over 10°C on average. Life would then no longer be possible in large parts of the planet, the nuclear winter.
In a nuclear war there are no winners, only losers. Then the millions of immediate victims will be the lucky ones, then the living will envy the dead.
Comparable at most to the situation in 1962 and the second peak of the Cold War in the 1980s, mankind today is at a crossroads. It will either find its way back to its noble skills of reconciliation, cooperation and empathy—or it will follow its darkest inclinations of greed, vindictiveness and all-consuming destructiveness.
As doctors, we therefore address those who bear responsibility for the survival of us all on behalf of all humanity: the adversaries at war, President Putin and President Zelensky; the governments of the nuclear-armed states, especially Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping; and the governments of the NATO countries and all those involved in the conflict in any way.
We demand:
An immediate ceasefire;
The immediate withdrawal of all invading forces;
All sides refrain from all measures that lead to further escalation of the war;
Renunciation of the use of nuclear weapons by all nuclear-armed states;
Entry into earnest negotiations on a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine.
There are numerous initiatives and proposals that could serve as a basis for such negotiations.
Due to the well-founded concern that the conflict over Taiwan will also turn into a war threatening humanity, our 3rd, 4th and 5th demands apply analogously here as well.
Furthermore, we demand that the nuclear powers enter into negotiations in good faith on effective measures to end the nuclear arms race in the near future and to achieve complete nuclear disarmament, as many have pledged to do in Article 6 of the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
In order to effectively counter the danger of nuclear annihilation, we urge that all states—especially those that have hitherto relied on the illusory security provided by nuclear weapons—join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
To all people with creative minds and the ability to moderate, we appeal: Let us end the deadly spiral of escalation and re-enter peaceful coexistence.
This could be the last chance for us humans to close Pandora’s box and opt for common survival instead of mutual annihilation.
And once we have overcome the current crisis, we must turn back to the other existential dangers facing humanity: The climate crisis, environmental degradation and the continuing divide between rich and poor. We will need all human skills and virtues to ensure long-term survival on our wonderful planet.
12th IDPD National Conference
Report of 12th IDPD National Conference
Declare South Asia to be a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone and to ensure healthcare to all – IDPD
The 12th National Conference of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) held at Gandhi Peace Foundation New Delhi on 11-12 March 2023 on the theme “Healers for Health and Harmony”, expressed serious concern at the increasing arms race which is costing the health and development of the citizens. It is an irony, the statement issued after the conference said, that the world seems to have learnt no lesson from the COVID Pandemic and there is unashamed increase in the spending on arms race. Under the present scenario when there are tensions all around the globe the danger of use of nuclear weapons is grave and real. Any such situation will lead to catastrophic damage to the human civilization built through thousands of years of human labour. It is therefore imperative that the world community takes a serious cognizance of the situation and pays more attention to the needs of health and education rather than making huge profits by selling and using arms on human population. India is also in the pursuit of making and exporting arms. The spending on healthcare is meagre 1.1% of the GDP as against the minimum of 5 % as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Representatives from different units of the IDPD from different states across the country viz Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Utter Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telengana and Tamil Nadu participated. There were serious deliberations on Health as a Fundamental Right, Perspectives for sustainable peace, Social Harmony in the present scenario and social activism among the medical professionals. Large number of medical students participated in the event.
The conference was presided over by Dr S S Soodan, President IDPD. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman, General Secretary welcomed the delegates. Maj. Gen (Retd). Viod Saighal inaugurated the conference with a note of caution that the war between Russia and Ukraine must come to an end soon otherwise the human and infrastructural damage would be irrecoverable. He criticised Russia for invading Ukraine but said that the situation took ugly turn because of expansionist design of US and NATO. Others who addressed during the inaugural session include Dr Arun Mitra, Co-President IPPNW, Dr Chandrakan Pandav, former Professor and Head of Community Medicine of All India Medical Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, Mr. Senthil Kumar Member Parliament (MP), Achin Vanaik, former Head Department of Political Science and International Relations Delhi University, Mr. Aziz Pasha former MP, Ms. Amar Jeet Kaur General secretary All India Trade Union congress. Messages of greetings from IPPNW Co-President Dr Tilman Ruff and IPPNW affiliates from Dr Arun Dixit PSR Nepal, Dr Mirza Ali Azhar PDPD- Pakistan, Dr Kamrul H Khan PSR Bangladesh and Dr Asoka Hettiaracchhi SDPD -Sri Lanka were displayed.
The session on ‘Health as Fundamental Right’ was chaired by Dr Shyam sunder Deepti, former Head Department of Community Medicine Govt. Medical College Amritsar. Dr Ritu Priya, from the Community Medicine department Jawahar Lal Nehru University Delhi was the Key note speaker. She outlined the problems of marginalization and exclusion of common people under the insurance based healthcare system. Dr Shanthi made a presentation on the Right to Health. Dr Rajni, Dr Lateef Mohamad, Dr Inderveer Gill and Dr Dharmendra Kumar also spoke in the session. Dr Manglem Singh called upon for life style changes to prevent illness.
Achin Vanaik, from Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace while addressing as Keynote speaker cautioned that there can be no complacency towards the nuclear threat in south Asia as both India and Pakistan are at perpetual tension and border skirmishes continue to happen. The two have fought four hot wars. Any escalation in tension due to terrorist violence or otherwise could trigger the threat of nuclear weapons. It is therefore imperative that south Asia is declared nuclear weapons free zone and the two countries join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The Session was chaired by Dr P S Brar and Dr Bholanath Saha. Dr Nara Singh gave an account of history of IPPNW and IDPD and its contribution for peace and health.
Dr. Aditya Mukherjee, a prominent historian said that the communal division in the country is a product of colonial rule and their machinations to continue to rule by dividing the society. The Indian National freedom movement was based on the values of secularism democracy and inclusiveness. All these are under threat now under the present right wing rabidly communal fascist government. It is time to forcefully counter them ideologically. Dr Kalanidhi Veerasamy MP said that there have been aberrations in the form of caste divisions into upper and lower castes. This has economic background as the powerful never wanted to share the wealth with the poor. Dr Ravindranath and Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh chaired the session.
In the session on Social Activism among Doctors, Dr Anjali Mehta made a presentation on the climate crisis as a result of use of Plastics. She presented her innovation of non-plastic PPEs to save environment. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman warned that Communal hatred is becoming a serious public health crisis. Dr Jaswinder Singh and Dr Gurveer Singh shared their experience of organising medical camps for the farmers. Dr Subhas Chakraborty said that harmony in the society is of utmost importance for inclusive growth. Dr Rakibuddin told that they hold free medical camps in Imphal.
Dr Binoy Biswam MP greeted the conference with hope that this would prove a milestone for the cause of peace and health. He assured all help in the parliament.
The students conference which was participated by large number of students had very effective deliberations on nuclear disarmament, climate crisis, gender inequality and crisis of healthcare. Young doctors and students were honoured by Dr Navinder Singh Bawa and Dr Jeetendra Singh by presenting medals for their activism for social cause.
Others who participated in organising the event actively include Dr Jasdeep Kaur, Dr Nirmal Dhiman, Dr Surj Dhillon, Dr Seerat Sekhon, Dr Rajat Grover, Dr Rajni, Liza, Col (Retd) Tarun Mitra, Vivek Chaudhary, Dr Ramesh, Dr Sharad.
The conference elected a new team to run the affairs with Dr S S Soodan and the Patron. Dr Arun Mitra as President and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman the General Secretary. Ms. Sanjeevni Sankhala and Mr. Srinath Vasudevan were elected as National Students Representatives.
Dr Arun Mitra
M: 9417000360
CNDP Statement on AUKUS and Quad
Date: 26.09.2021
CNDP Statement on AUKUS and Quad
- The Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), India expresses its deep concern at the U.S. agreement to sell nuclear submarines and Tomahawk missiles to Australia and also at the ongoing quadrilateral security dialogue of which India is a part.
- We call attention to the absurdity of U.S. involvement in a security dialogue in the Asia- Pacific region. The United States has no legitimate security interests in this part of the globe and is simply looking to confront and thereby contain China, which it perceives as a threat to U.S. hegemony.
- The United States finds itself unable to maintain its economic hegemony, which has been in steady decline. But U.S. military hegemony remains unchallenged and, for decades, the United States has accounted for 40% of world military expenditure. As a declining empire, the United States seeks confrontation where it is strongest: by fostering a new arms race in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the wake of what has happened in Afghanistan these US machinations will, as a reaction, promote a counter-alliance between China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan that worsens the prospects of peace and stability in South Asia as well as furthering a nuclear and conventional arms race in this region.
- The U.S.-Australia agreement involves the sale of nuclear submarines that function using highly enriched uranium (HEU). HEU can also be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. This agreement sets a precedent for trade in HEU and therefore undermines arms-control efforts. We call attention to the hypocrisy of the United States and Australia who have previously been vocal on questions of non-proliferation when it suits their interests. It is possible that this precedent will encourage governments in India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and others to seek trade in HEU.
- The sale of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Australia undermines the Missile Technology Control Regime.
- France's dismay at the U.S.-Australia deal is not simply because it has lost a lucrative defence contract. France lays claim to the world's largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) involving large areas around islands in the South Pacific region that it thereby patrols. The EEZs of the US and Australia are the second and third largest respectively.
It is notable that all three countries involved hereare either colonial states or settler-colonial states and these large EEZ’s are reminders of how they continue to exploit this legacy. This deal is an indication that'protection' of their respective EEZs will be further militarised thus reinforcing the privatisation of the resources of the seas and oceans when this should be a part of humanity's common heritage.
- We find it deplorable that the Indian government seeks to play the role of a junior partner of the United States in these geopolitical machinations.
- We urge the Indian government to challenge these attempts to militarize and colonize the seas. We also urge the Indian government to stay clear of the emerging conflict between the U.S. and China and adopt an independent foreign policy.
- As the COVID-19 pandemic reminds us, nuclear weapons and military expenditure have very little to do with the true challenges that face humanity in the 21st century. Peace, international cooperation and investment in peoples' welfare instead of weapons serve as far better guarantors of a country's security.
Achin Vanaik
Arun Mitra
Lalita Ramdas
N.D. Jayaprakash
Sukla Sen
Suvrat Raju
(Statement committee of the CNDP)
Webinar on Forward to Global Nuclear Disarmament
Date: 08.08.2021
Report of the Webinar on Forward to Global Nuclear Disarmament
A Webinar on "Forward to Global Nuclear Disarmament" was organized on 8th August 2021 by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) and National Alliance of Anti Nuclear Movements (NAAM) to pay homage to the victims of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The international level webinar was run live on Facebook by Dr. Arun Mitra – Co President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) & Senior Vice President IDPD introduced the theme of the seminar.
Giving his presentation on Dangers of Nuclear Arms Race – Global and South Asian Scenario, Dr. Suvrat Raju a Theoretical Physicist said that the nuclear arms race goes unabated. Behind this is the hegemonistic tendency by the nuclear powers. The danger of nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan is real and grave as both the countries have threatened each other with the use of nuclear weapons. He stressed that one should recognise the need to connect the struggle for Nuclear disarmament to struggle against hegemonic and militarist ambitions held by the US and others.
Dr. Tilman Ruff – Co President IPPNW speaking on Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons – Where are we now said that the TPNW is a great achievement on the part of peace movement because despite tremendous pressure by the five major nuclear powers the world community voted for the treaty at the UN. The treaty is already in force. The task ahead now is to convince the nuclear weapons possessing countries to shun these weapons by joining the treaty. The meeting of the state parties scheduled in January 2022 is an important event.
S P Uday Kumar – Coordinator NAAM speaking on Pursuit of Nuclear Energy in India and its implications said that despite huge expenditure and putting the lives of the people at risk by the nuclear energy its contribution in the electricity production is only 2%. Those opposing the nuclear energy are labelled as anti nationals and charged under sedition. This is totally non transparent; so much so that issue can not be raised in the Parliament.
Harchand Bath- Deputy General Secretary AIPSO said that there is a need for building broad movement for nuclear disarmament. People’s initiatives are the key to strengthen this narrative which is at lowest ebb at present. We have to spread the message of this webinar and build movement.
Achin Vanaik hailed Bangladesh government for its ratifying the treaty. Bangladesh can be nodal point in initiating dialogue for a nuclear free South Asia. He further pointed out the need to put pressure on the US to ratify the CTBT following which China would do so and India and Pakistan would be under great international pressure to themselves join and ratify the CTBT. This outcome would be a small but necessary step forward to greater nuclear sanity.
Dr Kamrul H Khan – Deputy Speaker International Council IPPNW and President PSR Bangladesh assured that he will take up the matter at higher level in his country once there is some stabilisation of the COVID.
Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD who chaired the session cautioned that a nuclear fall out is much worse than any pandemic. We have no vaccination against nuclear weapons.
Amarjeet Kaur – General Secretary AITUC talked of the impact of COVID on the working people particularly the women. She warned that spending on the arms, specially the nuclear arms is costing the welfare of working men and women.
Ulfat Pardesi – International Students Representative IPPNW said that students and youth with their energy and knowledge have to be empowered to work for peace and health.
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD stressed on the need to follow up with such events to build the narrative for nuclear disarmament and peace.
Ann Frisch – Rotarian Action Group said that the Rotarians will make a special programme of action on this.
Dr N S Bawa – Senior Vice President IDPD said that the younger generation should be encouraged to come forward to carry the banner for peace.
Others who participated in the deliberations include Admiral Ramdas, Lalita Ramdas, Dr Pawan Arya, Urvarshi Sarkar.
Large number of people participated in the event at Zoom and Facebook.
Link of Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/100002844228175/videos/1472544239777570/
Dr Arun Mitra
IDPD to launch campaign on “Medicines for All – Vaccines for All”
Date: 23.05.2021
IDPD to launch campaign on “Medicines for All – Vaccines for All”
Deciding to raise voice for waiving off Patent rights on medicines, the IDPD formalized action plan to launch nationwide campaign on “Medicines for All – Vaccines for All”. The decision was taken in a webinar organized by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development IDPD on “ Patent Free Medicines”. Participants from all parts of the country took part in the webinar deliberations. Inaugurating the event
Dr Vandna Shiva, a crusader for equity in trade practices and abolition of patent laws in medicine and agriculture warned that it is not just the medicines or the vaccines , the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) have patented each and every food product. It is astonishing to note that even the bacteria and viruses including the Corona Virus have been patented. This denies the right of a person, a community or country over its own produce. She said that the earlier process patent was changed into product patent under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime. As a result the developing countries are under several constraints to develop cheap medicines. She contended the claim of the MNCs that they are doing research so have the right to earn profit. Most of the research done worldwide is by the Public institutions and through public funding. Bill Gates who till date had the image of a philanthropist stands exposed as a thoroughly insensitive businessman who wants to make huge profit in this hour of global health crises by denying the transfer of vaccine technology to the developing countries. This has to be changed through public movements and the governments have to be forced not to work under the diktats of corporations or persons like Bill Gates. Several participants who took part in the discussion criticized callousness of our government in regard to preparations for the pandemic despite information about it. The failure to provide oxygen, medicines and other equipment led to death of several people. The policy on vaccines has utterly failed. There is need to develop indigenous vaccines. The Public Sector Units engaged in the work for a long time should be reopened. The Webinar decided to launch a campaign “Medicines for All – Vaccines for All”. For this various likeminded organisations and persons will be brought together under one platform. Special emphasis will be laid on solidarity and coordination with the farmers as food security and health are the basics. The session was chaired by Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary initiated the discussion. Dr Arun Mitra Vice President IDPD summed up the discussion. Those who participated in the deliberations include Dr Anjali Mehta, Dr Chandra Pandav, Dr Divakar, Dr Dharmendra, Dr Gurpreet Rattan, Dr Jitendra Pariyar, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Dr Jeetendra Singh, Dr Rajani, Dr Rubaldeep Kaur, Dr T V Govindan, Dr V Sadanandam, Dr B K Pandey, Dr Pawan Kumar Arya, Dr Shankhadhwaj Borah, Dr Gurveer Singh, Dr K Puranchandra Rao, Dr Karanjit Singh, Mr.Kondaiah, Ms.Madhu, Dr Soma Marla, Dr Monika Dhawan, Dr Param Saini, Dr Paramjit Singh, Dr Pradeep, Dr Rameshwar, Dr Roshan Lal Taneja, Dr Sajeed Abdul Rahman, Dr Sakshi Kukreja, Dr Shakti Kumar Prabhakar, Dr Shankar, Dr Shyam Sunder Reddy, Dr Siddhartha S Mukhopa, Dr Sarita Pandey, Dr Sujay Kumar, Dr Vinod Garg, Dr Vinod Verma, Dr Suraj Dhilon.
Universal healthcare system the only the way to meet calamities like COVID – IDPD
16 May 2021
IDPD Webinar Report
Universal healthcare system the only the way to meet calamities like COVID – IDPD
A webinar on COVID Crisis and failure of healthcare system organized by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) called for universal healthcare system to prevent and minimized the impact of Pandemic like the present COVID-19. A seminar was chaired by Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD. Those who participated in the discussion include Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary, Dr G M Malik, Dr M Nara Singh & Dr Ravindranath – Vice President, Dr Shanthi – Member Central Council, Dr Chandrakant Pandav – Former Head Center for Community Medicine (CCM) AIIMS, Dr K Manglem Singh – General Secretary IDPD Manipur, Dr Rakibuddin – Manipur, Dr Anjali Mehta – Social Activist, Dr Jaswinder – Member Central Council, Amarjeet Kaur – General Secretary AITUC, Dr Jeetendra Singh – Secretary IDPD and Dr Arun Mitra – Sevior Vice President.
Introducing the subject Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman said that the government has proven to be totally insensitive to the warnings on pandemic of COVID-19. They encouraged fudging of data to show their successes but every things stands exposed now. I.e in Gujrat same period last year 58000 people have died while this year 1.23 lakh people died during 71 days from March to May. Such acts not only belie the truth but also deny information which could be used for management of the events in future.
Dr Pandav pointed out that in such situation science society and statesmanship are important. Therefore it is important that the Epidemiologists, behavioural scientists, public health experts should be taken into strategy making. But this did not happen. Because of such approach several diseases are not being controlled. We are loosing 8000 children per day due to lack of nutrition. Lockdown aggravated the poverty. We must follow COVID appropriate behavior – mask, physical distancing & social connectivity, washing/sanitizing hands, we must allocate funds for prevention – 60% for primary prevention, 30% for secondary prevention, 10% for tertiary prevention. We should unite different organisations working for similar cause.
Dr Anjali Mehta – Outline few points 1.Involve Serpanches for vaccination in rural areas, 2.Deffer elections, 3.Medicine in abundant supply, 4.Actual data to be made public, 5.Due compensation to the frontline workers, 6.Stop harassment of the health NGOs.
Dr M Nara Singh – Said that IDPD has to take lead in serving the people in this crisis time.
Dr Ksh Manglem Singh – Said that IDPD Manipur will make programme for the people.
Dr Raqib – Said that they are doing public service by giving cost effective treatment and distributed medicines.
Dr Jaswinder – Said that the disease is spreading to rural areas now which is a serious matter.
Dr G M Malik – said that all health workers must get vaccinated. The service of Health workers engaged in COVID management should be duly recognized. He also said that we should pass resolution for peace between Israel and Palestine.
Dr Jeetendra Singh – said that Maharashtra situation is better now. There is need for better compliance.
Dr Shanthi said that despite good infrastructure number of cases in Tamil Nadu is quite high. Exact data is not being told. There should be expert committee to make the policy. For the time being NEET should be done away with and states should do admissions.
Amarjeet Kaur – cautioned that government is not sincere. They are fudging data in all this spheres. People’s voice has to be made strong. Migration is continuing. The government is repressive against those raising the issues.
Dr Ravindranath appreciated the initiative.
Dr Arun Mitra said that we have to make programme for health education and lessons from Pandemic.
Dr S S Soodan cautioned that gravity of the situation has to be understood to meet the future challenges.
IPPNW South Asia Webinar on “Lessons from Pandemic – Build Hospitals not Bombs”
Date: 25.04.2021
IPPNW South Asia Webinar on “Lessons from Pandemic – Build Hospitals not Bombs”
Participants – Dr Tipu Sultan – Pakistan, Dr Kamrul H Khan, Dr Salek, Dr Moshiur Rahman – Bangladesh, Dr Arun Dixit, Dr Sharad Onta, Sudarshan Acharya - Nepal, Dr S S Soodan, Dr Arun Mitra, Dr G M Malik, Dr Jeetendra Singh, Dr S K Prabhakar, Dr Ulfat Pardesi, Dr Ankita, Amarjeet Kaur, Dr Pradeep, Achin Vanaik, Linnah Mariyam & Swaroop Singh – India, Dr Olga – Russia, Chuck Johnson – Central Office USA
Dr S S Soodan chaired the session. He welcomed the participants and gave a brief account of need to hold this webinar.
Dr Salek, Dr Arun Dixit and Dr Tipu Sultan gave an account of COVID situation in their respective countries.
Achin Vanaik spoke on the problem of arms race in South Asia and its relation to the global situation. He suggested for a face to face meeting of peace organisations in Bangladesh followed by interaction with the government. He further outline that:
- Kashmir should be declared as nuclear weapon free zone.
- India and Pakistan should declare military disengagement zone.
- They should sing a no war pact
- Nepal and Bangladesh should declare themselves as nuclear weapons free zone and impress upon India and Pakistan to do the same.
- Nepal should ratify the TPNW
- Middle classes should be engaged more in the peace movement.
Dr Kamrul expressed support to Achin’s proposals and agreed to organize a meet in Dhaka when the situation of COIVD improves.
Dr Ulfat gave an 11 point programme for the students to work in such situation.
Dr Jeetednra said that such activities have to be continued.
Dr Olga expressed cooperation with South Asia.
Chuck Johnson said that IPPNW would be supportive of Bangladesh meet.
Dr Arun Mitra summed up the deliberations. He also proposed a broad joint Webinar of different peace organization in South Asian countries. He also said that there should be joint web meets among the affiliates of South Asia with other regional groups.
IPPNW International Council Meeting and Election
Date: 21.02.2021
IPPNW International Council Meeting and Election
In the virtual meeting of the International Council of IPPNW held on 21st February 2021 a new board was elected
Dr Arun Mitra – Senior Vice President IDPD and Co President IPPNW was re-elected as Co President IPPNW in the virtual IC meeting held on 21 February 2021.
Ms. Ulfat Pardesi of Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nasik was elected as International Student Representative of the IPPNW.
IDPD demands all nuclear weapons states to join TPNW
20.02.2021
IDPD demands all nuclear weapons states to join TPNW
Seminar on TPNW in Imphal capital of Manipur in North East India
The Manipur state unit of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) held a seminar on “Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons – A Landmark Event to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” on 20th February 2021. The seminar was presided by Dr Moirangthem Nara Singh, President of the unit. Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW was the main speaker on the occasion. Through a power point presentation he gave detailed account of the disastrous effect of nuclear weapons. He highlighted the role of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear Weapons (IPPNW) in raising the humanitarian consequence of the nuclear weapons. He said that at the initiative of IPPNW the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) came into being. The TPNW is a big achievement of the ICAN and a moral victory of the peace movement. But much needs to be done to make the nuclear weapons possessing countries to join the treaty. Dr Ksh Manglem Singh – General Secretary of the Manipur state unit welcomed the guests and said that they would involve people at large to build public opinion for a nuclear weapons free world. Others who addressed include Dr. Chaurajit Ksh - Vice President of IDPD Manipur State, Dr. Y Mohen Singh – Vice President of IDPD Manipur state, Dr. Syed Burhanuddin - Senior Consultant Surgeon, Dr. Nandini Elangbam – ENT Surgeon and Dr. MD . Rakibuddin -Assistant Secretary IDPD Manipur.
Dr Arun Mitra
Webinar of South Asian Affiliates of IPPNW
Notes from the
Webinar of South Asian Affiliates of IPPNW
26th September 2020
A Webinar of the South Asian affiliates of IPPNW was held on 26th September 2020 on “Combating Triple Threat - COVID 19, Climate Change and Arms Race”. Webinar was attended by representatives of IPPNW affiliates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.
The session was:
Chaired by Dr Kamrul H Khan Regional Vice President of International Physician for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and President Physicians for Social Responsibility Bangladesh (PSRB)
Moderated by Dr Arun Mitra Co-President IPPNW
Main speakers: Maj. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal,
Dr Meghnath Dhimal - Chief of Research Division, Nepal Health Research Council
Dr Suvrat Raju – Theoretical Physicist from Bangalore
Dr Sarwar Ali – Founder President IPPNW Bangladesh
The Panelists included:
Dr Asoka Hettiracchhi – General Secretary Sri Lankan Doctors for Peace and
Development (SDPD)
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman - General Secretary, Indian Doctors for Peace and
Development (IDPD)
Dr Tipu Sultan – President Pakistan Doctors for Peace and
Development (PDPD)
Dr Arun Dixit – General Secretary, Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal(PSRN)
Dr S S Soodan President IDPD welcomed all the participants with a caution to be prepared for a hard struggle to meet the three above mentioned challenges.
Maj. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal in his presentation on “Post COVID Global Scenario” warned that the military industrial complex is steadily increasing its arms expenditure despite the COVID crisis. This is likely to continue and threaten the mankind. Asia has become the centre of wars at present and has maximum number of nuclear weapons possessing countries viz India, Pakistan, China, Israel and North Korea. He also said that it is important for the global community to work for carbon mitigation. Nuclear menace must be checked.
Dr Meghnath Dhimal - Chief of Research Division, Nepal Health Research Council in his presentation on “Challenge of Climate Change” highlighted the dangers on human life by global warming which is resulting in rise in the ocean levels and also changes in the diseases patterns. He called for a concerted global effort to meet this. It is important to achieve zero emission by 2050. Two degree centigrade rise in temperature can seriously affect the life of 50 million people.
Dr Suvrat Raju – Theoretical Physicist from Bangalore said that South Asia is endangered by the ongoing arms race between India and Pakistan. The nuclear doctrines of the two countries can at any time add to the flash point and trigger use of nuclear weapons. Whereas the pandemic should have been a warning to reduce the spending on arms but instead there is a danger that the governments may divert the attention of the people from their failure to tackle the pandemic effectively and raise the bogey of threat from the other.
Dr Sarwar Ali – Founder President IPPNW Bangladesh asked for a continuous dialogue between the South Asian countries to achieve a lasting peace. He referred to Indo Pak relations in particulars which need to be improved through mutual dialogue. There is need to reduce the economic disparities through inclusive growth.
Dr Asoka Hettiracchhi cautioned that violence is a serious threat and this culture has to be checked through affective peoples participation. The US is continuously increasing the arms expenditure and its missile programmes.
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman said that health should be at the centre stage of all planning. Hungry and malnourished people cannot contribute to development.
Dr Tipu Sultan said that it is unfortunate that India and Pakistan are spending huge amount on the arms race. Mutual dialogue is must.
Dr Arun Dixit expressed grave concern at the increasing socio economic disparities which become one of the causes of conflict. He said that the PSR Nepal is much concerned about the ratification of the TPNW by his government. For this they had organized a South Asian IPPNW affiliates’ delegation and met the Foreign Minister, Speaker of the House and advisor of Prime Minister. They assured the delegation of early action in this regard.
Initiating the discussion:
Dr G M Malik Vice President IDPD said that Kashmir is sitting on power keg. Any conflict involving India, Pakistan and China directly effects Kashmir region. The stand-off between India and China at the LAC is a very serious matter. He appealed for urgent measures for nuclear disarmament in the region and for continuous dialogue to reduce the tension.
Dr Sharad Onta from Nepal said that coming together is the only way to move forward.
Dr Bharat Pardhan from Nepal appealed for a public campaign for health and peace.
Dr Shankar Rai from Nepal demanded that once the vaccine against COVID is ready it must be provided equally to the people around the globe without any socio economic disparities.
Dr Bansidhar Mishra Nepal Ambassador to Bangladesh said that South Asia must revive SAARC and make it effective.
The webinar decided to write to all heads of the states in South Asia asking for nuclear disarmament and diversion of funds to health.
Dr Arun Mitra
Co-President IPPNW
Dr Kamrul H Khan
Regional Vice President South Asia IPPNW
IPPNW South Asia Webinar 2 Aug 2020
Notes from the Webinar
South Asian Affiliates of IPPNW, held on 2nd August 2020
A Webinar of the South Asian affiliates of IPPNW was held on 2nd August 2020 on Combating Triple Threat - COVID 19, Climate Change and Arms Race. Webinar was attended by representatives of IPPNW affiliates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. It was chaired by Dr Kamrul H Khan Regional Vice President of IPPNW and was moderated by Dr Arun Mitra Co-President IPPNW. Bjorn Hilt, Chair of the IPPNW Board made his pleasant presence in the webinar. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal honoured the event with his participation.
Various speakers in the webinar gave their view point on the situation of COVID in their respective countries. There was a general consensus that the governments were late in responding to the crisis. Therefore barring Sri Lanka all the countries have high number of cases. Fortunately the mortality rate in all the South Asian countries is not too high for the reasons unknown till date. Whereas initially the disease spread more among the affluent section of the society but gradually the lower income group too have been affected. Poor public health system in the countries of South Asia became a cause for spread of the disease to this extent. Delayed response to the crisis led to inadequacy in the preparation to face the disease in this specific situation when we do not have sufficient knowledge about the spread and effects of virus. Due to restricted activities as a result of lockdown the economic crisis that ensued affected the marginalized sections of the society very gravely. This has led to serious issues of hunger and nutrition deficiency among the low income groups. This is bound to have a long lasting impact on the health of the children in particular. Unfortunately there was poor support by the governments in most of the places. Mental health issues which became grave in such situation have been broadly ignored by the governments. The meeting decried violation of human rights by the governments in different places who tackled the pandemic like a law and order problem. The situation got chaotic as the politicians took over and public health principles were ignored. Professionals should be allowed to handle the medical issues and ensure care and safety of corona warriors. The meeting opined that public health issues are common in the South Asian countries. There is need for respective governments to join hands together and with civil society.
There was satisfaction at that there is global effort being made to produce the vaccine, but there is skepticism that the vaccines will be used for making profits by the companies because of which these will be out of reach of the poor sections. Therefore it was demanded that the vaccine should not be patented in the interest of the global community particularly the poor countries and equality in its distribution and use among the public at large has to be ensured. The meeting was of the concerted opinion that the South Asian countries should have coordinated among themselves and learnt from each-others success stories. But this did not happen. Still there is time and opportunity is not lost. The forums like SAARC should come forward to make such cooperation happen. Therefore it is imperative that the South Asian countries should shun the arm race and spend money on tackling the COVID, producing vaccine and on health in the long run. It was decided to write a joint letter to all the heads of states demanding the following:
- South Asian countries should increase the public health spending to a minimum of 5% of the GDP.
- The South Asian countries as members of the SAARC should increase their cooperation in fighting such pandemics as well as other health related issues in region.
- We should develop a continuous system of sharing of knowledge on the health issues in different countries of our region and also try to learn from health care delivery system in each country.
- We should also devise means to make people of the region to travel to other countries for healthcare needs without any visa problems.
- Countries of the region should hold continuous mutual dialogue to sort out problems between them.
- We should have a joint platform to sort out the food security issues in the region
- We should reduce spending on the arms and instead spend on the health care issues.
On the eve of 75th anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki an appeal was made to India and Pakistan as well as to China to shun the nuclear weapons and declare the region as a nuclear free zone and join the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a step forward to abolition of nuclear weapons.
Bjorn Hilt, Chairman of the IPPNW Board gave an account of the situation of COVID – 19 in Nordic countries in particular and Europe in general. He informed that next world congress which was due to be held in Mombasa in May this year has been postpone to the fall of 2021.
Meeting held special discussion on the 75th anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and expected from the global community to learn from that event and desist from arms race and join the TPNW. It was decided to observe in some form or the other the events to pay homage to the victims of atomic bombing in Japan in 1945. It was also decided to hold a South Asian seminar on 26th September 2020, the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Various affiliates expressed their earnest desire to participate in the world congress in 2021 but expressed inability to commit the numbers at this moment because of uncertainty in the COVID situation. They informed Bjorn that as the situation improves each affiliate will communicate about it.
The meeting felt that we should start working on a blueprint for a post- covid 19 world order as suggested by Maj. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal.
Those who participated in the deliberations include Doctors Tipu Sultan – President Pakistan Doctors for Peace and Development (PDPD), Kamrul H Khan – Regional Vice President IPPNW & President PSR Bangladesh, AKM Salek – General Secretary PSR Bangladesh, Sharad Onta – President PSR Nepal, Arun Dixit – General Secretary PSR Nepal, Sarita Pandey - Nepal, Shankar Rai - Nepal, Asoka Hettiaracchi – President Sri Lankan Doctors for Peace and Development (SDPD), S S Soodan – President - IDPD, Arun Mitra – Co-President IPPNW, Satyajit Kumar Singh – Senior Vice President IDPD, Ravindranath – Vice President IDPD, Jeetendra Singh – Secretary IDPD, Balbir Singh - India, Sham Sunder Deepti - India, Jaswinder Singh - India, Shanthi-India, Anjli Mehta-India, Mej. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal - India, Chetna Singh – India, Shakti Kumar – India , Bjorn Hilt – Chairman of the Board IPPNW.
It was also decided to make such webinars or web meetings a regular feature. Dr Kamrul concluded the meeting with special thanks to Bjorn who attended the webinar especially on behalf for IPPNW Board.
International Seminar 14 March 2020 at New Delhi
The participants at the international seminar ”Against the Bomb: for Peace, Health and Development” expressed deep concern at the ongoing violence around the globe. Even ‘low intensity conflicts’ involving nuclear weapons powers as in South Asia and Northeast Asia can pose a threat of escalation which could lead to the actual use of nuclear weapons. The seminar was organized by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), India on 14-15 March 2020 at India International Centre, New Delhi. The seminar was attended by 65 participants from 13 states, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and J & K. The Co President of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), Dr Tilman Ruff sent a very effective video message for the seminar. Former President of IPPNW, Dr.Vappu Taipale and Ilka Taipale also sent their video messages.
The subjects discussed at the seminar included Abolition of Nuclear Weapons – the Way Forward, Building Peace Movement in the subcontinent, Arms Race in South Asia – Imminent Dangers and the Way Ahead, Militarization, Nuclearization and Climate Change – A Threat to Future Generations, Organised Violence - Challenge for Health (in reference to violence in Delhi), Climate Protection - Renewable vs Nuclear energy and the Health Scenario in India.
Prominent speakers include Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW, Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD, Maj Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal, Achin Vanaik - CNDP, Anil Chaudhary - CNDP, Dr Dinesh Varshney, Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh, Dr Ajay Mishra, Dr Dori Lall, Dr Sonali, Dr Vaishali Patil, Dr Nara Singh, Dr Manglem Singh, Dr Yudhisthir Dass, Dr Asis Debbarma, Dr J.K.Ghosh, Dr Dharmendra Kumar, Ms.Amarjeet Kaur, Ms.Wahida Ismail, N.D. Jayprakash, Dr Sadanandam, Dr Bibha Singh, Dr Akhilesh Aggarwal.
The session on dialogue with youth and students was chaired by Dr Chetna Hans. Others who participated in the discussion in this session included Dr Gaganpreet Singh, Dr Hemant Rathore, Dr Suraj Dhillon, Mr.Vicky Mahesri, Dr.Bharti Sharma.
The seminar decided to strengthen the peace movement and took the following decisions:
- To plan a delegation to Bangladesh to discuss with the government what steps it could take to promote greater nuclear sanity regionally and globally.
- To follow up with the Nepal Government on its need to ratify the TPNW.
- To prepare a document on the violence in Delhi as part of an outreach to promote social harmony. For this to organize interactive sessions with students in particular in the colleges.
- To educate the people on health impact of uranium mining.
- To prepare a questionnaire of FAQs on the effect of nuclear power plants on health.
- To prepare a ‘climate change’ training material.
- Increase the use of social media for spreading the message.
- To integrate the issues of war and violence with local issues.
- To make progressive films and cultural festivals.
- IDPD, CNDP , NAAM and PMANE have agreed to jointly promote a campaign “From Hiroshima to Fukushima “ in this the 75th Year since Hiroshima/Nagasaki .
IDPD Meetings in Jammu
10th October 2019 Jammu, Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW and Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD and Dr Neera held an interactive session with a group of students at Acharya Shrichand College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) Jammu. They asked the students to step up the activities for peace and health which is particularly important in the present situation.
Medical students motivated to work for peace and health - IDPD Meet at Jammu
28th October 2019 Jammu, Dr. Aanieq Moghal of Acharya Shrichand College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) Jammu addressed the students of First profs on the aims and objects of IDPD and IPPNW. He explained them the workings and aims of the organization and the activities done in the past. He urged the young doctors to be to join hands with IDPD from the very beginning and explained the registration process. Students showed a lot of enthusiasm and came in good numbers for registration.
Press conference by Dr Arun Mitra on health situation in Kashmir
Date: 11.10.2019
Press conference by Dr Arun Mitra on health situation in Kashmir
HEALTH SHOULD NOT BE A VICTIM OF POLITICAL MACHINATIONS
People reeling in stress conditions
AN EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT OF HEALTH SCENARIO IN KASHMIR VALLEY
Healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen. Under no circumstances it should become victim particularly under politically made situation. There have been several reports about health care problems in the Kashmir valley after imposition of curbs on 5th August 2019. Dr Arun Mitra, Co-President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear war (IPPNW) a Nobel Peace Prize winning organization in 1985 and then in 2017 as a partner in International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and Senior Vice President Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) visited the Kashmir valley in this regard to assess the health care situation there after imposition of curbs. Some doctors belonging to Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH) had requested the union Home Minister to facilitate their visit to the valley to assess healthcare situation. But it is unfortunate the minister did not care to reply. The issue was highlighted after Dr. Omar, a Urologist was detained when he requested for removal of curbs on movement of doctors and patients and ensure supply of medical equipment needed for Dialysis and other problems.
Psychological problems are plenty and are going to take toll of the society in times to come. The people are living under extreme stress with a defeatist feeling and being cheated. They fear talking about their feelings to anyone. There is total lack of trust. There is a general feeling among the population that over 11000 thousand people have been detained and sent to other states. They are being put in jails in Agra, Delhi and other places and that they are being maltreated in extremely inhuman conditions. Such information increases the stress and fills the people with anger and helplessness. Children are not attending schools for over 70 days. They are full of stress and anger. Small children ask their parents why they are not going to school. They miss their friends and class and fear losing their career. Colleges too are closed. Young boys are very angry and stressed up. The parents are always afraid that if the children go to school what is the guarantee that they will come back safe. Since they do not have any communication system they feel it dangerous to be disconnected from children.
There is difficulty in connectivity with the doctor. In the event of emergency the patients are not able to call their doctor because of absence of telecommunication services. Only land lines are working that too erratically. A miniscule population has land line telephones. Even communication amongst the doctors is not there. This affects cross consultation among doctors. In the absence of public transport system people find it very hard to take the patient to doctor particularly from far flung areas.
There is problem of supply of drugs particularly the anti-cancer and anti-diabetic drugs. In the absence of internet, placing order for supply of drugs and medical equipment is very difficult including billing.
Since no business activity is going on people’s economic situation is deteriorating. Daily wage earners and small business, the transporters and the Shikara people are affected very hard. As a result of apprehension of some drastic action by the government people had stocked staple food like rice. This would finish soon. That would be a serious situation. People from low socio economic strata were quite vocal about that their first necessity is food to live which is getting difficult every day. It is obvious that when there is no proper nutrition health is going to suffer.
Suggestions to improve health services:
- Ensure complete drug supply.
- Ensure movement of patients and doctors without hassles at any time of the day.
- Restore communication network including mobile phones and internet services immediately.
- Ensure transparency and remove curbs to win people’s confidence.
- Release arrested persons starting from children.
- Dialogue with all stake holders and ensure constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Any increase in tension between India and Pakistan is going to be dangerous since the two countries are nuclear possessing powers. Any escalation in tension between the two could pose threat of use of nuclear weapons which would be disastrous for the whole world and would put over 2 billion people at risk of starvation and death. Therefore no such steps should be taken from either side which could worsen the situation. For this dialogue between the two countries is essential.
It is important to make situation conducive for a detailed health study by independent groups.
Dr Arun Mitra
M: 9417000360
18 September 2019 Astana, Kazakhstan - International Practical-Scientific Antinuclear Conference
Need for persistent united movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons
Call by the International Practical-Scientific Antinuclear Conference held at Astana, Kazakhstan 18 September 2019
Kazakhstan had to bear maximum brunt of the nuclear detonations. In all 456 (340 underground and 116 aboveground) nuclear tests were conducted in Semipalatinsk region since 1949. These had serious health and environmental impact on the population. People of the area started anti nuclear movement under the leadership of a leading poet of Mr. Suleimenov Olzhas demanding ban on these tests. Ultimately they succeeded and the tests were banned in 1989 and the area was closed in 1991. This movement has been known as International Anti Nuclear Movement Neveda Semey.
A commemorative conference was held at Astana which related the movement to the present day context. Dr Arun Mitra, Co-President IPPNW was invited to address the inaugural plenary session. While upholding the success story of the Neveda Semey movement he called upon all the anti nuclear movements worldwide to unite for complete abolition of nuclear weapons. It is imperative, he said, that all nuclear weapons possessing countries join the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which was passed by the UN General Assembly with 122 votes in favour and only one vote against on 7th July 2017. He cautioned that this opportunity should not be missed. There are several low level conflict zones at present the world. These conflicts can escalate into larger wars where use of nuclear weapons may not be ruled out. South Asia is a serious conflict zone. Any nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan would put two billion people at risk globally.
The conference was addressed by representative from UNESCO, Minister of Culture & Sports Kazakhstan and speakers from Germany, Italy, India, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, China, Japan and France. In addition there were several presentations by Kazakh delegates.
(Text of the speech by Dr Arun Mitra is attached herewith)
31 August and 1 September IDPD National Conference held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
IDPD National Conference demands all nuclear weapons possessing countries to join TPNW
To work for Universal Healthcare
The 11th National Conference of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala called upon the nuclear weapons possessing countries to join the treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons (TPNW). The treaty was passed by the UN General assembly two years ago on 7thJuly 2017 by 122 countries voting in favour and only one against it. It was a moral defeat of the nuclear weapons possessing countries who did not join the deliberations. They should respect the global opinion for complete nuclear disarmament. Several areas of the world are having low level conflicts which have potential to escalate into larger wars. In such situations possibility of use of nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out. Our own region south Asia is under serious threat because of brewing tension between India and Pakistan. This has to be checked urgently the conference felt. It is unfortunate, the conference further felt that our government is entering into agreements with various countries to make arms for export purpose. This will seriously take away resources from social needs including health and education.
Healthcare in our country is already in serious crisis. Every year 6.3 crore people are pushed below poverty line as a result of out of pocket expenditure on health. Nearly 40% of people have to borrow money for indoor care and 25% for outdoor care. The Ayshman Bharat does not at all fulfill the healthcare needs of the people. It is meant for only 40% of population that too with several strings. There is no coverage for outpatient care while 70% of out of pocket expenditure is incurred on outpatient care. There is need for universal healthcare to be delivered by the government directly. The Ayshman Bharat is a scheme to give doles to the insurance companies and private sector. Conference noted with concern that there is no policy to streamline drug prices. This has to be done on priority basis.
The conference noted with concern healthcare situation in Kashmir. Curbs on movement of doctors and patients should be relaxed so that people can access to healthcare facilities freely. Check on movement is affecting supply of food and other essential material. This directly affects the nutrition and health particularly of the children. Government’s claim that healthcare situation is normal need to be reconfirmed by independent groups. For this willing doctors from other parts of the country should be allowed to go there to assess the situation an offer medical care if needed.
Conference also demanded a central act to prevent violence against doctors. Such incidents inhibit doctors from performing duties ethically. There is need for patient – public interactions for this.
Students conference cautioned against the national medical commission which will jeopardize the medical education system. It will make the education more expensive which in turn have effect on health care cost. Concerns of various states should be kept in mind while dealing with the admission process and other issues about medical education. Many students gave their presentations in the conference.
The conference elected the following team to carry forward the activities:
Advisors
Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal
Ms.Amarjeet Kaur
Dr Santokh Singh
Azeez Pasha
President
Dr S S Soodan
Sr Vice President
Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh
Dr Arun Mitra
Vice Presidents
Dr.Nara Singh
Dr Navinder Singh Bawa
Dr Tejbir Singh
Dr G.M.Malik
Dr Ravindranath
General Secretary
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman
Secretaries
Dr V Sadanandam
Dr.Yudhisthir Dass
Dr.Sudhir Dhakre
Dr.Subhash Chakaraborty
Dr Dharmendra Kumar
Dr Rajni
Dr Jeetendra Singh
Dr Sajeed A
Finance Secretary
Dr.Bharti Uppal
Student Coordinator
Dr Gaganpreet Singh
Student Co-Coordinators
Md. Rakibuddin, Manipur
Hariganesh, Tamil Nadu
Maharashtra
Shehbaz, Punjab
Sharad
Editorial Board
Dr.Sanjeev Uppal
Dr.Abhay Gour
Dr Sham Sunder Deepti
Dr Nilima Pathak
Members
Dr B Ranga Reddy
Dr Anil Pathak
Dr Anjali Mehta
Dr Sujatha
Dr Rajendra
Dr Balbir Singh
Dr Vasudevan K R
Dr Jasvinder Singh
Dr Karan Singh Chauhan
Dr Aneesh T S
Dr Mohan Lal
Dr Narjit Kaur
Dr Neelam
Dr Nirmal Dhiman
Dr P.S.Barar
Dr Rosenara
Dr Rajeev Munjal
Dr Asis Debburma
Dr B N Saha
Dr Shyam Sunder Telengana
Dr Sampath Rao
Dr Surinder Singh Sidhu
Dr Suwarna Fronseka
Dr Sudhan
Dr Manglem
Dr Chourjeet Singh
Dr Tej Ram Garg
Students’ Team
North East - Md. Rakibuddin
South - Vennela Vundinty
Central - Ankit Kumar
Small Arms Project - Onam Gupta
Student Members
Dr. Vennela
Dr Sirisha
Laithangbam Surjit Singh
Thiyam Pinkey Devi
Siddharth
Arshdeep Singh
Mr Ankush
Ankit K V -
Kritesh R
Arvindh Santosh
Naveen
Ganpathi
Rajesh Arora
Ankit Kumar
Raunak
Navchandra Keisham
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day observed in different places
4-6 August: Hiroshima day commemoration in Kathmandu Nepal
6 August 2019: Homage to the victims of Hiroshima atomic bombing at Bassi Pathana, Punjab.
9th August 2019 Nagasaki Day commemorated by planting saplings at Malwa Khalsa School for girls Ludhiana, Punjab.
9th August 2019 Homage to victims of atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki , Japan at Nasik, Maharshtra.
28 July 2019 Bikaner, Rajasthan Doctors as saviours of mankind – Dr Arun Mitra addresses the medical fraternity in Bikaner
Date: 28 July 2019
Doctors as saviours of mankind – Dr Arun Mitra addresses the medical fraternity in Bikaner
Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW called upon the medical fraternity to come forward and save the mankind from the catastrophe which could occur in the event of a nuclear exchange. Addressing a meet ‘Save the Saviour’ at Bikaner, Rajasthan as chief guest on 28th July, he gave details of the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. He referred to the study that over two billion people would be put at risk in the event of a limited nuclear exchange between India & Pakistan and also that in the event of nuclear exchange between the major nuclear powers whole of modern civilisattion could extinct. The event was organized by the magazine ‘Medical Buzz’ and attended by 375 doctors from Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. Dr Rajeev Munjal the chief editor of the magazine endorsed the views of Dr Mitra and assured of continuous support to the peace movement. The representatives of IDPD Rajasthan chapter Dr Dharmendra Kumar Verma, Dr Rameshwar Bhambu, Dr Tirath Sharma, Dr Manohar Swami and Dr Sohan Lal Saini actively participated in the event.
9 July 2019 Jammu: IDPD seminar on Peace, Health & Development at IDS Sehora, Jammu
IDPD seminar on Peace, Health & Development at IDS Sehora, Jammu
To commemorate the second anniversary of signing the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) by the united nations general assembly on 7th July 2017 and to create awareness in the society on the dangers of war, violence and nuclear proliferation in the region, a seminar on the theme ‘Peace, Health and Development’ was held by the IDPD (Indian Doctors for Peace and Development) at the Institute of Dental Sciences, Sehora, Jammu on 9th July 2019.
Dr Arun Mitra, the first Indian Co-President of IPPNW was the chief guest. He deliberated on the topics of healthcare, education, poverty and other socio-economic issues prevalent in the society. He outlined the contributions of the medical profession and the role of civil society all over the world on prevention of war and violence for a safe and healthy planet for future generations. It is imperative, he said that the nuclear weapons are abolished for good and the money being wasted be diverted for health and education. It is important that both India and Pakistan should hold dialogue to sort out the issues. Nuclear rhetoric will lead to mutually assured destruction.
Dr S.S Soodan, National President of IDPD (Indian Doctors for Peace and Development) highlighted the responsibilities and efforts of IDPD on promotion of Peace, Health and Development in India and stressed upon the significance of such awareness campaigns all over the country.
The Chairman Institute of Dental sciences, Dr R.K Suri and the entire management committee were appreciated by the IDPD for organizing this event in the premises of their Institute to promote issues on health, peace and development amongst the future doctors of the state. The Principal IDS, Dr Harvinder Singh, Vice Principal Dr Sarbjeet Singh, other faculty members and the students from IDS and Ascoms, Jammu actively participated in the seminar. Dr Bhavneet kaur, Head Department of Paediatric Dentistry and a member IDPD conducted the programme and also presented the vote of thanks.
Later in the day Dr Arun Mitra and Dr S S Soodan addressed a press conference.
Report of seminar on Healthcare Education Policy
Report of seminar on Healthcare Education Policy
A two days conference was organized on 29th and 30th June 2019 at the Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women, Jalandhar to debate the National Education Policy. On the second day, the 30th June deliberations were held on ‘Healthcare Education policy’ which is a component of the national education policy draft now in public domain. The event was attended by educationists from various fields and from different parts of Punjab. Main speakers included Dr Tejbir Singh – former Director Research and Medical Education Punjab and former Principal Govt. Medical College Amritsar and Vice Pesident Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), Dr Surinder Singh Sidhu-Professor of Anaesthesia Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences Jalandhar and Dr Arun Mitra- Sr. Vice President IDPD and member Core Committee Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH).
Dr Tejbir Singh said that medical education system is based on the healthcare system being promoted. The Bhore committee, way back in 1943, had come out with proposals of Healthcare for all citizens to be provided by the state irrespective of her/his socioeconomic status. This seemed to be the direction in early post-independence period. But in 1980s the whole scenario shifted. Even the WHO changed its stance under the pressure from the multinational corporations. The whole concept of medical education to produce social physicians changed to produce doctors to serve the corporate hospitals. Thus the concept of General Physicians got diluted. As a result we find mushrooming of private medical colleges which charge exorbitant tuition fees leading to reservation of seats in the medical colleges for the affluent sections. There is need to produce doctors who take care for the rural population. The whole concept of healthcare has to change to make the medical education responsive to the needs of society.
Dr Arun Mitra said that there is need for a public movement to make healthcare education pro-people. Unfortunately there is not big movement in the country on health issues. He cited that since 1990 till 2017 there have been opened 238 medical colleges in the country in Private Sector and only 115 in the state sector. Now the government wants to introduce exit exam which will be an additional burden on the students. The NEET too has several flaws in diverse country of ours where there are many state specific situations in the field of education. The government’s proposal to govern tuition fees only in 40% seats and leave the rest 60% to the private managements’ decision will be detrimental he cautioned.
Dr Surinder Sidhu cited the example of handing over the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Jalandhar which was built by the government to the Fortis group in the name of PPP. This amounts to handing over the state property to the corporates at throw away prices.
Principal Tarsem Bahiya said that citizen’s committees need to be formed on such issues of public importance. Dr Navjot Kaur , Principal of the host college said that such interactions should be taken down to the people. Others who addressed include Shri Satnam Channa, Shri Ramesh Nayyr, Dr N P Siingh and several educationists. The talks were followed by a healthy debate on the issue.
The event was co-organized by Jai Punjab Forum and Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women Jalandhar.
Dr Arun Mitra
The BMJ South Asia collection 2020 Authors consultation – May 29, Dubai
The BMJ South Asia collection 2020 Authors consultation – May 29, Dubai
Doctors from South Asian countries expressed concern over the uncertainties in South Asia due to continued rhetoric by the governments of India and Pakistan in the recent period. In a meeting organized by the British Medical Journal on 29th May 2019 in Dubai. Medical professionals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka gathered in “The BMJ South Asia collection 2020 Authors consultation”. The meeting discussed at length the health scenario in the region. They dwelt on the need for effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on health. The important focus of the discussion was goal 16 of the SDGs which lays stress on sustainable peace. Various speakers highlighted the need for mutual dialogue to sort out the issues among nations and demanded more people to people exchange to remove mistrust in the region. There was consensus on that the region should be nuclear weapon free and for this India and Pakistan should join the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Dr Arun Mitra, who represented IPPNW and IDPD, gave an account of Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear War. He shared his experience of having dialogue with the decision makers in Nepal. He informed that soon similar dialogue will be held in the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Dr.Kamran Abbasi from the editorial staff of BMJ told that they plan to bring out a special issue on South Asia in January 2020. Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta from Pakistan said that they would give inputs in the upcoming issue of the BMJ collectively by the doctors from India and Pakistan on the question of nuclear disarmament in the region.
Take Immediate Steps to stop war and resume dialogue
Date: 27.02.2019
Press Note
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) are perturbed at the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan. The ongoing air strikes will lead to development of extremely serious situation. In the statement Dr S S Soodan- President IDPD, Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman- General Secretary and Dr Arun Mitra- Sr. Vice President IDPD said that we demand both governments of Indian & Pakistan to show restraint and avoid any war like situation. We further demand immediate measures from both sides to de-escalate the situation and de-militarize borders by withdrawing troops to the peace time level.
We also take serious note of the negative role of by some of electronic media in eulogizing the war. They should stop such programmes and talk of peace instead. We demand from the governments of both Pakistan and India to initiate meaningful dialogue involving various stake holders.
Dr Arun Mitra
Sr. Vice President
M: 9417000360
Make Health a Fundamental Right
Date: 17.02.2019
Make Health a Fundamental Right
Seminar on “Present Health Scenario in India” at Amritsar
A seminar on “Present Health Scenario in India” held at Amritsar on 17th February 2019 at Virsa Vihar demanded Health to be declared as Fundamental Right. Pushing the health to the private sector outright will further marginalize the already deprived section. Government should fulfill its responsibility to give healthcare to all. The seminar was organized jointly by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), Folklore Research Academy, Virsa Vihar Society, Social Medicine Association and Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH). Addressing the seminar Dr Tejbir Singh, Vice President IDPD and former Principal Govt. Medical College Amritsar said that even though India is signatory to the Alma Ata Declaration, but it has failed to take steps for Healthcare to all. Successive governments have given least importance to health and have withdrawn their hands off responsibility to provide health care to the citizens. With the change in economic policies of neo liberalism under globalization healthcare has been left at the mercy of private sector. People have to shelve money for expenses on health from their pocket which is pushing 6.3 crore population below poverty line every year. Public spending on health is as low as 1.1% of the GDP as against the required minimum of 5%. Expenditure on preventive care is only 9.6%. There is no linkage of healthcare model to the nutritional needs, job security, housing, clean drinking water supply and sanitation.
Dr Arun Mitra – Senior Vice President of IDPD and member core committee of the ADEH regretted that even after so many years there is no rational drug policy. More than 67% expenses on health is on drugs. There is huge profit margin on drugs. Even the government’s own committee on trade margins had pointed out this fact in 2015 and recommended capping of the trade margin to a maximum of 35%. But no action has been taken by the government. As a result the patients are being fleeced. He pointed out that public sector pharmaceutical units have been producing cheap bulk drugs for not only India but also for several other countries. He demanded that there should be a rational drug policy based on one drug one price, trade margin at not more that 35%, price of the medicines should be fixed based on the cost involved on its production and strengthening of public sector pharmaceutical units. He said that there is need to make healthcare a public agenda.
Dr Sham Sunder Deepti – Prof. Community Medicine Govt. Medical College Amritsar said India has to adopt a people centric healthcare model. But unfortunately we have adopted the US model of purchasing the healthcare. The much propagated Ayshman Bharat is limited to less than half population, that too only for inpatient care. The whole exercise is also to benefit the insurance companies. There is project based piecemeal approach in healthcare. This has to be changed with comprehensive model of healthcare.
Dr Karamjeet Singh Gill asked the people to be conscious of early detection of disease. They should not take medicines on their own. There is need for proper healthy diet and exercise.
Dr Inderjeet Kaur – former Principal Govt. College for Women compeered the event. Shri Bhupinder Sandhu – President Progressive Writers Association & member Punjabi Sahit Academy welcomed the guest.
Shri Ramesh Yadav - Secretary Folklore society & coordinator of the seminar thanked the speakers for their presentations.
The seminar decided to strive to make health as a public agenda.
Dr Arun Mitra
Round Table Meet
Round Table Meet on Rising Costs of Life Saving Medicines Is there a limit ?
A round table meet on Rising Costs of Life Saving Medicines – Is there a limit ? was held at Crest Club Gurgaon on 12th February 2019 organised by Straight Drive. The meeting was attended by people from medical profession, law, pharmaceutical industry, corporate hospitals, small scale sector hospital representatives. Shri Mukund Trivedi introduced the subject as a concern for the health of the people who cannot afford such expensive treatment particularly the high cost of drugs. The session was moderated by Shri Pawan Choudary . Shri Jayant Kumar, Father of the girl who had died at Fortis Hospital two years back with Dengue fever, narrated the sorry tale of affairs at the corporate hospital where he was billed Rs.17 Lakh. The details of the bill showed exorbitant charges on the consumables. Different viewpoints were expressed on the cost cutting of medical treatment. Whereas the representatives from the corporate hospitals put forward their views of high expenditure in maintenance of the facility. Dr Arun Mitra highlighted the failure of successive governments in taking care of the health of the people and shying away their responsibility to provide healthcare to its citizens despite being signatory to the Alma Ata declaration. He said that the patent rights under the WTO regime deny the companies in our country from producing cheap bulk drugs. But the government should use the flexibility clause to give license to manufacture by declaring national health emergency. He said that the companies recover the cost on R & D in almost two years therefore the product patent rights for 20 years serves only the developed countries. He suggested following points for bringing down the drug prices:
- Any chemical/ device once declared as a drug should be made essential and brought under DPCO.
- There should be a one drug one price formula.
- For this purpose the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) should be strengthened.
- Freebies by the companies to the health providers should be declared illegal. The sponsorship of the medical conferences by the companies should be stopped.
- The Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) should be made mandatory.
- The PSUs which have been rendering great service to the nation in the form of supplying cheap bulk drugs at the time of national calamities and in the national health programmes should be strengthened.
It was decided to hold similar activities from time to time and make the public aware of their rights.
14th World Congress on Bioethics held at Bengaluru
Date: 10.12.2018
IPPNW and IDPD organized a workshop on “Prevention of War and Violence – An Ethical Obligation” at the 14th World Congress on Bioethics held at Bengaluru (India) from 5 to 7 December 2018 on the theme HEALTH FOR ALL IN THE UNEQUAL WORLD. Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW presented the theme paper. Dr Shanthi gave a presentation on “Impact of War and Violence on Women and Children”. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahaman – General Secretary IDPD talked on “Health Status of People Living around Jadugoda Uranium mines”. Dr Navinder Singh – Vice President IDPD chaired the session, Dr Jeetendra Singh – Secretary IDPD moderated the session.
Prabhat Jha and Sakshi, IDPD medical students from Nashik distributed literature among the participants in the congress.
Dr Arun Mitra
Flood Relief Camp in Tamil Nadu
IDPD Medical Relief at cyclone – Gaja in Tamil Nadu
Gaja Cyclone affected Pudukkottai,Thanjavur,Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts very badly, more than 52 people died .Heavy economic loss occurred to the people.
IDPD conducted medical camps and provided relief materials to the people affected by the Gaja cyclone.
In Mannakudi near subramaniyapuram of Pudukkottai district a medical camp was held on 2.12.18.Dr.G.R.Ravindranath, Dr.Dhatchinamurthy,Dr.Manimaran, Dr.Umamaheshwari and medical students of Thanjavur medical college under the leadership Hari Ganesh participated in the camp.
Paramedical educational and welfare Association national president Mr.Kalidass participated in the camp and his lab technicians' team provided free blood sugar test to more than 200 people.
Mr.Rajendran AITUC leader and Mr.Rajendran AIYF district secretary, AIKS leader Dhandayudhapani helped to organise the camp.
A medical camp was held on 1.12.18 at L.N.Puram, Aranthangi of Pudukkottai district.
Dr.A.R.Shanthi and Dr.G.R.Ravindranath participated in the camp.Free sugar test was done for more than 50 people by Paramedical lab educational and welfare Association.
In Tholaacherry near Thiruthuraipoondi of Thiruvarur district a medical camp was held on behalf of IDPD and Tamilnadu government contract nurses association on 3.12.18 morning.More than 250 people benefited from the camp. Dr.Lenin of Thiruvarur medical College. Dr.G.R.Ravindranath, IDPD Tamilnadu state general secretary , Nurses' Association office bearers Prabaharan , Chendur Pandi, Paramedical Lab Educational and Welfare Association National President Kalidass and office bearers participated in the camp. Free sugar tests were conducted.
A medical camp was held at Nainankollai near Aalangudi of Pudukkottai district on 1.12.18.IDPD and Doctors' Association for Social Equality organised the camp.More than 300 people benefited from the camp and free sugar tests were also conducted by para medical lab educational and welfare Association.
Dr.G.R.Ravindranath ,General Secretary of IDPD ,Tamilnadu,Dr.A.R.Shanthi DASE state secretary, Dr.K.Ilamaran Government all Doctors Association state vice president, Dr.Mujibur Rahman Pudukkottai district secretary of All India Progressive Forum and Dr.Muhil Vizhi participated in the camp.
First international congress on Health for peace 14-16 Nov Shiraz- Iran
First international congress on Health for peace
14-16 Nov Shiraz- Iran
Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW & Senior Vice President IDPD and
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD participated in the congress.
The International Congress on Health for Peace was held in Shiraz from 14-16 November 2018 and hosted by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.
Dr. Imanieh was a pediatrician, a faculty member of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and a consultant to the Minister of Health in Student Affairs, who presided over this congress. Dr. Salehi, the epidemiologist and faculty member of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, was the scientific secretary of the congress and Dr. Molavi, an epidemiologist. The faculty members of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were secretary of the congress.
The Congressional Policy Committee, chaired by Dr. Malekzadeh, Deputy Director of Research and Technology, was the Minister of Health and Medical Education, and at the Ministry of Health, from about six months before the congress, organized regular monthly meetings to examine the various aspects of congressional issues. Compilation of indices and design of various congressional panels. The meeting was attended by bosses and panel administrators, the Presidency of the Congress, the scientific and executive secretary of the Congress, and representatives of international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Red Cross, UNICEF, UNESCO, the Red Crescent Society and the IPPNW Nuclear Warfare Association.
The Peace Museum of Tehran, as the headquarters of the Iranian Representative of the IRPSR (Iranian Social Responsibility Doctors) Corps, was well-respected at the Congress, supporting the invitation of foreign guests from 4 different countries (Sweden, Germany, England and India) to the presence of guests and foreign professors in the congress has been of great help.
The Veterans Institute of Engineering and Medical Sciences also had a strong presence at the Congress by organizing a panel on the health problems of Iranians and also by inviting foreign guests to work with the Peace Museum of Tehran.
Fars Provincial Governorate, Shiraz Governorate and Municipality and Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Fars province, with their material and spiritual support, helped to organize this congress as well.
The program of the panels held at the Congress is attached to the report.
The guests invited by the Institute of Veterans of Engineers and Medical Sciences of Veterans and the Peace Museum of Tehran were:
1- Dr. Gunnar Westberg, chairman of the SLMK and retired members of the board of directors of the IPPNW
2. Dr. Rebecca Johnson is responsible for the ICAN Financial Committee, members of MEDACT in the United Kingdom and international peace activists.
3- Dr. Arun Mitra, co-president IPPNW & Senior Vice President IDPD.
4- Dr. Shakeel Rahman – General Secretary IDPD.
5. Dr. Katja Goebbels, Member of the Board of the German IPPNW Board
6. Dr. Aino from the board of ICAN Germany
From this list, the second guest, namely, Dr. Johnson, did not receive a visa at the right time and did not attend the congress.
- Prof Vappu Taiple, Ilka Taipale and Dr Michele Di Paolantonio also send their video message and full text for the congress.
- Other guests participated in the Panel on the Role of Public Institutions in Promoting Health for Peace, one of the most effective panels, and throughout the panel on topics such as the effects of nuclear weapons, climate change and online peace education for students. The field of medical science and the role of women in promoting health for peace was discussed. Dr Katja Goebbels, IPPNW Germany, talked about the difficulties to apply the Do-no-harm concept in certain working situations of war and conflict. She also said that IPPNW Germany is holding organising medical peace work online programme. The panelists also described IPPNW and ICAN activities on behalf of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons passed in 2017 at the United Nations and eventually surprised the participating members by unveiling an official replica of the Nobel Peace Medallion, which IPPNW received in 1985 and ICAN received in 2017. Dr. Arun Mitra, co-President of IPPNW, and Dr. Gunnar Westberg, a former member of the board of IPPNW, thanked the Tehran Peace Museum and the Organization of Iranian Physicians, PSR Society of Iran, and ICAN Iran for their work in supporting IPPNW and ICAN's work, and acknowledged and congratulated these organizations for their share in the honor of the two Nobel Peace Prizes through their continued affiliation with IPPNW and ICAN and their work on behalf of our common international goal of nuclear weapons abolition.
- Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman gave a presentation on Health Status of People Living around Jadugoda Uranium mines.
- The Tehran Peace Museum and the Chemical Weapons Victims Association participated in the Congressional Exhibit to illustrate the history of Saddam's chemical attacks against Iran during the imposed war. Also, with the support of the company, several of the chemical injuries in the exhibition were added as a narrator on the effectiveness of this booth.
- Mrs. Koniko Yamamura, the mother of Martyr Babaei, also traveled to Orihami at the Peace Museum pavilion. Representatives of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization and UNICEF visited the exhibition and talked with volunteers from the Tehran Peace Museum and chemical warfare victims that they described the attacks as crimes against humanity and expressed sympathy with the victims.
- Participants at the congress also visited the tomb of Hafez and Saadi in two days and became acquainted with the cultural attractions of Shiraz.
The Iran-Iran Health Impact Panel, which was conducted by the Veterans' Engineering and Veterinary Research Institute, was accompanied by the presence of chemical victims and greatly influenced the screening of documentaries from the severe chemical injury victims.
On the last day of the congress, a joint panel was held with the presence of the representative of Ayatollah Khamenei in Shiraz, a group of religious scholars and medical ethics, and read the message of Dr. MohaqeqDamad of Iran's great jurisprudents and university professors in the field of jurisprudence and ethics. Reviewing the opinions and opinions of religious jurists in the field of peace and medical ethics.
The noon of November 16, with the presence of Dr. Malekzadeh, the Deputy Minister and Head of the Health Research Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, was held at the closing ceremony of Congress, and ended with a final statement by the secretary-general of the Congress of International Contracts.
The final statement is attached.
Five policy sessions were held before the congress and two sessions after the congress was held, scheduled for congressional meetings and assessment of congressional feedback.
The first book of the congress was published a month before the congress and the second congressional book was published one month after the congress.
North South Asia IPPNW affiliates meet
North South Asia IPPNW affiliates to build Pan Asia movement for peace and disarmament
Indian delegation makes effective contribution
The representatives of IPPNW affiliates from North and South Asian countries met at Ulaanbaatar capital of Mongolia to affirm commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament and to build Pan Asia movement for peace in the coming years. The 10th North Asian IPPNW Regional Conference and 3rd North South Asian Meeting held on 13-14 September 2018 at Ulaanbaatar brought together delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, DPRK, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands and Mongolia. In a final statement the meeting expressed deep concern at the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world. These conflicts can at any time escalate into larger wars and result in use of nuclear weapons. Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic effect on all life, which could not be effectively addressed. Therefore these weapons must be eliminated completely.
Asia has great diversity and is rich in natural resources. But there are glaring disparities in terms of socio-economic development among the population including in health, education, access to drinking water, sanitation and other basic needs. There is need for huge resources to fulfill these gaps. Tragically parts of the region spend large amounts on arms proliferation, including nuclear weapons. China presently has the 2nd largest military budget and is the 3rd largest arms exporter. India too is aspiring to become an arms exporting country. Pakistan also spends a very high proportion of its GDP on arms.
Asia has the largest number of nuclear weapons possessing countries,five out of nine globally - India, China, Pakistan and North Korea and Israel; with another Eurasian nuclear-armed state, Russia. The continent has suffered the effects of nuclear weapons in Japan in 1945, as well as from nuclear testing in many locations. Parts of the continent including Iraq and Syria have suffered the effects of depleted uranium. There is evidence of serious health effects on the population living around uranium mines. The ongoing conflicts particularly in the Middle East, the wars in Syria and Yemen, and perpetual tension between India and Pakistan are serious threats to peace in the region.
The meeting welcomed the Panmunjom Declaration as a milestone for achieving comprehensive and epochal improvement and development in North-South Korean ties and for bringing a future of peace, common prosperity and independent reunification on the Korean peninsula.
It urged rapid implementation of the Singapore DPRK-US joint statement, recognizing it as a historic document in overcoming decades of tension and hostilities between the two countries, building a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and archiving the goal of turning the Korean peninsula into a nuclear-free zone through complete denuclearization. The meet further supported the Korean people in their struggle to bring about peace, prosperity and reunification on the Korean peninsula. This would be a major contribution to achieving a nuclear-free Asian region and world.
It is a global heath imperative as well as legal obligation that all nuclear-armed nations eliminate their nuclear arsenals as a matter of great urgency. The UNTreaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) provides a pathway for all nations to abolish nuclear weapons. All nations should take that path. The joint statement issued appealed:
- All nuclear armed countries join the TPNW and abolish their nuclear weapons;
- The proliferation of small arms be checked;
- All nations engage in mutual dialogue to resolve disputes threatening peace;
- Divert funds from arms to health, education, poverty alleviation, renewable energy and development
It committed to build regional exchange and collaboration between our affiliates in pursuit of our shared goals.
The meeting discussed several important subjects, effects of radiation on human population, effects of nuclear fall outs – immediate and chronic, prospects for peace in Korean Peninsula, Challenges and opportunities for Pan Asia peace movement etc. The dignitaries who spoke in the event include Dr Tilman Ruff – Co President IPPNW, Dr Arun Mitra- Co President IPPNW, Dr. Masao Tomonaga - President of IPPNW North Asia Region, DrDelgertsetseg D – President Mongolian Affiliate IPPNW.
Eleven member Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) delegation included Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW, Dr Surinder Singh Soodan – President IDPD, Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh – Senior Vice President, Dr Navinder Singh – Vice President, Dr Santokh Singh, Dr Bibha Singh, Dr Rajbir Singh, S.Bhupinder Singh, Ms.Satinder Kaur, Ms.Rita Rajbir Singh and Ms.Rita Singh
Photo Galary Link: http://mppnw.org/gallery
Floods in Kerala
Kerala was devastated by heavy rain and floods few days back. Thousands of people lost everything including homes. To provide medical care to the people affected by floods Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) took immediate steps to help the people. A team of doctors and nurses along with volunteers from the IDPD, Doctors Association for Social Equality, Tamil Nadu Government Contract Nurses Welfare Association (TNGCNWA), AITUC-Working Women’s Forum (WWF) and Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) IIT Madras conducted medical camps in Ernakulam district on 25th and 26th August 2018.
Dr. G.R. Ravindranath, the TN state general secretary of IDPD and Dr.Sajeeth IDPD and AIPF general Secretary of Kerala led the team. Joint-secretary Marimuthu and vice president Sindhan and James of TNGCNWA, Founding member of APSC IITM Swaminathan, AITUC-WWF TN State vice-president Vimala Devi were also part of the team. Veeramani and Srinivasan of TNGCNWA took immediate steps to make the camps a successful one. The medical team visited different parts of the district including the relief camps at Kunnukara and Karumaloor Panchayaths. People were given medical care for diseases caused by contaminated, polluted water. Patients with known cases of hypertension, diabetes and psychiatric problems were provided with required medicines. The trauma caused by the disaster was given proper care. Preventive medicines were provided to the people in the relief camps. House visits were also made. In two days, medical assistance was given to nearly 1500 people.
In Karumaloor Panchayat, a relief camp at Manjaly school was held. It was coordinated by panchayath vice-president Umaitha Yusuf who provided facilities for smooth and successful conduction of the medical camp and gave moral support to both the medical team and the inmates of the camp. Comrade Ravindran, CPI Ernakulam mandal secretary and comrade P. Raju ex-MLA were also present during the camp giving necessary support. Comrade Rajan of Chethu Thozhilali Union and his family gave a warm, friendly and generous hospitality to the 10 member team, though they were also hit worse by the flood. Dr.Sajeeth and his IDPD and AIPF teams coordinated well to conduct the medical camps.
Seminar in Vancouver, Canada on "Role of Doctors in Promoting Nuclear Disarmament"
The North America Alumini of Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, had its annual meeting at Vancouver on 13-14 July 2018. Dr Arun Mitra was invited to speak on "Role of Doctors in Promoting Nuclear Disarmament".
IDPD Events in Manipur 26-27 May 2018
IDPD Events in Manipur 26-27 May 2018
26 May at Kakching
The Indian Delegates who have been to Oslo, Norway on 10th and 11th Dec'17 to witness the Official Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony 2017 as a part of the Nobel Peace Prize winning Team have been felicitated at Jivan,Hospital, kakching in Manipur, India on 26th May'18.
In the reception programme organised under the sponshorship of Dr. Ashok, founder and Managing Director,Jivan Hospital, three indian delegates namely, Dr. Arun Mitra(Co- President, IPPNW), Dr. S.S. Soodan( National President, IDPD), Dr. Yahya Khan, a young Doctor from Manipur working as a Co-ordinating National Students Representative were warmly received and presented Mementos by Dr.M. Nara Singh(Manipur State President, IDPD and former Minister, Manipur).
Acknowledging the landmark treaty, TPNW(Treaty for prevention of Nuclear Weapons) and the remarkable achievement of ICAN for its contribution in bringing out the treaty, the Indian Delegates expressed their strong support and appeal to continue the campaign till the Nuclear Weapons are completely dismantled by the Nuclear possessing countries and the world is free from the threat if Nuclear weapons.
The reception programme which was attended by a large number of intellectuals and supporters of the the Peace movement, concluded by breathtaking Manipuri cultural shows including Manipuri Martial Arts among others under the theme,"Culture For Peace".
27 May at Imphal
On 27th May'18, a GBM, General Body Meeting of IDPD, Manipur state chapter was held at the conference hall of Babina Diagnostics, Imphal, Manipur. The meeting was held in presence of Dr. Arun Mitra(Co-president, IPPNW), Dr. S.S Soodan(National president, IDPD), Dr. M. Nara Singh(President,IDPD manipur chapter and Former Minister, Govt. of Manipur) among many other doctors. In the meeting new office bearers of Manipur state chapter were elected- a total of 30 members gave their consent to be the members and work for IDPD out of which 12 senior doctors were further proposed and accepted unanimously to work as executive members.Dr. M. Nara Singh as the President, Manipur chapter, Dr. Ksh Chourjit Singh and Dr Y. Mohen singh as Vice President,Dr. Ksh Manglem Singh as the state secretary, Dr. Angouba as media Co ordinator and Dr. N. Sadana as treasurer were also elected by the members. The GBM was followed by a press conference in which Dr. Arun Mitra, Dr. S.S Soodan and Dr. M. Nara Singh mentioned about the need of TPNW, Treaty for Prevention of Nuclear Weapons and also expressed IDPD/ IPPNW's concern about the existing tension among various neighbouring countries in different parts of the world and appealed to all sections of people to join the peace movement for a safe and secure future of all.
THE LANDMARK TREATY PROHIBITING NUCLEAR WEAPONS- OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES New Delhi on 24th and 25th March 2018
An International Seminar titled THE LANDMARK TREATY PROHIBITING BUCLEAR WEAPONS- OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES was held at New Delhi on 24th and 25th March 2018. It was organized jointly by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), Coalition For Nuclear Disarmament & Peace (CNDP) and All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO). The world witnessed an historic event of passage of Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) by the UN General Assembly on July 7th 2017 with a margin of 122 vs one vote. That it happened despite tremendous pressure from nuclear weapon countries, particularly the P5 countries is a big achievement. Unfortunately none of the nuclear weapons possessing countries including the US, Russia, France, UK, China, Israel, Pakistan India and North Korea participated in the deliberations. It therefore has become a challenge that these countries should be made to join the treaty through public campaigns & opinion building and lobbying with the decision makers. The seminar was held as first such activity in a nuclear weapons possessing country with a resolve to hold such activities in other countries who have these weapons of mass destruction.
The seminar dwelt on several issues Global Nuclear Situation- New Vistas Ahead, Nuclear Dangers in South Asia-Reality and Opportunities, Social Dimensions of Nuclearism which included Health Concerns of Arms Race, Gender Concerns in the Event of War and Violence, Impact of Nuclear Arms Race on Development, Media and War Mongering, Prevention of War & Violence and Medical Ethics.
Dr Tilman Alfred Ruff from Australia who is the founding chair of ICAN, Dr Ira Helfand member International Steering Group of ICAN, both Co- Presidents of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) were the key speakers. Dr Tilman Ruff gave a detailed account of the formation of ICAN as a larger campaign of several organisations working for nuclear disarmament. Right from conceptualization of idea by Dr Ron McCoy, former President of IPPNW in 2006 and formal formation of ICAN in 2007 it has been a long drawn process with Australian group playing key role in it. The central point of the campaign has been Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, Dr Ruff said. It was a hard task lobbying with several countries and to convince them to vote for the treaty despite all sorts of pressures. Dr Ira Helfand gave details of climatic consequences of nuclear war and explained how the effects could be catastrophic and put over two billion people at risk even if there was a limited nuclear exchange. He further said that a larger nuclear exchange between US and Russia could be end of modern civilization.
Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD lauded the efforts of ICAN in reaching the treaty at the UN and called for a similar broad movement in South Asia.
Ms.Sonya Gupta – General Secretary All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO)and Anil Chaudhary – Founder Member Coalition For Nuclear Disarmament & Peace (CNDP) greeted the conference.
Addressing in the session on Global Nuclear situation-New Vistas Ahead, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal cautioned that we are losing time. Ironically nuclear weapons possessing countries are not learning lesson. The seminar, he said is at a right time and in right direction. Such activities need to be followed up consistently. Achin Vanaik, founder member Coalition for Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) in a very articulate manner explained how India is being brought in the trap as US ally to fight against China. India has for last few years has lost its basic tenets of peace. Continued conflicts in different parts of the globe could at any time trigger nuclear conflict. Prabir Purkastha, Vice President AIPSO explained how the prospects of nuclear disarmament in the near future are low because the NWSs are not going to join the TPNW. Struggle however has to continue, he said. Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh – Senior Vice President IDPD said that there should be easy flow of people from one country to other in South Asia. Kelvin Kilbet and Franca Bruggen – The International Student Representatives of IPPNW highlighted the need for involvement of youth in the peace movement.
Speaking in the session on Nuclear Danger in South Asia – Reality and Opportunities, Ms.Lalita Ramdass a social activist stressed on the need for mass movement against the nuclear designs and for this to increase work at the ground level. Shri S P Uday Kumar a leading activist of anti nuclear movement said that nuclear energy is being thrust on our country despite the fact that it is proved to be harmful and hazardous. Those opposing the nuclear energy are being charged as anti national and seditious. Shri Suvrat Raju a theoretical physicist at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research cautioned about ongoing machinations to build nuclear weapons in our country. Dr Bansidhar Mishra – Former Health Minister and leader of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) Nepal said that cooperation among SAARC countries must increase and South Asia be declared as nuclear weapon free zone. It is the smaller countries who suffer the most in the situation of war and violence. Dr G M Malik – Vice President IDPD said that it is important to resolve the issues in Kashmir for a lasting peace as the strife situation is adversely affecting the development of the state.
In the session of Social Dimensions of Nuclearism Dr Imrana Quadeer – Former Professor of Public Health in Jawahar Lal Nehru University warned about decreasing public health expenditure and increase in the military budget worldwide. The WHO has lately started promoting individual responsibility over social responsibility for health. Ms.Kamla Bhasin a vociferous women activist said that in any event of war and violence women and children are maximum affected. Toxic and hegemonic masculinity is the root cause of violence. India has lost respect because of nuclear posture. Ms.Reetika Khera Associate Professor (Economics) at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, wanted that only the arms industry gets benefitted from the war rhetoric. She wanted military spending to be brought under Right to Information Act. Ms.Seema Mustafa a leading media personality presented dismal picture of the media which is by and large under the control of corporate sector. The journalists, even the editors are losing their decision making power and have to go by the diktats of the owners of the media under the pressure of the government. Some journalists create war like situation sitting in the studio rooms by talking of hatred and narrow nationalism. They pose war not at dangerous but as something sexy. New information order has to be developed. Dr Sanjay Nagral a gastro surgeon and activist for the promotion of medical ethics said that nuclearism has to be linked with healthcare because of its wasteful expenditure. It is unfortunate that some doctors have forgotten their ethical duty and support nationalism and jingoism. Dr Ravindra Nath – Secretary IDPD said that right to live in dignity should be the fundamental right which is denied in the events of war and violence. Dr Rajani – Secretary IDPD wanted the movement to be spread throughout the region.
Shri Aziz Pasha – Former MP wanted the issues to be taken up with the members of parliament. Dr Tarun Mandal – Former MP said that it is unfortunate that most of the present parliamentarians are not sensitized over the issue. Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar – Former Minister warned about the growing nationalism and seeing the nuclear weapons as strength rather than something to be scorned. It is a dangerous trend that the present government in particular is promoting nuclearism to garner to political advantage without realizing the dangers.
Discussing the strategy in the session on Prescription for Peace Dr N S Bawa – Vice President IDPD called for a joint effort and put pressure on the politicians to make VISA free South Asia. Dr Jeetendra Singh – Secretary IDPD said that there cannot be any complacency in the struggle for peace. Dr Anindya Shams student representative from PSR Bangladesh laid importance on the united struggle by the young doctors and medical students of South Asian Countries. Dr Bimal Khadka former ISR said that medical students around the globe need to be sensitized on the issue of peace and disarmament. Dr Gagandeep Singh – student coordinator IDPD called upon the students to come forward to save the life. Dr Yudhisthir Dass – Secretary IDPD called for wider movement for peace. Dr Anjali Mehta said that we should demand to end war frenzy and try to make disarmament an issue in the upcoming general election next year. Dr Aneesh Maini – National Student Representative IDPD asked the students and young doctors to be connected with the peace movement. Several students and young doctors participated in the deliberations. Dr Dharmendra Kumar from Rajasthan participated in the event.
Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD who compeered the proceedings of the seminar said that IDPD will plan online petition to the MPs and hold a big event on 1st July 2018, the Doctors Day.
Dr Arun Mitra – Co President IPPNW outlined the programme to meet the decision makers but expressed anguish that none of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defense Minister cared to give appointment to the leading representatives of ICAN, the Nobel Laureate organization 2017.
It was planned to have meetings with the decision makers in other South Asian countries to request them to ratify the treaty in their parliaments soon.
Seminar was attended by 164 persons from different states of India including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh. Countries represented were USA, Australia, Germany, Kenya, Nepal and Bangladesh.
It is unfortunate that the Dialogue with Decision Makers could not happen because of cold shoulder attitude of the Indian government. Even the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Defense Maj. Gen.(Retd.)B.C.Khanduri who had given appointment to the international delegation on 26th March and confirmed it in the morning, backed out of it merely 1.30 hours after that.
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON “The Landmark Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons Opportunities and Challenges”
24th and 25th March 2018, Deputy Speaker’s Hall Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001
Programme Schedule
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THEME |
VENU |
DATE |
TIME |
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The Landmark Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons Opportunities and Challenges |
Deputy Speaker's Hall, Constitution Club, New Delhi
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24-25 March 2018
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24th March — 2.30 pm to 8 pm 25th March — 9am to 2pm
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24th March |
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9.00am to 1.30pm: |
Medical students workshop Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, DDU Marg, New Delhi to be conducted by Kelvin Kipkoech Kibet Franca Lilith Brüggen (International Students Representatives IPPNW)
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1.30pm -2.00pm : |
Registration
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2.00pm -2.30pm : |
Short Film on Nuclear Weapons |
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2.30pm -4.00pm |
Seminar -Inaugural session Tilman Ruff, Co President IPPNW & Founding Chair ICAN -The treaty banning nuclear weapons: our best hope.
Ira Helfand, Co President IPPNW & Member International Steering Group of ICAN -The relevance of Nobel Peace Prize to ICAN in reference to humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons.
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4.30pm - 6.15pm: |
Global Nuclear Situation- new vistas ahead
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6.15pm 8.00pm: |
Nuclear Dangers in South Asia- Reality and Opportunities |
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8.00pm: |
Dinner
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25th March |
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9.00am - 11.00am: |
Social Dimensions of Nuclearism |
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11.00am 11.15am: |
Tea |
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11.15am - 1.15pm: |
Dialogue with Parliamentarians |
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1.15pm - 2.30pm : |
Prescription for peace - Strategy Planning for Future
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2.30pm |
Lunch
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Dear Friends,
Despite ongoing tensions in various parts of the world, the year 2017 ended with a positive note. The historic Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) passed by the UN General Assembly on th7 July, henceforth a red letter day in history. This has raised many hopes for achieving a future and better world without nuclear weapons. Any use of nuclear weapons now would be much more catastrophic than what happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The studies on the climatic consequences of even a limited nuclear conflict have predicted that over two billion people would be at risk of starvation. Moving ahead with creating the agenda for a nuclear weapons free world, several organizations joined hands for collective action. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) was formed at the initiative of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) in 2006. ICAN was instrumental in bringing up evidence on catastrophic humanitarian impact of nuclear conflict before the UN during the debate on TPNW. Recognizing its contribution the Nobel Peace Prize Committee awarded the prize for year 2017 to ICAN. It is pertinent to mention that IPPNW was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. It is unfortunate that none of the nuclear weapons possessing countries signed the TPNW. The nuclear-armed nations continue to spend close to US$300 million (Rs.2000 crores) a day on their nuclear forces at a time when hundreds of millions of people across the globe go hungry. The production, maintenance and modernization of nuclear forces diverts vast public resources away from health care, education, climate change mitigation, disaster relief, development assistance and other vital services. For countries like India and Pakistan that stand very low in the human development index, this is an alarming situation. Skirmishes at the border could trigger a larger and wider conflict. It is therefore high time that a powerful anti nuclear movement is built in South Asia. In this connection the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) and All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) have decided to work together to organize an international seminar on the theme "The Landmark Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons - Opportunities and Challenges" on 24 and 25 March 2018 in Deputy Speakers Hall at Constitution Club, New Delhi. We are honoured that Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar - former Minister Govt. of India, Shri D. Raja, M.P. Rajya Sabha, Shri Azeez Pasha - former Member Parliament, Shri Tarun Mandal – former Member Parliament, Maj. Gen (Retd) Vinod Saighal, Ms. Lalita Ramdas, Shri S P Uday Kumar, Dr Imrana Qadeer, Ms. Kamla Bhasin, Ms. Reetika Khera, Ms. Seema Mustafa, Dr Suvrat Raju and Dr Sanjay Nagral have consented to address in different sessions. We invite you to be a partner in this movement for peace, health and development and join us in the seminar. |
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Dr Arun Mitra Co President IPPNW Mobile: 9417000360 Pallab Sen Gupta General Secretary AIPSO Mobile: 9899067244 Dr S S Soodan President IDPD Mobile: 9906031384 |
Achin Vanaik Founder Member CNDP Mobile: 8130660325 Anil Chaudhary Founder Member CNDP Mobile: 9811119347 Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman General Secretary IDPD Mobile: 9801106879 |
Communication:
Indian Doctors of Peace and Development (IDPD) 139-E, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana – 141001 (PUNJAB) Phone: 0161 2300252, Email: idpd2001@hotmail.com, website: www.idpd.org
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Doctors challenge corporate hospitals’ claims of better quality imported stents
February 26, 2017: The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH) has questioned the claims of the corporate hospitals that the imported stents were in anyway better than the ones manufactured in India. The corporate hospitals seem to have formed a grand alliance to subvert the revolutionary decision of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to cap the prices of life saving stents as it will hit their profits which were absolutely unethical and criminal and was doing medical corruption said Dr G S Grewal – Former President Punjab Medical Council and Dr Arun Mitra - Former Chairman Ethical Committee PMC & Senior Vice President IDPD, both members of the core committee of the ADEH
The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH) has questioned the claims of the corporate hospitals that the imported stents were in anyway better than the ones manufactured in India. The corporate hospitals seem to have formed a grand alliance to subvert the revolutionary decision of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to cap the prices of life saving stents as it will hit their profits which were absolutely unethical and criminal and was doing medical corruption said Dr G S Grewal – Former President Punjab Medical Council and Dr Arun Mitra - Former Chairman Ethical Committee PMC & Senior Vice President IDPD, both members of the core committee of the ADEH. It was after a long drawn struggle that such an order has come into force. Advocate Birender Sangwan had filed a PIL in the court that the hospitals have been charging exorbitantly, sometimes over 1000% on the price of the stents. The Hon’ble court passed an order in 2015 asking the government to cap their prices. But the government not only slept over this but even thought of dissolving the NPPA. Thereafter an appeal was filed in the court for action against the government for not complying with the order. As a result of this to avoid the contempt notice by the court the government asked the NPPA to cap the prices before 1st March 2017. Dr Grewal & Dr Arun Mitra said, there was no scientific evidence or paper presented anywhere which proves the claims that the imported stents were better than those manufactured in India. The “bogey of imported stents” was being created by the corporate hospitals and some cardiologists only to mislead, misguide and confuse the common people and the government in the country. He said, the corporate hospitals, which were running the medical profession for purely commercial interests were trying to subvert this decision. It is pertinent to note here that the Indian stents have got approval from the US FDA which means that they are at par with other stents and can be sold even in the USA. A Delhi based leading Cardiologist was called by the US FDA in March 2016 to present his experience of using Indian stents. It was only after this that the stent was approved by US FDA. The issue of newer high end stents being raised by some cardiologists and corporate hospitals is only to scuttle the price capping. The clause no. 15 of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) clearly states that any manufacturer should apply about the new product with evidence for its superiority to fix the ceiling price. More over the capping has not affected the companies but the profit margin of the parties involved in the supply chain. The ADEH said, the doctors across the country had welcomed the NPPA decision. “Only the select few for whom the profits matter more than the affordable healthcare for the common masses, are crying wolf without any reason or scientific evidence”. They also expressed shock at that the premier body of doctors, the IMA has not come out with open stand on this issue. The statements by its national president Dr K K Aggarwal on a news channel few days back were in total favour of corporate sector. He totally forgot the medical ethics which state that for a doctor the patients care is the only priority. Dr Grewal & Dr Arun Mitra appealed to the Prime Minister to ensure that the decision is implemented without any obstacles by such people and the compliance is ensured. “If the foreign companies are refusing to supply the stents to Indian hospital, we should give full boost and support to our own companies to increase their production they said.
IDPD Condemns move to Decontrol Drug Prices
9 December 2016 Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has taken strong exception to the central government's move to dismantle the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and to delink price control from the 370-plus essential drugs with a purpose to fix the price of the medicines as per the desire of the government. Raising the caution over this move Dr S S Soodan- President IDPD, Dr Arun Mitra- Sr Vice President IDPD and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman- General Secretay IDPD have said that this is a totally
19 December 2016 Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has taken strong exception to the central government's move to dismantle the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and to delink price control from the 370-plus essential drugs with a purpose to fix the price of the medicines as per the desire of the government. Raising the caution over this move Dr S S Soodan- President IDPD, Dr Arun Mitra- Sr Vice President IDPD and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman- General Secretay IDPD have said that this is a totally
Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has taken strong exception to the central government's move to dismantle the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and to delink price control from the 370-plus essential drugs with a purpose to fix the price of the medicines as per the desire of the government. Raising the caution over this move Dr S S Soodan- President IDPD, Dr Arun Mitra- Sr Vice President IDPD and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman- General Secretay IDPD have said that this is a totally retrograde anti people and anti national step. It will lead to increase in the prices of most of the medicines which the poor people of our country even now find difficult to afford. The NPPA was established, inter alia, to fix/revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of the medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995. The NPPA is assigned the job to implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control). It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels. The organization is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled drugs from the consumers. It is supposed to render advice to the Central Government on changes/revisions in the drug policy and to render assistance to the Central Government in the parliamentary matters relating to the drug pricing. The argument being forwarded is that it will add to competitiveness, promote growth of pharma industry and thus attract new investment. This argument is totally flawed as the price control affects only 12 per cent of the total domestic market. About 88 per cent of the drug market is not under the price control. More over it has been observed that after the Drug Price Control Order 2013 the sales of medicines increased by nearly 40% as the medicines became more affordable to the people. The whole exercise is being done to please the foreign multinational giants in the pharma industry. It is well known to everyone that after the visit of our Prime Minister to the USA in September 2014 where he had a separate meeting with the Pharma lobby, the NPPA withdrew its order in the Delhi High Court on control of prices of non essential medicines. That had led to manifold increase in the prices of the anti HIV and anti Cancer drugs. At one time the government established Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDPL), Hindustan Antibiotics and Vaccine producing centre at Kasauli as the public sector enterprises, but these were totally ignored later on by the previous governments. These sectors had in fact produced and supplied cheap bulk drugs not only to our people but to the people in the poor developing countries around the world. The Indian Pharmaceutical industry grew many times over the years and came out with cheap drugs. But after the WTO regime became effective and new patent laws were enforced the whole process got reversed. The production of drugs is not hampered by price control. On the contrary the price control helps the poor. More the demand, more the production and the R&D. Therefore we demand that government should leave this idea in background and make the NPPA more effective and lay stress on establishing Public Sector Units (PSU) to produce cheap and bulk drugs.
Seminar on National Medical Commission
Chennai 27 November 2016 Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) in association with Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) organised a conference on 27th November 2016 at Rajah Annamalai Mandram, Chennai to debate the proposed National Medical Commission, to oppose privatization of medical education and health care and to make health as fundamental right.
Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) in association with Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) organised a conference on 27th November 2016 at Rajah Annamalai Mandram, Chennai to debate the proposed National Medical Commission, to oppose privatization of medical education and health care and to make health as fundamental right. Dr Shakeel, General Secretary , IDPD argued that the National Medical Commission bill has been drafted with the interests of profiteering private investors in medical colleges being kept uppermost, while the interests of patients and ordinary citizens on one hand, and those of ethically practicing doctors on the other hand, have been brushed aside. Instead of recommending relevant structural changes to roll back the evil influence of commercialisation on medical education and ensuring an accountable and effective public regulation, NITI Aayog proposes a different trajectory by championing the path of accelerated privatisation and commercialisation of medical education. He informed that Association of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, a national alliance of like-minded organisations including IDPD, JSA and MFC, has made a representation to NitiAyog in this regard. Dr G.R. Ravindranath, General Secretay, DASE and Vice president IDPD highlighted the issues of states’ rights in medical education. He urged the centre not to introduce EXIT test for medical graduates. He pleaded for free and quality medical care to all and to make health as fundamental right. He stressed that we should fight against privatization of medical education and health care. Hundreds of doctors, medical students end enlightened citizens attended the conference. Political leaders across the political spectrum of Tamil Nadu including CPI, CPIM, Congress, AIDMK etc also addressed the conference. DrSadanadan from Andhra Pradesh, DrSajid from Kerala, DrShanthi from Tamil Nadu also
WORKSHOP ON SENSITISING MEDICAL STUDENTS ON ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANTATION
A workshop on the theme “GIVE, SO THAT ONE CAN LIVE” was conducted at Dr Vasantrao Pawar medical college, Hospital and Research centre, Nashik on 19 November 2016 to sensitize undergraduate medical students on important issue of organ donation. It was facilitated by National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) which is a National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India located Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi which is an apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country. Dr Vimal Bhandari is the Director of NOTTO who has extended his help in organizing this activity. The session started with a survey round where a questionnaire was distributed to all attendee's students as pre workshop questionnaire. Later on there was an introductory speech by Miss Prachi and Miss Arya Pawar of II MBBS. This was followed by a detailed presentation on organ donation: “Necessity of the hour and the Myths associated with it done” by II MBBS students. Then students conducted a skit where the concept was driven in an emotional way to convey the relevance and importance of organ donation in saving lives. It was appreciated by all the attendees. Later on Mr. Aneesh Maini and Sandeep Brar both 3 year MBBS students shared a talk on the need for organ donation in today's world. Later post workshop questionnaire was given and it was followed by an interactive round on organ and tissue donation. The emotional talk given by Mr. Aneesh Maini touched the students in such a way that one of the lady student shared her story where she lost her sister who was suffering from leukemia due to non availability of BM transplantation in time. Mrs. Neelima Pawar Sarchitnis MVP Samaj has conveyed her best wishes for the students working for Organ and tissue transplantation and Dean Dr Vasantrao Pawar medical college has shared her view on the occasion and have guided students to work for this cause further. Dr Major Jeetendra Singh Liasoning officer NOTTO presided over the function and briefed students about organ and tissue donation and sensitizing public about this. The photographs of the session are also enclosed herewith. We are releasing this news in press also.
IPPNW South Asian Regional Meet 26-27 September 2016 DHAKA (Bangladesh)
On the theme “Emerging health & social crisis of South Asia”, Physicians for Social Responsibility Bangladesh (PSR,B) organized the 'IPPNW South Asian Regional Meet 2016' on September 26-27, 2016 at Dhaka. This event was participated by delegates from India, Nepal, Srilanka & Pakistan in addition to Bangladeshi doctors and medical students. The event started with a “Peace Ralley” with colorful rickshaws which marched from BSSMU to Shaheed Minar. On the occasion the affiliates passed a resolution named as Dhaka Declaration
DHAKA DECLARATION We the affiliates of IPPNW from south Asia, the Physicians for Social Responsibility Bangladesh (PSRB), Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal (PSRN), Sri Lankan Doctors for Peace and Development (SDPD), Pakistan Doctors for Peace and Development (PDPD) and Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) are extremely concerned about the poor health of people of the region. We have failed to fulfill commitments to the Alma Ata Declaration and also have not been able to meet the Millennium Development Goals on health. Low public health expenditure by the governments in the south Asian region, which is less than one third of Total Health Expenditure, continues to be an area of great concern for the affiliates of International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW). Out-of-Pocket health expenditure is the major health financing mechanism across the south Asian region, posing an enormous burden on underprivileged households forcing them to slip in deeper poverty. The entry of corporate sector in providing medical education and health care delivery has made the medical education and treatment expensive and unaffordable to vast majority of the population. As the region is one of the poorest in the world we need to have collective efforts to build and strengthen our economies with policies oriented towards inclusive growth and an equitable health delivery system. Whereas the public health expenditure in South Asia region hovers around 1% of GDP, the region is spending more than 16% of Central Government Expenditure on its military. Ongoing tension across the borders and within the countries of the region on account of several reasons has added to worsening of our economies and creating insecurity in the region. South Asia region is leading towards becoming a hot spot for conflicts. Almost all countries of the region have been affected by the terrorist violence. Several groups propagating religious and other forms of intolerance have become active in the region. This is against the region's age old ethos of love, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. With the rising tensions there is a serious threat of escalation of conflicts in to larger wars. Such a situation poses grave threat of use of nuclear weapons by the states or by the non-state actors. This could create havoc not only for the region but for the whole world as various studies have shown that even a limited use of nuclear weaponsbetween India and Pakistan could kill 12 million people on both sides and put nearly 2 billion people at risk of starvation and death around the world as a result of climatic effects. We are equally concerned of the ongoing conflicts in other parts of the world. Terrorism seems to have become and international industry serving the interest of military industrial complex. It is not a hidden thing that the weapons in the hands of terrorists are coming from a few developed countries. It is also a cause of concern that it is these countries whoare time and again delaying and blocking agreements to abolish nuclear weapons and to check the proliferation of small arms.
IDPD Nationwide Campaign on “Health Through Peace”
New Delhi, 7th August 2016 The tiny atomic bombs (as per the standards of the present day nuclear weapons) killed around 140,000 people in Hiroshima and nearly 70,000 in Nagasaki and roughly half of the deaths in each city occurred on the first day. Out of 300 doctors 272 died; 1684 of 1780 nurses died and 42 of 45 hospitals were destroyed. There was complete lack of medical care. High dose of radiations added to the chaos. It is difficult to imagine how it must have been to watch nears and dears melt in a matter of seconds as a result of intense heat produced by the detonation. Describing this Dr Arun Mitra Senior Vice President Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) at a memorial meeting organized by the IDPD at New Delhi said that it was very heartrending to see the devastation caused by the atomic bombs during our visit to the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima. Prof. Arjun Dev a prominent historian of the country said that with the surrender of Germany the war had nearly ended on 9thMay 1945. Surrender of Japan was imminent in a few weeks time. But Hiroshima was bombarded with atomic weapon followed by Nagasaki after three days. While lakhs were crying in despair in the two cities, the American administration rejoiced over this barbarous act. Use of atomic weapons on human population by the US was a show of strength and muscle power which in fact unleashed the nuclear arms race. It is assumed that there are nearly 17000 nuclear weapons on earth today. Not only the number of weapons increased but the number of countries which posses these weapons also increased from one to nine i.e USA, Russia, Britain, France, China, North Korea, India, Pakistan and Israel. If we add Ukraine, the number becomes ten. At one time South Africa also had nuclear weapons but it disbanded them unilaterally. The nuclear weapons are a real threat to not only the man kind but the whole flora and fauna on earth. Dr Usha Shrivastav Vice President IDPD said that we are witnessing every day violent actions by highly motivated individuals and groups around the world who are ready to kill the innocent without any remorse. The world has become highly insecure and fragile. Therefore even if the states decide not to use the nuclear weapons, there is a grave danger that these could fall in the hands of non state actors who with their utterly insane outlook would not hesitate using them. Unfortunately India and Pakistan with very low human development index have fallen trap which is adversely affecting their economy. Expressing concern over the impact of nuclear fall out Maj. Gen. Retd. Vinod Saighal said that this will have serious consequences on the climate change. Quoting a study by Ira Helfand, Co President of IPPNW on Climate Consequences of Regional Nuclear War he pointed out that even a limited nuclear war could put over two billion people at risk. Based on a hypothetical study as an example, a war between India and Pakistan involving 100 Hiroshima-sized bombs, would kill up to 20 million people outright. Com Pallab Sen Gupta General Secretary All India Peace and Solidarity organization (AIPSO) said that the danger of nuclear weapons exists as before. The statement by the presidential candidate of the USA Donald Trump is a very serious matter. The civil society has to work even more than before to build public opinion against the nuclear weapons.
Com Amarjeet Kaur National Secretary AITUC called upon the IDPD to organize public contact programmes on “public health and peace” so as to take the movement down to the grass root level. Dr Dori Lall said that nuclear weapons abolition is the only answer to save the mankind. A concerted and united effort by the people can ameliorate the situation. Dr Ajay Mishra and Prof. Soma Marla also addressed the meeting
OBSERVING HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI DAYS
Patna, 6th August 2016 IDPD Patna observed Hiroshima day in association with Srikrishna Science Centre, Patna. A painting competition on the theme "Destruction by Atom Bomb" was held for school children. Around 250 students and teachers participated in the function. It was followed by a lecture on the theme " No More Hiroshima". Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh National Vice President and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman National General secretary IDPD.
Jammu, 6 August 2016 Members of the Civil Society and Organizations Jammu Women Council, Rotary, Midtown Jammu, Doctors of Government Medical College, Acharya Shri Chand College of Medical Sciences, Health Department and Alumni of the society participated in the meeting to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Hiroshima day. Pricnipal Commissioner of Income Tax Sangeeta Gupta was the chief gust and Dr Mumtaz Goni was the special guest. Dr Neera Singh coordinated the event. Dr S S Soodan National President IDPD, Dr Mehvish Khan students coordinator, Dr Rohit Bakshi, Shri Raman Samnotra Secretary Jammu Club emphasized the need for complete abolition of nuclear weapons and peaceful co-existence.
udhiana, 6th August 2016 A meeting was organized jointly by the IDPD and the PAU Employees Union. Ii was addressed by Dr Arun Mitra Sr. Vice President IDPD, Dr N S Bawa Vice President. Dr Balbir Shah recited poems on peace. Shri Ranjeet Singh and Shri M S Bhatia also addressed the meeting. The students of Punjab Agricultural University held on the spot painting competition. The first prize was awarded to Manmeet Kaur; Second prize to Rasleen Kaur Osahan and third prize jointly to Tavisha Singh and Ashish Kumar Padhy. Dr Sanjeev Uppal and Dr Deepak Prashar gave prizes to the winners of the painting completion. Com Baldev Singh Walia President PAU Employees union said that nuclear weapons abolition is the only answer to save the mankind. A concerted and united effort by the people can ameliorate the situation. Among others who were present S.Manmohan Singh, Dr Gulzar Pandher, Paramjit Singh Gill, Avtar Chibber, Meghnath, Kuldeep Binder, Pardeep Sharma, Anod Kumar, Swaroop Singh, Ramesh Rannat, Gulzar Goria, Dr.Gurpreet Rattan. After the event a candle march for peace was taken out which was led by students.
Rajastan 9 August IDPD Rajasthan chapter held a talk on Hiroshima Nagasaki day with school children at Goluwala in Sarswati School on 9 August. Dr Rajeev Munjal -State President delivered lecture on peace and Dr Dharmendra Kumar recited a peace poem. Director of school Madany Gopal was also present there.
IDPD Statement on Terrorist Violence on Dhaka (Bangladesh)
We are much disturbed at the terrorist violence in Dhaka. As has been rightly said by Prime Minister Hasina Wajed, such inhuman acts are contrary to the teachings of religion. It is very unfortunate that South Asia is being targeted by the forces inimical to peace in this region. Therefore it is all the more important for us to meet and talk of HEALTH THROUGH PEACE. We are in the process of finalising our delegation and will be back with you soon.
IDPD Appeal for Communal Harmony
17 June 2016: Indian Doctors for Peace and Development have strongly condemned the sacrilegious acts at temples in Janipur and Nanak Nagar areas of Jammu. IDPD has asked the government to institute an enquiry to probe the chain of events to unmask the antisocial misguided elements and their handlers who want to polarize the society and create communal divide so as to disturb peaceful coexistence and harmony in this region. Dr Arun Mitra, Dr SHakeel Ur Rehman, Dr G M Malik, Dr Rajesh Gupta, Dr Nira Singh, Dr Bhaneet Kaur, Dr R K Chrungoo, Dr Gurpreet Singh, Dr Mehvish Khan, Dr S S Soodan – President IDPD, Former Director Services Dr R K Goel along with concerned citizen Th. Rashpal Singh, Gurdeep Singh Sasan and D K Kohli have further appealed to the public to remain vigilant in future and not to get disturbed by these mischievous and criminal forces who are out to create unrest in the society.
IDPD Nationwide Campaign on “Health Through Peace”
Jammu and Srinagar - The IDPD (Indian Doctors for Peace and Development), have initiated the national campaign on the “Challenges of Public Health and Opportunities Ahead” by conducting awareness seminars at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and at Govt. Medical College Jammu on 28-05-2016. The IDPD is an affiliate of IPPNW (International physician for prevention of nuclear war) winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. In this connection two seminars and students interactive session were held.
Jammu The IDPD (Indian Doctors for Peace and Development), have initiated the national campaign on the “Challenges of Public Health and Opportunities Ahead” by conducting awareness seminars at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and at Govt. Medical College Jammu on 28-05-2016. The IDPD is an affiliate of IPPNW (International physician for prevention of nuclear war) winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. In this connection two seminars and students interactive session were held. At the Acharya Shri Chand College of Medical Sciences, Jammu Dr S S Soodan, President IDPD introduced the subject and highlighted the role of the organisation in promoting peace, health and development. Dr Arun Mitra – Sr. Vice President IDPD said that the wasteful expenditure on arms race by the countries of South Asia is a big impediment. We are working together with our counterparts in other countries of the region for developing confidence among our nations by increasing hassle free people to people exchange programmes. The IPPNW, he said is actively working in the ICAN with a goal to achieve nuclear weapon free world. As a result of the efforts of the IPPNW there is now a biggest ever consolidated voice against the nuclear weapons. The IPPNW has also brought forward the study as to how over two billion people could be at risk because of nuclear fallout. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary IDPD in his speech said that the health indicators of our country are very low and we have to develop a national health policy which should meet the requirements of the common people of our country. We are, he said, continuously advocating changes in the total outlook towards health as social service and not a business. Dr Neera made special efforts to organise the event. Medical students from Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda led by the team leader Onam Gupta, who travelled all the way about 500km interacted with the medical students, doctors and concerned citizens and gave power point presentation on the health effects of nuclear weapons and gun violence. Dr R P Kudyar - principal of the college said that it is a great achievement that Dr Soodan has become the new president of IDPD, the versatile body struggling for peace. The guest participants appreciated the logistics and help received from ASCOMS & Hospital during their community outreach services for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of natural calamities, the earthquake, floods and rains which had devastated this region in the past. The IDPD teams of doctors from all over the country had reached upto the remote areas of J&K state with medical and other relief material which was highly commended by the people of Kashmir and Jammu regions of the state. In a similar function at the Government Medical College, Jammu Dr Soodan gave an overall view of the activities of the IDPD. Dr Mehvish Khan gave a presentation on the activities of the IDPD Jammu unit. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman and Dr Arun Mitra said that to achieve the health for all it is imperative that the nuclear weapons are abolished and the gun violence is checked. Dr Zahid Jeelani, Principal GMC highlighted the role of doctors to create an environment of peace which is needed for improvement of public health indices and development in J&K state. Dr Vishal organised and interactive session among the students. Srinagar On 1st June a meeting of members of J&K Chapter of IDPD was held in the office of Dr. Ajaz A. Rather, General Secretary J&K Chapter of IDPD. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, General Secretary IDPD and attended by Dr. Ajaz A. Rather, Dr. G.M. Malik (Founder member & Vice President of J&K Chapter of IDPD), Prof. Lateef, Dr. Basharat Ahad, Dr. Mohd Shakeel & Dr. Altaf A. Malik (Members of J&K Chapter of IDPD). Besides, the meeting was attended by student members of SKIMS Medical College-Ms. Hanna Hamdani & Mr. Ayan Nazir. Dr. Ajaz A. Rather and urged for a sustained and consistent support from IDPD for carrying out various activities in the Kashmir Valley valley especially SKIMS Medical College. Dr G M Malik highlighted the role of IDPD in extending helping hand to the needy in the state of J & K during floods and earth quake in the year 2014 and 2005 respectively. Student members urged upon the General Secretary that regular activities are required to make people aware of the organisation and its activities. Student members proposed that a state level conference be held in SKIMS Medical College in September/October to begin with. All the members present in the meeting backed up the wishes expressed by students. Dr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, briefly enlightened the role and aims of IDPD. He mentioned that the IPNW has privilege of receiving Nobel prize for peace in 1985. He ascertained that IDPD helps people in natural as well as man-made disasters with special mention to floods that hit valley in September 2014 and earthquake of 2004. He also informed the members about the ICAN the international campaign launched by IDPD for nuclear disarmament. He showed his enthusiasm while stating that the national president of IDPD Dr. S.S. Sudan belongs to J&K State. In response to the wishes expressed by student members, Dr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman proposed 8th of October 2016 as date for a national level conference to be held in SKIMS Medical College campus. This was agreed upon by all members unanimously. Dr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman also told the students to make themselves available for a 2 day workshop in Delhi to be held in the month of February 2017.
IDPD Nationwide Campaign on “Health Through Peace”
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Nasik (Maharsthra) 21 March First initiative post national meet by Students Chapter IDPD Maharashtra was taken on 21st march 2016 in form of organizing a BLOOD DONATION CAMP under the banner of IDPD along with the NSS (National Service Scheme) at Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra. Nearly around 50 units of blood were collected and later on , the students of IDPD gave a speech on the theme ‘ DON’T SHED BLOOD , DONATE BLOOD ‘ . Later on few interviews were conducted in which specific questions were asked to the audience regarding the menace of war and violence and the disastrous effect of use of nuclear weapons. Dr Jeetendra Singh , Secretary IDPD appreciated the efforts of students in terms of a novel idea of conducting blood donation camp with a theme ‘ DON’T SHED BLOOD, DONATE BLOOD‘. To Inspire more students ,the NSR – ANEESH MAINI and the CO- NSR- SHRAVANI HUMBE , themselves donated blood to spread the agenda of IDPD . This message was well inspiring and was well appreciated by the general masses and students. At conclusion the message of health through peace was conveyed nicely.
Imphal (Manipur) 23 April As a part of activities, the IDPD, students' chapter, Manipur state organised a blood donation camp at JNIMS(Jawaharlal Nehru institute of medical Sciences, Imphal). The camp was held in association with the blood bank, JNIMS, Imphal on the theme: "DO NOT SHED BLOOD, DONATE BLOOD". The camp started at 9:30am and continued till 1:30pm. In the camp, a total of 60 generous donors donated blood in which the donors were medical undergraduates, nursing students and students from a General College. Earlier two days back, the IDPD students chapter, Manipur went to the Nursing Institute and a General College and interacted with the students telling them about the existence of IDPD students chapter and informed them about the camp. Dr. M. Nara, National Vice President, IDPD too came to the blood bank, JNIMS and interacted with the donors and encouraged them to take part in this kind of noble and selfless activities in future too
IDPD Students’ Chapter India, Punjab Wing, Aadesh Medical University , Bathinda organized a Photo Caption Competition at "Global week of Action Against Gun Violence" under the theme of "Time to End the Deadly Flood of Guns ". Many photos were displayed and MBBS students wrote the caption for those pics one in Hindi and one in English . All participants were encouraged and motivated to be Active members of IDPD. Acting Principal Dr A. K. Maria gave the prizes. 1st prize was won by Amolpreet kaur [ IDPD member ] and Anupriya[ IDPD member ] of Rs.1000 each and 2nd prize was won by Dr Dolly [ IDPD member ] and Malika of Rs.500 each and cash prizes being sponsored by Association of Physicians of India Malwa branch .The judges of events were Dr Jaswinder Kaur , Dr Tanvir Kaur Sidhu and Dr Madhu Lata Rana .There were total 48 English caption entries and 49 Hindi caption entries . All students participated enthusiastically. The event was organized and planned by Dr Onam Gupta ,(MBBS Intern , Co ordinator Small Arms Project) and the team , Harleen, Alfred, Jaswant Jasleen, Gursimran, Gurmehar , Gauri Goswami, Divya phool (2014 batch) , Anupriya , Amolpreet, Navdeep(2013 batch), Kajal, Parteek (2012 batch) and Dolly Aggarwal (2011 batch Intern) and other Student Members.
An initiative was undertaken by Student Chapter, IDPD Punjab on 8th May, 2016 in association with Blood Bank, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar and Medical Student Association of India (MSAI) at Government Medical College , Amritsar in form of organising a BLOOD DONATION CAMP. As much as 350 units of blood were collected . Later on an interactive session was conducted on the theme "DONT SHED BLOOD , DONATE BLOOD" in which the M.B.B.S. students were acquainted with the current scenario of Nuclear wars in our country and broad and the role Physicians , medical students, Medical activists and war victim campaigners can play towards abolishing the menace of war and spreading the IPPNW and IDPD message of Peace through Health. Also students were sensitized and motivated to join the IDPD movement and get involved which was met with much enthusiasm. The CO- NSR Ankush Sharma also joined the regime by donating blood with fellow doctors. Dr. Neeraj Sharma, HOD , Blood Bank, GNDH, Amritsar along with Mr. Satnam Singh, Head, Thalassemia Society , Punjab appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of students who helped in organising and donating blood. At conclusion, the message of spreading peace and health was conveyed nicely.
4th to 6th March 2016 - 10th IDPD National Cofnerence cum Pan Asia IPPNW medical students and young doctors meet
The 10th National Conference of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) held at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna on 5th and 6th March 2016 ended with a resolve to make this world a better place for living. In this concern it was decided to launch a massive campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons, check on the proliferation of small arms and diversion of funds from arms race to health and development. Expressing concern at the failure of successive governments to meet the goal of health for all, the conference decided to continue to work for a health policy with pro people outlook instead of present corporate oriented approach towards healthcare
The 10th National Conference of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) held at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna on 5th and 6th March 2016 ended with a resolve to make this world a better place for living. In this concern it was decided to launch a massive campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons, check on the proliferation of small arms and diversion of funds from arms race to health and development. Expressing concern at the failure of successive governments to meet the goal of health for all, the conference decided to continue to work for a health policy with pro people outlook instead of present corporate oriented approach towards healthcare. For this the IDPD will continue to build public opinion for effective steps for a lasting peace in South Asia. The ongoing arms race in the region particularly between India and Pakistan is causing excessive burden on exchequer and thus affecting the expenditure on health, education and development. The nuclear weapons from the earth have to be abolished because they can annihilate all the flora and fauna from the earth. As medical professionals it is our duty to prevent any such event which could affect the life system. Shri Vijay Chaudhary, Speaker Vidhan Sabha Bihar was the chief guest of the occasion. Dr Daniel Bassey – Co President IPPNW was the guest of honour. Several eminent personalities of Bihar addressed the conference and fully supported the goal of IDPD for a world free of nuclear weapons and violence of all kinds. Varied subjects were discussed during the deliberations of the conference. A special session was devoted to the health policy in which presentations were made by Dr Mohan Lal, Dr Madhumita Chatterjee, Dr B N Paria, Dr Arun Gadre, Dr Shanthi and Dr Sadanandam. Low budgetary allocation to the health in the recent union budget was strongly criticized and it was demanded that a minimum of 4% of the GDP should be spent on the health by the state sector. Stress on the public private partnership model will only lead to providing benefits to the corporate sector and marginalized the poor people from healthcare benefits. The policy of giving insurance coverage for health will never be able to meet the comprehensive healthcare of our citizens rather it will give huge profits to the insurance companies. In the as another session Dr Daniel Bassey gave a presentation on “Nuclear Zero the only Option” in which he highlighted on the necessity of complete abolition of nuclear weapons from the earth because even a limited nuclear exchange could put over two billion people at the risk and cause death of over 20 million people. Prof. Ajay Patnayak from the School of International Studies Jawahar Lal Nehru University dwelt on the perspectives of peace in South Asia and stressed that despite several obstacles the South Asian countries should continue to hold dialogue to resolve the issues. Dr Nirmal Polle from West Bengal gave a presentation on the health effects on nuclear radiations. Dr Shakeel Ur Rehman made a presentation on the health effects on the people living around Jadugoda uranium mines. Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh cautioned that the elite of this country cannot be allowed to enjoy at the cost of lives of poor people like in Jadugoda. He was referring to the study conducted by the IDPD in 2006. This session was co chaired by Dr Dharmendra Kumar and Dr Yudhisthir Dass. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal warned in his speech that if we do not take effective steps to prevent the negative changes occurring in the climate we are bound to be doomed in near future. Dr Niranjan Bhattacharya, Head of the Department of Regenerative Medicine in the School of Tropical Medicine Kolkata gave a talk on the role of stem cells in reducing the damage during nuclear accidents because of inherent property of regeneration in the stem cells. Mrs.Amarjeet Kaur warned that the efforts to curtail freedom of speech and to impose homogenous culture in the country will effect our unity in diversity and would disturb the social harmony. This is being done intentionally to divert attention of the people from the failure of the government to meet the aspirations of the people including their healthcare needs. Such a situation could turn violent and cause serious damage to health of the people and the nation. The session was chaired by Dr Subhas Chakraborty, Dr Prem Shankar Pandey and Dr Rajani. The delegates debated the steps to be taken to strengthen the organization. Dr Jeetendra Singh gave a presentation on this issue. Dr N S Bawa conducted a quiz among the students. Dr Jaswinder Singh co chaired this session. A souvenir was compiled by Dr Abhay Gaur and was released by the chief guest. The delegates hailed from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, U.P, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnatka, West Bengal, Tripura and Manipur. The conference elected team for the future. Dr L S Chawla was elected as the lifetime patron of the organization. Dr S S Soodan was elected as President. Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman as the General Secretary. Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh and Arun Mitra were elected as the Senior Vice Presidents of the IDPD. Dr Usha Shrivastava, Dr.Nara Singh, Dr Navinder Singh Bawa, Dr Tejbir Singh, Dr G.M.Malik as Vice Presidents. Dr V Sadanandam, Dr.Yudhisthir Dass, Dr.Sudhir Dhakre, Dr.Subhash Chakaraborty, Dr Dharmendra Kumar, Dr Ravindranath, Dr Jeetendra Singh as Secretaries. A central council was elected to carry forward the activities. Dr Gaganpreet Singh was elected as students coordinator. Mr Aneesh was elected as the National Students Representative of the IDPD. Mr Ankush, Mr Yahya Khan, Ms Vennela, Ms.Sharavani and Mr Ankit Kumar were elected as Co NSRs. Mr.Sidharth & Mr Onam Gupta as Co Ordinators for ICAN & Small Arms Project respectively. The Pan Asia IPPNW medical students and young doctors meet which was held along with on 4th and 5th March. In this delegates from Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany and India took part. Each delegation gave presentation on their activity report. The students decided to carry forward the work more effectively and charted out a strategy of action. Prominent student leaders include Dr Ryoma, Mr Bimal and Ms Aino.
21st February 2016 Varanasi - IDPD Uttar Pradesh State Conference
The Uttar Pradesh state chapter of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) organized state level conference at Varanasi on the them Health Through Peace. About 250 doctors and social activists participated in the event. Chief gust at the conference Dr Amitab Shanker Rai Chaudhary said that unfortunately the gains of the scientific development have not percolated down to the common man as it shuld have been we are still far from achieving the required infant mortality rate. War and violence add to the health problems. IT is therefore essential that the medical professionals come forward to raise voice for peace, non violence and abolition of nuclear weapons. Dr Shiv Prasad Gupt and Dr Arvind Singh said that the peace is essential for better health. President of Indian Medical Association Dr O P Tiwari said that peace and security are the basic need of any society. We have to word of diversion of funds from the arms race to health and development. Dr Manish Singh Joint Director Health said that doctors have to be humanist and sensitive to social problems. Dr A Mogis Ansari chaired the conference. Chief organisor of the event Dr Prem Shankar Pandey gave a detailed account of the aims and objects of the IDPD. A video speech of Dr Arun Mitra was screened on the occasion. An executive committee to carry forward the movement was formed with Patron – Dr Arun Mitra, Dr Joya Satin Dixit, Dr S C Bharadwaj, Dr R N Srivastav, President - Dr Sudhir Dhakre, Vice President – Dr Akhilesh Agarwal, Secretary - Prem Shankar Pandey, Joint secretary – Dr G P Rai, Treasurer – Dr G P Singh.
Agartala 9th February 2016
A meeting was held at Agartala. Dr Yudhisthir Das gave an account of the history of IPPNW and IDPD and highlighted their contribution toward promoting peace and health. Dr Arun Mitra talked about health policy, medical ethics and prevention of war & violence and nuclear abolition. Othes who participated include doctors Asis Debberma, Subhash Chandra Biswas, Anjan Dutta, Somnath Das, Ramendra Laskar, Bimal Kumar Baidya, Manik Das, Biswajit, Komank Das. Dr Bholanath Saha presided over the meeting.
Kolkata 7th February 2016
Dr Arun Mitra gave a presentation on “Prevention of war and violence – a medical challenge” at the Platinum Jubilee conference of West Bengal unit of the Indian Medical Association. He highlighted the role of peace in promoting health. Dr Niranjan Bhatacharya gave a presntion on the use of stem cells in preventing various diseases including the effect of radiations on human body. Dr Subhash Chakraborty introduced the speakers. The function was presided over by
Hanumangarh 28th December 2015
IDPD Rajasthan unit held a meeting about national conference to be held at Patna. Leading physicians Dr Rajiv Munjal, Dr Paras Jain, Dr SS Get, Dr Khosa, Dr Ravi Shankar, Dr MP Sharma participated in the meeting. Also present were several dental surgeons, physiotherapists and Ayurvedic doctors.
Nagpur 27th December 2015
A meeting was held at IMA house Nagpur. Prominent among those who participated in the meeting include Dr S L Shiohare, Dr Mrs.V.S.Dani, Dr S B Khobargade, Dr Mrs. Kamayani, Dr Aggarwal, Dr G M Taouri, Com J Narayan Rao. Dr Arun Mitra gave a brief account of upcoming Patna conference.
Vijaywada 25 December 2015
A meeting of doctors from South Indian states viz Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu was held at Vijaywada in which Dr Ravindranath, Dr Shanthi, Dr Sadanandam, Dr Sujata, Dr Sajed, Dr Rajani, Dr Venella participated and decided to mobilize medicos to participate in the Patna conference.
Kolkata 7 December 2015
A seminar was held at Calcutta Medical College, Kolkota in which large number of faculty and students participated. Dr Subhash Chakraborty gave an account of the history of IPPNW and IDPD and highlighted their contribution toward promoting peace and health. Ms.Kinnari gave a presentation on the medical students participation in the IDPD. Dr Jeetendra Singh – Student Co ordinator IDPD explain about the medical students exchange programme on peace and health issues. Dr Arun Mitra talked about health policy, medical ethics and prevention of war & violence and nuclear abolition. Othes who participated include
18 November 2015 - IDPD Press Statement on Terrorism
The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) has demanded check on the proliferation of the small arms to prevent ongoing violence leading to loss of lives in several parts of the world. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) who returned after participating in the meeting of the International Board of the IPPNW held in London on 15-16 November said that the board strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Paris. It mourned more than a million victims of the War on Terror as much as the victims of fanaticism of any kind. At a time when humanity is confronted with the possibility of its own extinction, predominantly by the threat posed by the thousands of nuclear weapons, humankind must now step out of the spiral of bloodshed and violence and live in peace; humankind can only survive through cooperation, not by violence the IPPNW board resolution said. The board was critical of the countries who are producing and exporting the arms legally or illegally. Various affiliates of the IPPNW, said Dr Arun Mitra, will further strengthen its campaign for a world free of nuclear weapons and violence of all kinds.
27 Oct 2015 - PPP in healthcare system will lead to complete denial of healthcare to the poor people
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has taken strong exception to the government’s move for outright Public Private Participation (PPP) in the health sector by December. In a statement released here Dr L S Chawla President IDPD said that the health indicators in our country are one among the lowest in the world. Even our South Asian neighbors have better health indicators in many sectors even though their overall economic development is less than us. The government has already slashed its health budget by 20% for the current fiscal year. There is need for minimum of 6% of public health spending in contrast to 1.04% at present. The government’s move to slash the public health expenditure and adopt PPP model will further lead to increase in the out of pocket expenditure on health by the people and thus further denying them the health care facilities and impoverish them. Dr Arun Mitra General Secretary said that worldwide experience has shown that wherever the government’s health spending is more the health indices are better. The emphasis on PPP in the medical education will further deteriorate the standards of education as already the system of admission in majority of the private colleges is totally commercial & fraudulent and training is sub standard with ghost faculty and ghost patients. The government must review its decision and instead increase public health spending.
21 Oct 2015 - IDPD statement on intolerance
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has expressed grave concern at the efforts to spread intolerance in the country which is threatening the social harmony and the basic concept of unity in diversity of our country. Based on the vision of freedom fighters, forefathers of our country had drafted our constitution declaring India a secular democratic country with equal freedom and rights to all religious and ethnic groups. In a statement released Dr L S Chawla – President IDPD said that for some time there has been concerted effort to impose homogeneous culture and weaken the pluralism of our nation. There have also been incidents of provoking violence on communal grounds. In a diverse country like ours the culture and habits of any one group cannot be imposed on others as each one has its own history and background. History has proved time and again that development suffers the most in the event of violence of any kind. Dr Arun Mitra- General secretary IDPD said that the South Asia is one among the most deprived regions. The events that are occurring at present will have far reaching national and international implications. Therefore all the saner and right thinking people must unite to preserve the rich social fabric of our country. He appealed to the people of Punjab also to maintain restrain in the present situation.
IDPD donates medicines for Jammu region
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) handed over medicines for people of Jammu region affected by the floods and also for victims of border firings forced to stay in transit camps exposed to vagaries of nature. The medicines have been arranged by Dr.Jeetender Singh from Nasik (Maharashtra) & Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary IDPD. The IDPD has recently conducted medical relief camps at Srinagar, where eminent doctors from all over the country distributed medicines and other relief material upto far-flung areas of valley. Dr.S.S.Soodan, Senior Vice President IDPD and Dr Rajesh Kumar, In-charge IDPD Jammu handed over the medicines to Dr.B.S.Pathania, Director Health Services, Jammu and Dr Gurjit Singh, Deputy Director Health Sercives, Jammu for distribution to all affected areas through the respective CMO’s. The IDPD have further offered the services of doctors and relief measures, wherever needed, in future.
IDPD JOINS THE WORLD WIDE VOICE FOR THE ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
WEAPONS. The Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons and the Civil Society Forum (CSF) of International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) demand ban treaty immediately.
IDPD comments on Draft National Health Policy -2015
Even after more than 67 years of independence the successive governments have failed to provide universal healthcare to the people. India is a signatory to the Alma Ata declaration whereby the government was committed to provide healthcare to all by the end of 2000. But with the international economic relations scenario changing in the early 1990s the concept healthcare as a social responsibility was deliberately changed with more emphasis being laid on the individual responsibility.
Even after more than 67 years of independence the successive governments have failed to provide universal healthcare to the people. India is a signatory to the Alma Ata declaration whereby the government was committed to provide healthcare to all by the end of 2000. But with the international economic relations scenario changing in the early 1990s the concept healthcare as a social responsibility was deliberately changed with more emphasis being laid on the individual responsibility. Thus the Alma Ata declaration was virtually thrown into dustbin. A new idea of millennium development goals for health was set. These targets were to be achieved by the year 2015. But our country has not been able to achieve the target set by the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Our health indicators are far below Sri Lanka which is economically not more developed than our country. Bangladesh with a population density of 1174 as compare to 382 of India and with much poor economy does not fall much below India’s health indicators. This is an indication as to the faulty health policies of our country. The present government has come out with draft national policy and invited public comments on this. The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) discussed it in the central council meeting held at Agra on 1st February 2015. Following this a draft of comments was prepared which was again circulated among the members for further comments. The draft has not drawn on the shortcomings and limitations of not achieving health related goals of MDG which is coming to an end in 2015. There is lack of specific commitment towards increasing public health expenditure. Even the suggestion in the draft of increasing public health expenditure from present 1.04 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP is devoid of any road-map. The public health expenditure should be increased to 6 percent of GPD to meet the healthcare needs of the citizens. In this policy draft there is strong tendency to privatize the public health delivery system especially at the secondary and tertiary level care. It is care at this level where out of pocket expenditure is highest and leads to impoverishment of the people particularly the poor. In order to attract private players in health sector the policy puts emphasis on medical tourism and insurance. It negates the basic concept of India being a welfare state and makes health a business. The entry of corporate sector in the tertiary healthcare has added to the cost of healthcare exorbitantly and also the unethical practices. Although the draft talks of comprehensive health care but makes no reference to High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage or 12th Plan document. There is no road map for it neither is there any defined goal against which the progress could be assessed. The draft does not state how public health delivery system or facilities will be strengthened at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Here is an urgent need to form a Centre for Policy Research under the ministry of health. Recently there has been push by the WHO and UNICEF to include vaccines like Hepatitis B, HIB (Influenza Vaccine) through Pentavalent vaccines in Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). There is also a move to include vaccine against Rota virus in UIP. The efficacy of these vaccines and the cost benefit is still being debated. Needless to say it is being pushed by international vaccine manufacturers. Centre for Policy Research should review all these issues before it is finally included in the national health programmes. There is weakening of present status of fixing social accountability in the draft policy. Under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) various provisions are for fixing the accountability like public hearings of health delivery system, Community Based Planning and monitoring, formation of multi-stakeholder committees at different levels. The draft is silent on these issues. No user fee should be charged at any public health facility. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has withdrawn its order to fix prices of drugs, which are not under the list of essential medicines, a move that has been welcomed by the pharmaceutical industry. The NPPA had on 22nd September 2014 issued a statement, saying it has withdrawn guidelines for price control issued under Para 19 of the Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013. The Paragraph 19 of the DPCO, 2013, authorises the NPPA to control the prices drugs that are not under the NLEM (National List of Essential Medicines) under extraordinary circumstances in public interest. The NPPA had invoked Para 19 of the DPCO to cap prices of 108 medicines, including cardiac, diabetes and HIV/AIDS drugs. As a result since the present government took over the prices of the newer Anti HIV and Anti Cancer drugs have increased rocket high. The NPPA should put an effective control on the drug prices. The draft should guarantee universal free access to medicines and diagnostics, somewhere between 500 to 700 drugs as is being done in Tamilnadu and Kerala. IDPD welcomes the decision of the government of opening Jan Aushadhi, where it will sell around 500 drugs under generic names at low cost. There is no mention of the drug pricing policy. The drugs should be brought under the ministry of health and family welfare and instead of the ministry of Petroleum & Chemicals. The drug prices should be fixed on the basis of the cost involved in their production. The MRP of the drugs being sold under the generic category should be rationalized to give benefits to the patients as it has been found that in many such cases the difference between the MRP and the purchase price by the retailers is exorbitant. The policy should opt for universal coverage under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) scheme including out-patient care like consultation, diagnostics, treatment at all level of facilities. And it should be brought under Health Ministry instead of Labour Ministry. National Population Policy should be freshly developed. The previous policy prescription although talks of target free approach but uses terms like expected level of achievement. It has led to many tragedies as in Bilaspur, Kapafora, etc as the service providers keep on organizing sterilization camps with little regards for safety and more importantly the dignity of women. Thermostatic models of providing micronutrients for example IFA, Vitamin A, Iodine have not been sufficient in improving the nutritional status of adolescent girls, women in reproductive age and children. There is a clear need to link malnutrition to food security. The draft should include the social determinants of health like ending poverty, income generation apart from clean water and environment, housing and sanitation. There should be clear road map for it. The intent of having Right to Health Act in the draft policy is a welcome move. Surprisingly it is silent on Health Bill which was put in public domain in 2009. A yearly assessment should be made and data published on the number of patients treated free of cost by the corporate hospitals who have been leased out land virtually free of cost. Special clauses should be introduced in the health policy 2015 to ensure ethical practice by the medical professionals, institutions and organizations.
IDPD Comments on Public notice by MHFW Govt. of India on use of Generics Drugs
Indian Doctors for Peace and Development endorse the initiative of the Government of India to prescribe drugs in legible and capital letters in the generic names only. I shall suggest that a mechanism should be developed by the government that ensures that retail medicine shops don't flee the patients by selling the costliest brands of medicines while honouring prescriptions with generic names. As you are aware that same medicines are sold by different companies with different price tags; in some cases difference between two brands of the same medicine is two to four times higher. Another issue that has to be addressed is that many generic medicines at the wholesale prices are far less than the embossed MRP on the strip/vial/phial of the medicines leading to upto 1000 times profit to retail chemist shops. The government should ensure that generic medicines that are sold in the market should have a margin of profit not exceeding 20% for the retail chemist shops, hence the print price on medicine should be according to the proposed formula. With kind regards.
Dr Shakeel ur Rahman Secretary IDPD
CME at Govt. Medical College Amritsar 9th August 2015 on Health, Development & Ethics
There is need for collective effort to prevent the biggest ever health tragedy as atomic bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed over two lakh people in a matter of minutes. Doctors are duty bound morally and ethically to work for the development of society through health. This was the message that emanated from the Continuous Medical Education programme organized to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of atomic bombing on Nagasaki in Japan on 9th August 1945, by the department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar in collaboration with Indian Doctors For Peace And Development (IDPD) & Social Medicine Association on the Theme “Health, Development & Ethics”. The event discussed several related subjects viz: Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons; National Health Policy; Medical Ethics and Food Security Act - Strength and Limitations. Principal GMC, Amritsar Dr. Santokh Singh inaugurated the CME followed by welcome speech by Dr. S.S. Deepti. Dr. Tejbir Singh, Head of the department of Community Medicine, GMC Amritsar highlighted the importance of the conference and invited Dr. S.S.Soodan (Vice President IDPD) who gave a brief history of the idea behind the formation of IDPD and also about the work being done so far concerning the peace in various nations around the world. Dr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu from School of Buisness, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar started with his first session on Food Security Act; he stressed that the need of this act is because of the inequalities in wealth and total income. Only 2.5% of the people own 83% of global wealth. He further elaborated regarding the various entitlements and beneficiaries covered under the act. Following this, Dr. G.S.Grewal (President, Punjab Medical Council) emphasized the importance of principles in life, particularly the role of ethics in medical profession. He said that it’s a noble profession and all doctors should commit themselves not to indulge in any malpractices. To regulate the medical profession in the state the PMC has to take several steps to stop the practice of cuts and commissions and advertisements to entice the patients, he said. In the second session, Dr. Bharti Uppal; National Finance Secretary, IDPD discussed about Wars and its devastating long term consequences on health. Then Dr. Arun Mitra (Gen.Secretary IDPD) gave a brief note on medical ethics and its falling standards. After this in the end, Panel discussion was conducted on “National Health Policy (Draft) 2015” by Dr. A.S. Padda, Ex-Principal & Head Department of Community Medicine, GMC as moderator. The first panelist Dr. Shakeel ur Rehman (Secretary IDPD) highlighted that privatization of secondary and tertiary health services should not be there and he said that 2% of Indian population is going below the poverty line every year due to out of pocket expenditure on health. After this Dr. Karanjit Singh (Ex-Director Health Services Punjab) discussed about mother & child health component of the policy and the progress made so far. Dr. Vitull K. Gupta (Associate professor Medicine, AIMSR, Bathinda) emphasized that there is total disconnect between ground level reality and the implementation of the policy. He further enlightened that there is need to implement what is being written in the draft. The last topic of discussion was by Dr. Amritpal Kaur Dhillon (Associate Professor Obst & Gynae, GMC Amritsar) regarding women health issues addressed in the policy. Over 350 delegates attended the CME. The session concluded with the valedictory function and vote of thanks by Dr. Sanjeev Mahajan.
Homage to the victims of atomic bombing at Hiroshima on the occasion of 70th anniversary
The Rajasthan unit of IDPD observed Hiroshima day at Kanha Ram Memorial Hospital, Hanumangarh to pay homage victims of atomic bombing at Hiroshima on the occasion of 70th anniversary. Thirty doctors from various streams were present. The meeting observed two minutes silence in their memory. The meeting was chaired by a presidium of Dr S.S.Gatte, Dr.M.P.Sharma, Dr Pardeep Saran, Dr Ravi Shankar, Dr Ramesr Bhambu, Dr Rajiv Munjal. Dr Dharmender Kumar delivered speech about hazards of atomic weapons, atomic energy, atomic tests. He said that use of atomic weapons is grave danger to whole nature. Dr Munjal said nonviolence is the basic principles of IDPD. Peace work is our moral duty. Dr Tirth,Dr Shahil,Dr Ravindr Sharma, Dr Rishi Makasar, Dr Amit Bhadu, Dr Sandip Bhakar, and many Ayurvedic medical officers were present there. It was decided to spread the concept of peace village in the coming time.
IDPD Relief Work for Earthquake in Nepal
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) in coordination with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab sent a truck load of relief material with 200 shelter tents and medicines worth 3 lakh rupees to Nepal for the victims of earth quake which devastated large part of Nepal on 25th April 2015
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) in coordination with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab sent a truck load of relief material with 200 shelter tents and medicines worth 3 lakh rupees to Nepal for the victims of earth quake which devastated large part of Nepal on 25th April 2015. Those present for the flag off include Dr L S Chawla, President IDPD, Dr G S Grewal – President Punjab Medical Council, Dr S P S Sooch, President IMA Punjab, Dr Narjit Kaur, member central council IDPD, Rtn. Dr Sanjeev Uppal – Member Central Council IDPD, Dr P S Jassal, member of IDPD and presently General Secretary IMA Ludhiana and Sh.Praveen Bansal – Former Deputy Mayor, Ludhiana who flagged off. The material will be delivered to Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal (PSRN) in Kathmandu and distributed to the needy under their supervision. Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary IDPD will go to Kathmandu personally to plan the strategy to utilize the material to its best. Dr Balbir Singh, member central council of the IDPD and also Chairman Disaster Management Committee of the IMA Punjab took special interest in raising funds and organizing the relief material. Funds were contributed for the cause from across the country. The efforts made by the medical students from Jammu and Amritsar who collected large amount of funds for the cause are commendable. Other organisations who need to be acknowledged for their generous contribution include Working Women Forum India, Rotary Club Ludhiana, Istri Satsang Sabha Gurudwara Singh Sabha Sargoda Colony, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maya Nagar Ludhiana. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD visited Kathmandu to express solidarity with the Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal. The material was distributed in Jhor, Sangla, Tokha and other effected areas. It is worth mentioning that IDPD has always been in the fore front for organizing relief work during disasters. A medical team of IDPD had gone to Uttrakhand in 2013 and then Jammu and Kashmir last year when the floods caused damage there.
IDPD Seminar at Hanumangarh (Rajastahn) on 12 April 2015
The Rajasthan unit of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has decided to form peace committees in the villages starting from village Makkarsar near Hanumangarh. As a part of this initiative the village was declared as Shanti Gram (Peace Village). A display board in this regard was installed at the outskirt of the village. Dr Arun Mitra – National General Secretary IDPD inaugurated this along with Dr Rajeev Munjal – President Rajasthan Unit IDPD, Dr Dharmendra Kumar Verma – General Secretary, Dr Rishi, Dr Teerath and Dr Rameshwar Singh.
IDPD RAJASTHAN UNIT TAKES INITIATIVE TO FORM VILLAGE LEVEL PEACE COMMITTEES
The Rajasthan unit of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has decided to form peace committees in the villages starting from village Makkarsar near Hanumangarh. As a part of this initiative the village was declared as Shanti Gram (Peace Village). A display board in this regard was installed at the outskirt of the village. Dr Arun Mitra – National General Secretary IDPD inaugurated this along with Dr Rajeev Munjal – President Rajasthan Unit IDPD, Dr Dharmendra Kumar Verma – General Secretary, Dr Rishi, Dr Teerath and Dr Rameshwar Singh. Prominent persons from the nearby villages attended the curtain raising of this board and assured of forming peace committees in the respective villages which will meet and act separately and unitedly to promote peace and harmony. Addressing on the occasion Dr Munjal said that this initiative has been taken as this is a border area and people have to bear the brunt of tension between India and Pakistan. Later in the evening a citizens seminar was held on the theme HEALTH THROUGH PEACE AND HARMONY. Addressing the gathering Dr Arun Mitra highlighted the importance of peace and disarmament in the world and in South Asia in particular with special reference to Indo-Pak relations. The arms race is costing huge amount to our poor countries he said. This is affecting our health needs. He was critical of that the government has thrown open the health care of the people to the private corporate sector. As a result of this people are suffering due to out of pocket expenditure on health. He demanded the government to provide comprehensive health care to the people of our country. Dr Rajeev Munjal, Dr Dharmendra, Dr Gopal Krishan Handa and Dr S S Gett also addressed the meeting. It was unanimously decided to form an executive committee with Dr Gopal Krishan Handa as Patron, Dr Rajeev Munjal as President, Dr Dharmendra Kumar Verma as the General Secretary, Dr.D.C Swami, Dr R Bhambu, Dr Pawan Sharma as members of the working committee of Rajasthan Unit of IDPD. Several prominent doctors including Dr Rameshwar Singh who have contributed to the cause of uplift of health care in the area were honored. The seminar was chaired by a presidium of Dr.S.S.Gett, Dr.Paras Jain Dr.Khosa, Dr.P.P.Mohinder, Dr.Brijlal, Dr.Handa, Shri B.R.Chandk, Adv.O.P.Hissaria.
IDPD MEDICAL STUDENTS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
There is urgent need for confidence building measures between the countries of south Asia to improve the health indicators of the region. As a result of ongoing tension between the nations and several internal problems within the countries there is huge spending on arms which has made the region’s health spending low. As a result all the countries of the region barring Sri Lanka are among those with lowest health indicators in the world. This spending should be diverted to wards health, education and development. This was the message of the medical students exchange programme on HEALTH THROUGH PEACE organised by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD). At Srinagar Dr Rafiq Ahmed Pampori, Principal of the Govt. Medical College said that the programme is very relevant in context of the present situation in Kashmir. Love and brotherhood and service to humanity is need of the hour. Dr G M Malik –Vice President IDPD said that IDPD is a forum where every one can express her/his viewpoints freely on the question of peace and health. Students from Kashmir have been active in such programmes earlier too. A highlight of the programme was candle march through the streets of Faridkot by these students under the leadership of Dr Gaganpreet. During this march the students explained to the people in the bazaars their motive of spreading the message of peace and love and health for all. At Amritsar students Dr Santokh singh senior member of IDPD and Dr S S Deepti-head of department of Social and Preventive Medicine Govt. Medical College. Addressed. Large number of senior faculty members took part in the event at Jammu. Dr S S Soodan Senior Vice President IDPD said that there is need for equitable spending on health. Dr R P Kudiar Principal ASCOMS blessed the students for their mission for peace, harmony and health. At AIIMS Dr Usha Shrivastva –Vice President IDPD gave brief history of the IDPD. Dr Chanderkant Pandav-HOD Community Medicine assured of all types of cooperation in future. Dr Arun Mitra - General Secretary IDPD said that these activities are meant to make the students mix up with each other which will break the false propaganda and myths against each other and help in integration process. Next time, he said they will organize group of students from North to travel to south. He thanked all the Principals and senior faculty members for their support to the programme. During the whole programme a group of 12 students from Nashik and Bathinda traversed over 2000 Kilometers from Nashik in Maharashtra to Delhi, Faridkot & Amritsar in Punjab and Jammu & Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. During interaction with the students and Faculty in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Gurugobind Singh Medical College Faridkot, Govt. Medical College Amritsar, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) Jammu and Govt. Medical College Srinagar, the visiting students gave presentations on the subjects pertaining to peace development and health. The students’ were lead by Dr Jeetendra Singh, National Students Coordinator of IDPD. The group included Ms Fatema Merchant-team leader, Ms Ashika, Ms Roma Jain, Mr Gaurav Chaudhary Mr Chandan Arora, Ms Lipsy, Ms Rosy, Ms Dolly, Ms Ritul and Mr Abhinav. At every place there was a vibrant questions and answers session and discussion. Senior faculty members who attended the events include Dr Chandrakant Pandav Head Department of Community Medicine, Dr Usha Shrivastva – Vice President IDPD, Dr Anil Goswami and Dr Harshad Salve, at AIIMS; Dr B B Mahajan- Principal Guru Gobind singh Medical College, Dr Gaganpreet an Dr Sanjay Chaudhary Asst. Professors Department of Community Medicine at Faridkot; Dr Santokh Singh, Dr S S Deepti - HOD Community Medicine, Dr Jasleen and Dr Navdeep at Govt. Medical College Amritsar; Dr S S Soodan Director ASCOMS and Dr R P Kudiar Principal; Dr Rafiq Ahmed Pampori-Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr G M Malik-Vice President IDPD and Dr Salim Khan HOD Social and Preventive Medicine GMC Srinagar and Com amarjeeet Kaur-National Secretary AITUC.
IDPD Interactive Session at New Delhi on 8th March 2015
There is need to organize people’s movements even more vociferously now to achieve nuclear disarmament and denounce militarism. This was the message that emanated from the interactive session organized by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) on 8th March, the International Women’s Day at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. Alyn Ware, Director of the Basel Peace Office, Switzerland while addressing the participants as the main speaker said that even though the media projects a very grim picture but the civil society actions have achieved several gains leading to reduction in the number of nuclear weapons on earth from 80000 in the 1980s to about 17000 at present.
There is need to organize people’s movements even more vociferously now to achieve nuclear disarmament and denounce militarism. This was the message that emanated from the interactive session organized by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) on 8th March, the International Women’s Day at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. Alyn Ware, Director of the Basel Peace Office, Switzerland while addressing the participants as the main speaker said that even though the media projects a very grim picture but the civil society actions have achieved several gains leading to reduction in the number of nuclear weapons on earth from 80000 in the 1980s to about 17000 at present. But it is also a fact that there are nine nuclear weapons state and 30 such nations which rely on these. Several governments have unilaterally abandoned their nuclear weapons programme. There are others who have denounced these through multilateral agreements. But the danger is still grave. The situation in Ukraine has led to worsening of relationship between USA and Russia. This is not a good sign. Similarly situation in Middle East and tension between India and Pakistan are also cause of concern. Good thing is that several new initiatives are coming up for nuclear disarmament. The Civil Society Forum followed by government level conference on Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, which was attended by over 150 countries is a bright ray of hope. Similarly support from the Red Cross & Red Crescent, resolution of World Medical Association, the Parliamentarians and Noble Laureates for nuclear disarmament are a positive signal strengthening the voice for peace. The NPT review conference can be a step forward. India can take lead in revising the Rajiv Gandhi action plan. We can also use the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to plead the case of noncompliance of the obligation to stop nuclear weaponisation. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal said that the US administration has budgeted US$ 350 billion to update the nuclear weapons. India is also planning modernization of nuclear weapons. There is need to include the issue of climate change in the international dialogue. There is also need to remove the clause of supreme national interest in the ABM treaty. He also said that nuclear energy and nuclear weapons are interlinked. Achin Vanaik from Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and peace(CNDP) said that if US ratifies the CTBT it will prompt other countries to do so. Com Pallav Sen Gupta – General Secretary All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) said that it is important to have more and more international dialogue on the issue nuclear disarmament and to denounce militarism. Prof. Arjun Dev cautioned that the present Indian government is glorifying the Indian militarism through falsification of history and preaching the ideology of hatred. Dr Usha Shrivastva gave an account of positive role played by the IDPD since its inception. Com Amarjeet Kaur – Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said that the government is increasing the budget on defense while cutting down the expenditure on social welfare issues. This tendency of the Indian government of marginalising the poor masses and glorifying the military power has to be countered through people’s movements. Mr.Kanhiya, Miss Oshin, Mr.Sarvsureshth Dhammi and Dr Chenta Hans also participated in the discussion. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD informed that IDPD has decided to launch “Health Through Peace and Harmony” campaign in different parts of the country so as to spread the message of disarmament and communal harmony.
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Imphal 8th February 2016
IDPD organized a seminar at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Imphal in which large number of students and faculty participated. Dr Arun Mitra gave a presentation on “Prevention of war and violence – a medical challenge”. Dr M Nara Singh gave an account of the history of IPPNW and IDPD and highlighted their contribution toward promoting peace and health. Dr Deben Laishram director of the institute presided over the function. He lauded the role of IDPD and called upon the students to actively participate in its activities. Other who spoke at the meeting include Dr Chourjit Singh, Dr Th. Dhabali, Dr.T.Rajen Singh, Dr L Amarjit Singh. Many students participated in the interactive session and assured of participation in the 10th National conference of IDPD.
IDPD Annual Central Council Meeting 1st February 2015 Agra (UP)
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Proceedings of the meeting The meeting was held at Guest House of S N Medical College, Agra 1st February 2015 under the chairmanship of Dr S S Soodan – Senior Vice President IDPD. Meeting started by paying homage to Mrs.Perin Chandra, the founder member of IDPD. By observing two minute silence in her memory. A brief introduction about late Ms.Perin Chandra and her contribution to IDPD was given by Dr. Arun Mitra and Com. Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur.
Proceedings of the meeting
The meeting was held at Guest House of S N Medical College, Agra 1st February 2015 under the chairmanship of Dr S S Soodan – Senior Vice President IDPD. Meeting started by paying homage to Mrs.Perin Chandra, the founder member of IDPD. By observing two minute silence in her memory. A brief introduction about late Ms.Perin Chandra and her contribution to IDPD was given by Dr. Arun Mitra and Com. Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur.
Report of the past activities
Dr Arun Mitra gave a detailed account of the past activities undertaken since February 2014. The report presented by him was unanimously passed in the meeting. Activities done in the past year are available on the website www.idpd.org.
Health Policy and Drug pricing policy:
Dr Arun Mitra told that the government has cut the health budget by 20% which will adversely effect the health care delivery system in our country. Dr J N Tandon expressed concern at the deteriorating health services to the common people for whom the healthcare has become unaffordable. Dr.Shakeel gave a critical analysis of the health policy 2015. The meeting decided that Dr.Shakeel should prepare a note by 10th February on this which should be circulated to the members who should send their inputs by 20th February 2015 and the final version should be submitted to the government before 28th February. Dr Arun Mitra informed that the total methodology of settling the prices of the drugs is faulty that is why one drug formulation is sold by the different pharma companies at very different prices. He also informed that the MRP of the medicines being sold under generic category is very high in comparison to the purchase price by the retailers. Thus the benefit is not passed on to the patients. Dr Shakeel should also prepare a note on the drug pricing policy including the MRP of the generic drugs.
Future planning:
1.Seminars on “Peace and Harmony – Key to Health and Development”
There is lot of resentment among the public as the healthcare has become unaffordable to the vast majority. The cut in the health budget has shaken the medical fraternity as well. The decision of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) of the central government to take away its authority to fix price of the non essential drugs has given huge profit to the pharma companies. Moreover people have become conscious of the negative effects of the huge spending on the arms race. There is growing realization that this money should be diverted towards health and education. The study of Dr Ira Helfand – Co-President IPPNW that over two billion people were at risk in the event of even a limited nuclear war has further aggravated concerns of the people. It was therefore decided to hold seminars, discussion, conventions on “Peace and Harmony – Key to Health and Development” in the different states. It was also decided to reactivise the units which have become dormant. Dr Sudhir Dhakre said that he will specifically take interest for activising the IDPD in UP in consultation with Dr P.S.Pandey of Varanasi. At the suggestion of Gen. Saighal it was decided to take up the issue of effect of GM crops on health.
2.ICAN and AFP
Activities under International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and Aiming for Prevention (AFP) – the campaign for check on proliferation of small arms have to be given priority. In this connection we should linkup our activities with the health policy matters. Activities planned include: a. Interactive session with Alyn Ware (the director of the Basel Peace Office, long time peace activist, global coordinator of PNND, the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament and recipient of the Right Livelyhood Award) on 8th March 2015 at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. b. Coordination with other likeminded organizations. c. Observance of related events like the Hiroshima Nagasaki Days on 6th and 9th August, Anti Fascism Day on 9th May, World Earth Day on 22nd April, World Envrionment Day on 5th June, Peace week in November etc. d. Dialogue with decision makers. e. Student and Young doctors Activities and Exchange Programme – Dr Jeetendra Singh to plan these activities in South and North East India. The students would prepare an outline about updating the website, develop better communication methods through Facebook, Whatsapp and email. Ms.Kinnri from Nasik to organize the team and the outlay. Other members of this team include Chandan, Kinnari, Jasmeet, Veronica, Fatima, Lipsy, Ritual, Dr.Priyanka Loach and Abinav.
3.Finances
Dr Arun Mitra presented account of the last year which was unanimously passed. He appealed to the members to contribute Rs.2000/- annually so as to meet the running expenditure.
4.National conference 2016 – Proposals
It was decided to hold next national conference at Patna in February 2016.
5.South Asian Regional Meet
It is proposed to be held at Dhaka depending on the situation in Bangladesh.
6.Resolutions
•Against the cut in the health budget
•For taking initiative for dialogue with neighbors particularly Pakistan
7.Appreciation Awards
Appreciation awards presented to various student groups for their contribution. The local IMA president was also presented.
Dr Soodan thanked all the participants particularly Dr Sudhir Dhakre for organising the meeting. He also thanked the Principal of the college and medical students and junior doctors organizing this meeting.
Seminar on “Peace and Harmony – Key to Health and Development”
The seminar was held in the hall of Ravi Hospital Agra. Dr J N Tandon, Dr Amod Shankar, Dr S S Soodan, Dr Arun Mitra, Mrs.Amarjeet Kaur and Gen. Retd. Vinod Saighal were on the stage. Dr Dhakre introduced the subject. Mrs.Amarjeet Kaur in her key note address cautioned that the present government is not only brining down the budget on health and education but also spreading myths and communalizing the education system. They are also not making efforts to hold dialogue with Pakistan. Those engaged in the arms business are making huge profits by selling arms to India and Pakistan. We have to collectively reverse this trend. Gen. Saighal pointed out the climatic changes which are affecting our planet. Dr.J.N.Tandon said that medical professionals are duty bound to work for peace and harmony. Dr Arun Mitra said that IDPD would strive to struggle for communal harmony and peace and for a pro people health policy. Dr S S Soodan gave the appreciation awards. On 2nd February a student seminar was organized in the S N Medical College. Students from Nasik gave a presentation on the activities of IDPD. Students from Adesh Medical College Bathinda gave a presentation on the drug abuse. Dr N S Bawa – Vice President IDPD organized a quiz among the students and gave the prizes. In the evening the students from Nasik staged a street play “Asha ki Kiran” on female foeticide at the Shaheed Smarak Agra. Junior doctors and students from Agra who actively participated in organizing all these events were awarded.
IDPD SEMINAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE
(Date: 30.12.2014) Use of low carbon renewable energy resources are the only way out to prevent the adverse effects as a result of climate change. Failure to take effective measures to combat climate change at the global level could be disastrous for the mankind. There is urgent need to arrive at and implement international agreements to check the rising level of green house gases through transition to low carbon economy, said Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary – Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) & Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) Ludhiana while delivering a talk at a seminar on Climate change and Health at the NSS Camp in the Govt. College for Boys Ludhiana. The unprecedented rise in the carbon level in the atmosphere since 1950, more than what occurred in the last 800000 years has created an alarming situation. The effects are already being felt by increase in the storms, melting of glaciers leading to rise in the sea level and floods displacing lacs of people and causing demographic changes. Continued climate change will effect the food production adversely leading to increase in the malnourishment. The human health will be seriously effected by increase in the number of communicable diseases. The poor in the countries who are already at marginal level of nutrition will be the worse effected. “Many of those most vulnerable to climate change have contributed and contribute little to greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr Mitra said while referring to statement by Dr. R K Pachauri – Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is an irony that those who have contributed heavily to the green house gases are now running away from taking up responsibility to contribute more to combat the climate change under the principal of ‘polluter pays’. It is technically feasible to transition to a low-carbon economy, but what is lacking are appropriate policies and institutions. Dr Dharmej Singh, Principal of the college called upon the students to learn more about the environmental degradation and organize movement for its redressal. Prof. Paramjit Singh – In Charge NSS boys welcomed the speaker. Prof. Nishi Arora In Charge NSS girls, Prof. Pooran Singh, Prof. Gitanjli and Prof. Amandeep Singh graced the occasion.
IDPD CONDEMNS CUT ON HEALTH BUDGET BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
(Date: 25.12.2014) Indian Doctors for Peace & Development (IDPD) has strongly condemned the decision of government of India to cut health budget by 20%. This is to slash 6000 Crore rupees out of total budget of Rs.35,163 crore on health for the financial year ending on 31st March 2015. It is ironical that public spending on health in India is one among the lowest in the world as low as Sierra Leone and Haiti. India spends 1% of its GDP on health as compared 3% by China and 8.3 % by the USA. This cut will further lower our health indicators some of which are even lower than Bangladesh. In 2013 in our country 13 lakh children died before reaching their fifth birthday. India’s Childhood mortality rate (Children dying before 5th birthday) is 53 as compared to China’s 13 and Srilanka’s 10. India accounts for around 16% of globe’s population and 30% of world’s poor. Arjun Sen Gupta commission had in 2008 reported that 77% of Indian population lives on less than Rs.20/- per day. This huge number is dependent on state run health institutions for their needs. They are already marginalized and under nourished. As a result they are more prone to be taken ill. With this decision of the government , they will be further marginalized. This decision will only help the corporate sector which takes healthcare as business. This has also exposed the government’s intention to promote corporate sector in health ignoring the interest of vast majority of our population. It is worth noting here that since the present government took over the prices of the newer Anti HIV and Anti Cancer drugs have increased rocket high. We demand that this cut be immediately revoked.
Seminar at New Delhi 9th March 2014
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded from the political parties to define their health agenda in the upcoming elections to the Parliament. It is an irony that most of the political parties completely ignore health in their manifestos. This demand is an outcome of the seminar on “Building Future through Peace, Health and Development” organized by the IDPD on 9th March 2014 at New Delhi. A letter in this regard will be soon sent to the central leaders of political parties said Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD. A draft of the IDPD health charter was presented by Dr Usha Shrivastava – Secretary IDPD which was discussed in details by the participants. This draft will be discussed in different parts of the country before giving it a final shape which would be later on submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare after the elections. Giving a detailed presentation on “Challenges of Health Care in India” Dr Prachin Ghodajkar - Assistant Professor at Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health in JNU, New Delhi said that the health care delivery system has been very systematically and subtly shifted from the state’s responsibility to provide healthcare as a constitutional obligation to make it techno centric purchasable commodity in consonance with the neo liberal economic order. This has resulted in increasing number of population getting devoid of quality health care. To meet the challenge of health in our country public health spending has to be increased to a minimum of 6% of our budget. There has to be a rational drug policy to control the prices of the drugs, he said. Mr.Manish Dabhade – Assistant Professor International School of disarmament studies JNU cautioned that arms race is impinges on the budget for the development. Certain issues pending for long between India & Pakistan, India & China and now with Bangladesh & Sri Lanka have pushed the region into increased spending on arms. Professor K N Kabra a leading economist said that the economic policies being pursued by the successive governments for the last nearly two decades have created a false notion of growth and increase in the GDP. There has been in fact exclusion of vast majority of the population from the benefits of economic development. Points raised in all these deliberations were debated at length by the participants. Prominent among those who participated in the discussion include Maj. Gen. Retd. Vinod Saighal, Ms.Amarjeet Kaur, Dr Anil Pathak, Dr Anjali Mehta, Dr Manju Sharma, Prof. Gargi Chakravorti, Dr Chetna Hans, Dr Arashdeep Singh, Dr Koninika Ray. Doctors and medical students from Ghaziabad - U.P, AIIMS & Maulana Azad Medical College – Delhi, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences – Punjab, GMC & ASCOMS – Jammu participated. Dr Nilima Pathak thanked all the participants and said that they will soon organize interactive sessions in different institutions and part of the National Capital Region Delhi.
Central Council Meeting at Imphal: Seminar at Imphal and Agartala IDPD Annual Central Council Meeting Held at Imphal (Manipur) on 9th February 2014.
Central Council Meeting at Imphal: Seminar at Imphal and Agartala IDPD Annual Central Council Meeting Held at Imphal (Manipur) on 9th February 2014.noClick Here For Report
16 January: Seminar at Economics Department Government College of Boys, Ludhiana
Increase in spending on health and education is the most essential perquisite for the development and inclusive growth of a society. Therefore it is of utmost importance that the spending on arms be decreased and the money thus saved should be diverted towards health and education; said Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) while delivering a talk at seminar organized by the Economics Department SCD Government College here today. India and Pakistan both are one among the most deprived but we spend huge amount on arms. India ranks number one with 12% of total arms import and Pakistan ranks number three with 5% of total arms import in the world. Both of us now have about 100 nuclear weapons each. These are enough to put two billion people at the risk of starvation in the case of nuclear exchange between the two countries. Quoting a study carried out by the Nobel Laureate International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) President Dr Ira Helfand, he said that the fall in temperature around the world as a result of dust and soot released into the atmosphere will reduce agriculture growth to a level which could cause serious fall in production of food. The 925 million people in the world who are already chronically malnourished (with a baseline consumption of 1,750 calories or less per day), would be put at risk by a 10% decline in their food consumption. The only option before the world is to abolish the testing, production and putting on launch all the nuclear weapons. He was highly critical that India’s health spending in the last budget was only 1.9% as against the minimum of required 6%. There is urgent need to increase public health spending on the health. Prof. Poonam Mittal, Head of the Economics Department highlighted the need for an inclusive growth of the society and not concentration of wealth in a few hands. Prof. Ashwani Bhalla said that corporate oriented growth has led to widening of gaps in the society. Prof. Pooran Singh said that their department always tries to impart knowledge to the student on various related subjects. Prof. Geetanjli Malik welcomed the speaker and Prof. Iradeep Kaur thanked the participants. Students asked questions from the speakers
30 December: IDPD Concern over go -ahead to Fatehabad N-Plant
The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has expressed serious concern at the decision of the ministry of Environment government of India to grant green clearance to the Fatehabad Nuclear Power plant. In a statement issued here today Dr L S Chawla – President and Dr Arun Mitra - General Secretary IDPD said that the nuclear power plants are potentially dangerous. The nuclear facility at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu has failed to fulfill all the environment obligations fully but still the government allowed it. Same thing is likely to happen here. Moreover this area is densely populated. The nuclear accidents have been major disasters worldwide, the main being Chernobyl (Ukraine in 1986) and Fukushima (Japan in 2011). Our country has dismal record of even domestic waste management; how do we expect the management nuclear waste which otherwise also is very difficult to manage. Our organization has conducted studies on the health status of people living around Jadugoda uranium mines and found significant effect on their health. We have enough of renewable energy resources like the Solar, Wind and Bio Waste, but are not paying so much attention to these. Instead we are purchasing the nuclear power from those countries who have virtually stopped using nuclear energy for power generation.
28 December: IDPD Seminar at Government College for Boys (Ludhiana)
Increase health spending from 1.2% of the GDP to 6% to provide comprehensive health care to all. Addressing a seminar organized by the NSS at the Government College Boys Ludhiana Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) said that despite the recommendations of the planning commission on health to allocate 5% of the budget towards health, the government of India allocated only 1.9% of the budget to health. Quoting Amritya Sen, Dr Mitra said that health and education are the basic assets required for development and inclusive growth of any country and society. Our public health spending is among the three lowest in the world in line with Sierra Leone and Haiti. Therefore we are likely to miss the millennium development goal (MDG) to bring down infant mortality rate to 27 and maternal mortality rate to 109 by 2015. It is an irony that we spend huge amount on the arms race because of perpetual tension between India and Pakistan. Both of us have nearly 100 nuclear weapons each which if used could lead to death of up to 1.2 crore people. A recent study done by Dr Ira Helfand has warned of risk to over 2 billion people because of fall in food production resulting due to climatic changes in the event of a nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan. He called for a mass movement on these issues. Many students asked questions concerning his talk. Present among the faculty members were Prof. Pooran Singh, Prof. Paramjit Singh and Prof Joshi.
24 November: IDPD Peace Mission to Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh)
An IDPD peace team visited Muzaffarnagar on 24th November 2013. The team went to Shahpur town, Kutba, Kutbi and Kankra villages which were hit by the violence over two and half months ago. The team also visited the make shift camps for the displaced people of the area. The team comprised of Dr Arun Mitra – National General Secretary, Dr Sudhir Dhakre – National Secretary, Dr Sanjeev Verma – UP State Secretary and Dr Neelam – Member Central Council of IDPD. Dr Kuldeep Singh Chauhan a leading physician organized the visit. Social activist Com. Rambal Tyagi joined us in our visit to different places. The members interacted with the people of the area and found that until this event there had been no tension in the society. The area was spared of riots even in 1947. The rural areas had even stronger relationship among the communities. This was a result of long standing harmony, brotherhood and cohesive relationship among different communities. The events are a clear pointer to that the whole thing was stage planned, managed, and engineered in a well orgnaised manner. The role of the administration in curbing the violence has been disgusting. An ordinary crime of stalking and eve teasing was turned into communal problem. It was very sad to note that the same people who lived together are now garnering mistrust among each other. Fear loomed large among the displaced people who were reluctant to go back to their homes in the villages. Women and children were even getting nightmares. The confidence building measures are far from sufficient. The team has following recommendations to make:
- Confidence building measures have to be initiated by both the administration and the civil society. Communalism should be countered on Ideological grounds.
- Effort should be made to bring the saner senior people of the villages to meet those living in the makeshift camps and persuade them to return to their home.
- Every village should be provided with armed police security.
- Arms of any kind including the local made crude weapons should be taken away from the civilians.
- Till the people are persuaded to shift back to their homes, they should be kept in the camps on the government land. Camps from the private land should be shifted.
- 6. The culprits should be booked and prosecuted after thorough genuine investigation in a scientific professional manner.
Seminar at Rajgarh (Rajasthan)
The Rajasthan unit of IDPD in association with the citizens organized a seminar BUILDING FUTURE THROUGH PEACE AND HEALTH on 6th October 2013 at Rajgarh Town, District Churu in which over 200 people from all walks of life participated. Dr.Rajeev Munjal gave an introduction of the event and called upon the people to work for peace. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD while paying homage to the victims of atomic bombing of Hiroshima said that with people’s movement we can prevent such an event from reoccurring. Peace is the only way if we want to progress. Dr. Dharmendra Verma assured that Rajasthan unit will continue to work for the promotion of peace and disarmament. He cautioned about the dangers of nuclear power plants. Prominent among others who spoke include Dr R N Laba, Dr Vinod Aggarwal, Dr Hawa Singh, Dr Jai Lakhtakia, Dr Ramaavtar Soni, Dr Teerath, Dr R Bhambu, Dr Pawan Sharma, Dr Dinesh, Dr Hari Singh, Dr Jagveer, Dr.H R Rohila, Dr H S Shendilya, Dr Ravinder Saharan, Dr Praveen Bishnoi, Dr.Ram Niwas Mann, Dr O P Lamboria. Mr.Mohd. Yasin Beg Mugal thanked the organizers for the event to promote peace and development.
3 September: IDPD Seminar at Govt. College for Girls (Ludhian)
Dr Arun Mittra General Secretary IDPD informed how we can build a secured future through peace and health. He also stressed that like all industries, the thermal generation of electricity produced waste. Whatever fuel was used, these wastes must be managed in ways to safeguard human health. He also discussed about the world’s worst nuclear disaster occurred few years back. Renewable energy sources such as hydro and wind were expected to be capable of supplying energy to the human world for another one billion years at which point the predicted increase in heat from the sun was expected to make the surface of the earth to hot for water to exist. He was addressing the faculty and the students on the occasion of installation ceremony of a science society which was organised on the premises of the Government College for Girls on 3rd September 2013. He was the chief guest on the occasion. Principal Gurminder Kaur said science society was working hard to improve the standards of science wing. Atomic energy was dangerous and we should totally ban this energy throughout the world for our betterment. The meeting was coordinated by Dr Manu HOD Botany and Sh.Amrit Pal Singh.
Seminar at Yamunanagar (Haryana)
The Haryana unit of IDPD organized a seminar on BUILDING FUTURE THROUGH PEACE AND HEALTH on 1st September at Yamunanagar. Dr Karan Singh gave an introduction of the event and called upon the people to work for peace. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD while paying homage to the victims of atomic bombing of Hiroshima said that with people’s movement we can prevent such an event from reoccurring. Peace is the only way if we want to progress. Dr. Balbir Singh cautioned about the dangers of nuclear power plants. He also expressed grave concern at the climate change which will change the flora and fauna pattern and endanger our lives. Dr Rajmohan Singh said that more activities should be done on this front. Others who attended include Dr Neelam, Dr Ravinder Singh Gill, Dr Vikram Bharti, Dr Kuldeep Saini and Dr Rajinder Kumar.
DEMILITARISATION OF THE HIMALAYAS AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVE
(Presentation Made on Behalf of Eco Monitors Society at the Eco Revival Summit 98 on 9th November 1998 at the India International Centre, New Delhi)
The military dimension has generally prevailed over most of the other dimensions of human existence since the dawn of history; but never to the extent that it has in our century. Coming even closer to our day and age it now tends to submerge most other dimensions, to the detriment of the planet as a whole. As a landmass the Himalayas, and the regions adjacent to the great mountain chain, have the dubious distinction of playing host to perhaps the largest concentration of military forces and destructive weapons systems anywhere in the world. The collective concentration of the forces of China, India, Pakistan and few other states could soon destroy one of the most magnificent natural habitats of the world. Individually, some countries like India and, possibly Nepal, Bhutan and China "have" started perceiving at the edges of their military vision that all is not well with the ecology of the region. In non-military segments awareness has come that an irreversible decline may already have set in. All the countries that derive sustenance from the mighty Himalayan sources have subconsciously realised that the day of reckoning is not far off. The audience present here does not have to be reminded of the suffering caused to hundreds of millions of people by unprecedented floods. In this presentation we will look at the inter-regional dimension of the problem in order to highlight the fact that unless the countries of the region come to their senses and join hands to reverse the eco-destruction of the Himalayas the future generations of Chinese, Indians, Tibetans, Nepalese and Pakistanis will not have much left to fight over. The eco-restoration of the Himalayas is now an ineluctable survival imperative for over a billion people living in and around the Himalayan region. The eco-revival plan being put forward for consideration divides the larger portion of the Himalayan region into five segments: i.e. areas West of the 75° E meridian, that is the Pakistan-Afghanistan sector; the India - Pakistan sector, the India-China sector and other relatively dormant sectors. The first sector West of the 75° meridian is outside the purview of today's presentation being the battleground for the power play of too many outside powers. We will take the remaining sectors turn by turn. Indo-Pak Sector (Jammu & Kashmir Sector) The J&K sector can again be divided into two sub-sectors i.e. Ladakh sector and areas to its North and remainder J&K. In the Ladakh sector the major dispute centres around Siachen. The highest battleground in the world has created, in addition to the human suffering undergone by troops of both sides, environmental devastation whose effects will only be known once the troops pull out. Tens of thousands of tons of human waste, oil and lubricants and other contaminants have penetrated the snowy vastness, not to mention the millions of rounds of small arms ammunition and mortar and artillery shells. We grew up with the phrase "pure as the driven snow". It has acquired a different meaning in much of the Himalayan landscape. We recommend an immediate de-militarisation of the Siachen region along the following lines: Non-military joint commissions to verify the exact position of the belligerents on the ground. After verification the documents to be deposited by the respective governments at the International Court of Justice at The Hague. Both countries would give written undertakings not to change the status quo after troop pullback for a minimum period of twenty-five years. In case of infringements, the ICJ to be empowered to impose heavy fines on the defaulting party. Concomitantly, China would give a written guarantee not to, in any way, take advantage of the demilitarisation to the detriment of the countries pulling back their troops. Other nations are not required to get into the act. · After submission of the documents to the ICJ complete demilitarisation up to designated lines would be effected within 180 days. · The Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to jointly dedicate a memorial to the dedication and fighting spirit of some of the best soldiers in the world fighting under conditions which could be termed as the utmost in human endurance. Thereafter, joint Indo-Pak scientific teams to study the environmental impact of the Siachen folly and remedial measures for limiting damage to future generations. India-China Sectors The India-China sectors can again be further subdivided into three zones from the point of view of past hostility as follows: · No skirmish zone (since after the occupation of Tibet by Chinese troops) · Zones of continuous tranquility (for over thirty-five years i.e. since after the 1962 conflict) · Zones of hostility (or skirmish zones) Having delineated the sub-sectors we recommend the following pattern for gradual demilitarisation of the Sino-Indian border and ecologically fragile zones of Tibet. · In the first instance the Siachen demilitarisation model to be applied to the first two zones of the Sino-Indian border i.e. the no skirmish zone and the continuously tranquil zones. Similar deposition of documents before the ICJ along with identical pledges and penalties for infringement. China being a permanent member of the Security Council with veto powers that body has been given a wide berth. · Establishment of joint eco-restoration commissions to undertake joint eco- restoration work without prejudice to either country's stand on the boundary dispute. · Pledge before the ICJ that neither country would ever use the eco-restoration zones for military activities in the future or to launch any military operations through those areas. · The Chinese government to set up an independent commission for phased de-nuclearisation and demilitarisation of Tibet in anticipation of international movement of the nuclear powers in that direction. Regardless of the rate of that progress the Chinese government to unilaterally chalk out a massive twenty-five year programme for the eco-restoration of Tibet. World Bank and the Tibetan diaspora to assist. · The Government of India in concert with the Royal Nepal government to chalk out similar twenty-five year scheme for the full scale eco-restoration of the Himalayas in the entire sub-Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions. Ex- servicemen Gorkha pensioners and Indian ex-servicemen to be fully incorporated in this mammoth task. At this juncture we have outlined a bare-bones scheme for the eco-restoration of the Himalayas on behalf of the Eco Monitors Society. We have already done considerable work to flesh out the scheme. At this conference, however, we would like to invite the views of the participants to refine the scheme during the sessions devoted exclusively to the eco-restoration of the Himalayas.: *Presented by Maj Gen (Retd) Vinod Saighal; Executive Director, Eco Monitors Society (EMS); 38, Babar Road; New Delhi 110 001. Tel: 23716314, 23355967; Email: vsaighal@vsnl.com
IDPD Peace Week 6th to 13th August
Meeting at Thapar College 7.08.2013
On 7th of August as part of IDPD campaign to observe 6 to 13 August as Hiroshima atomic bombing anniversary peace week, rotary club, main Patiala, headed by Prof. Dr Amarjeet, Professor and Head, Dept. of Surgery, Mullana Medical College (Ambala) and president of the rotary club, organized a meeting at Patiala. Dr Balbir Singh member central council IDPD delivered a lecture on renewable sources of energy, sustainable development and non violent means of conflict resolution. The meeting was attended by 30 members of rotary club and eminent citizens including Prof S K Mariya (former Head of Urology and Principal, PGI Rohtak) and Dr Seema Bawa (Dean, student welfare, THAPAR University, Patiala). Members paid homage to the victims of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Fukushima and unanimously resolved to promote renewable energy especially solar and biomass waste energy in Punjab.
Students Model United Nations at Thapar University 12-8-2013.
Dr. Balbir Singh delivered lecture to an audience of over 500 students from all over the country and few foreign delegates, in the presence of faculty of Thapar university and invited guests. Students took an active part in the discussion and Dr Seema Bawa declared at the end of the session that Thapar Unviersity will immediately take steps to install solar power plants and also initiate efforts for biogas. She said, even if there is a remote risk of nuclear accident which can endanger human life, flora and fauna, we must strive hard to use technologies that are 100% safe. In view of the fact that Co2 levels have reached 400ppm and freak weather conditions are increasing in intensity and frequency. It was unanimously resolved that we should use solar, wind and bio energy in order to set up a Thapar Model of Energy Generation and Consumption so as to serve as a role model to society.
The international congress on Social And Health Effects Of Small Arms held at Germany from 30th May to 2nd June 2013
The international congress on “Social And Health Effects of Small Arms” organized by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) at Villingen Shwenningen in Germany from 30th May to 2nd June 2013 called upon the weapon producing countries to stop producing these arms as these cause death, injury, deprivation, psychological trauma, displacement and abuse of women and children in the conflict as well as non conflict regions of the world. Expressing concern at that over 875 million small arms are there in the world which cause death of nearly half a million people every year out of which 300,000 are due to conflicts and 200,000 due to homicides and suicides. About 90% of deaths due to small arms are of civilians. These arms are used by the military where inter country relations are not conducive. These are used by the non state actors to cause subversive activities. These are also used for criminal activities and for violence at local levels. It is an irony that the Security Council member countries produce and sell these arms in maximum number which are now being used in the conflict regions like south Asia, Middle East and Latin America. Danger with small arms is that are easily available and within the reach of civilians. The congress appealed to the gun producing industry to convert them to produce the items of common use like sewing machines and cycles or toys. All the delegates held a rally outside the gun producing Heckler and Koch where a concert was held for peace and for elimination of guns.
Various speakers in different sessions expressed satisfaction at that the arms trade treaty (ATT) has been passed but it must be ratified by various countries of the world. The speakers also pointed out that this ATT is weak and does not say anything about the supply of arms to terrorist groups. Also the treaty does not say about the supply of arms to countries as loans and gifts. This needs an amendment in the treaty in the coming time.
The delegation of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) comprised of 22 persons including 14 students and young doctors. Dr Arun Mitra in his presentation on ARMS RACE AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- SOUTH AISAN PERSPECTIVE at the plenary session cautioned that India is the biggest importer of arms in the world and this huge expenditure is being done at the cost of social expenditure on health and education. Perpetual conflict with Pakistan is the main cause of this. This aberration has to be corrected by both the countries who must sit together and have dialogue and promote more trade and people to people relations. The economic gaps among the population have increased under the neo liberal economic development policies. This has further led to increase in violence due to small arms due to greed, need and desperation.
Dr S S Soodan gave a presentation at the workshop on “Small Arms Production, Trade and Use - Effect on Health & Development in Context of South Asia” in which Dr.Tipu Sultan, President Pakistan Doctors for Peace and Development (PDPD) and Dr Ranjit Jayasekhera from Sri Lanka also participated. It was decided to hold a south Asian regional meeting in Pakistan at Karachi and Lahore An exhibition on the effects of small arms was organized by Dr Navinder Singh Bawa. About 50 students from allaround the globe took out a bike tour from the city of Ulm to Villingen covering a distance of over 200 Kilometers spreading the message of peace and non violence demanding check on proliferation of small arms. This group included 4 students from India Miss Apram Jyot, Miss Soumyashree, Miss Namarta and Mr Arshdeep Singh. Other prominent delegates include Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman, Dr Tejinder singh, Maninder Singh, Dr Miss Chetna Hans, Agya Dass Aggarwal.
Fukushima Day Report of Meeting at Patiala, March 10, 2013
Renewable energy resources can meet all our energy requirements. They are also clean, transparent and safe source of energy. India has the potential of generating 5000 Trillion KW hours per year of electricity from Solar and 102788 MW from Wind and will need 3128 Trillion Watt hour per year of electrical energy in the future if it adopts a frugal policy for energy use. This annual need could be met through renewable energy resources alone in the form of solar power, wind and hydroelectric power. The only issue involved is the political will. These views were expressed by Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary of the national NGO “Indian Doctors for Peace and Development” while delivering a talk at the seminar on “Renewable Energy Sources and Sustainable Development” at Patiala organized by its Patiala Unit in collaboration with six others NGOs of the city on the eve of Nuclear Disaster at Fukushima in Japan on 11th March 2011. Dr Balbir Singh, the local coordinator of the NGO told that in contrast to the natural and renewable resources of energy like solar, wind and water, the nuclear resources are neither safe nor economical and are fraught with danger of nuclear weaponisation with hazardous ill effects on human health which the world has already witnessed thrice with major accidents in nuclear power plants. An environmental engineer from Punjab Pollution Control Board, highlighting various types of pollution responsible human health hazards, elaborated various measures being taken by the board to check pollution in the state with specially set up Environment Protection Squad. More than 200 participants including representatives of different NGOs, Dr Janak Sachdeva, Dr Sudhir Verma, Mrs. Parminder Kaur, Dr N.S. Bawa, Karamjit Singh Jatana ( Retd. DFPO), Advocate Joginder Singh Jindu, Dr Dharamveer Gandhi, Ujagar Singh ( Retd. DPRO), Dr Amar Singh Azad and Dr DS Bhullar, participated in the seminar.
Report of 9th National Conference IDPD held at Ludhiana 15 to 17 February 2013
The 9th national conference for the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) attended by 376 doctors, medical students and concerned citizens, held at Ludhiana from 15th to 17th February 2013 concluded with a decision to prepare CITIZENS CHARTER ON HEALTH and launch campaign for a comprehensive health care to all. Wastage of resources on arms race coupled with faulty health policy and inequity in society is the cause for poor health indicators in our country. The charter will deal with resource generation by diverting expenditure from arms race and increase the government’s spending on health from 1.9% to 6% so as to meet the goal of health care to all as enshrined in the Alma Ata Declaration. For this the IDPD will intensify the campaign to abolish nuclear weapons (ICAN), build confidence among nations so as to reduce substantially the expenditure on arms race and utilize the resources in an equitable manner so that the people of the country get quality health care irrespective of their socio economic status.
The conference started on 15th February with a HEALTH THROUGH PEACE march through the main markets of the town in which over 300 doctors, students, nurses and concerned citizens including women organisations, trade unions, youth organisations bankers and ex servicemen spread the message of nonviolence and end to the arms race. Students performed Target X where they spoke to the people around on the motive and distributed literature and held rallies at various points. The marchers carried placards and banners demanding complete abolition of nuclear weapons, stop arms race & use of small arms, end to violence against women, and for comprehensive health care to all. The march was led by Dr L S Chawla-President IDPD, Dr Arun Mitra- General Secretary, Dr Bharti Uppal- finance Secretary, Dr V Sadanandam – member central council, Dr Manoj Sobti-President IMA Punjab, Dr Kulwant Singh-Joint Secretary IMA Punjab, Dr P S Jassal, Dr Narjit Kaur and Maj. Gen.(Retd) Vinod Saighal and Dr Tim Wright from ICAN Australia. Various speakers addressing the gathering said that peace is essential prerequisite for the development as huge amount of resources are wasted on the arms race. Ironically, India and Pakistan which are one among the lowest in the human development index are the biggest buyers of the arms. The upcoming congress will debate on the issue for next two days and chalk out a strategy for action for changes in government’s policy framework so as to ensure quality health care to all citizens of our country which is a constitutional right of all the citizens. The student activity day was beautifully concluded with a message balloon release by the all the participants of the march.
Medical students’ session was held on 16th February for noon in which students from several states participated in the deliberations. They organized a seminar, extempore speech competition, poster competition and signature campaign. The students expessed their opinion on the ongoing nuclear arms race, nuclear energy for power generation, tension in south Asia, poor health care delivery system in the country and violence against women and children.
The conference was formally inaugurated by the Mayor of Ludhiana S. Harcharan Singh Golwaria . He expressed full solidarity with the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons as launched by the doctors and medical students under the banner of IDPD. Nuclear weapons are the weapons of mass destruction and have to be abolished for good, he said and assured of joiing the Mayors for peace in their endeavour for a nuclear weapon free world. The inaugural session was addressed among others by Dr L S Chawla-President, Dr Daljeet Singh-Principal DMC, and Dr Manoj Sobti-President IMA Punjab. Dr Arun Mitra gave an over view of the activities of the organization since the last conference held at Agra January 2010.
The afternoon session was devoted to Challenges of Public Health in India. Dr Imrana Qadeer from centre of social development studies, Dr Tejbir Singh- HOD Community medicine Govt. Medical College Amritsar and Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman from Patna were the key speakers. They said that spending on health has to be increased to a minimum of 6% if health of people has to be improved. Present policies of the govt. of corporatization of health care are not sustainable as majority of the people are unable to afford it. Every year 4 crore people go below poverty line because of out of pocket expenditure on health. The session was followed by discussion in which large number of participants participated. Final session was on the need for peace for industrial and economic growth.
Sh. Manoj Singhal, Chairman and MD, M&M Auto Industries shared his experience on the subject and said that economic growth is directly related to peace and disarmament.
Maj. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal was the main speaker in the session on Peaceful Coexistence in South Asia. He emphasized on the need for people’s movements in the countries of South Asia so as to impress upon the governments to continue dialogue to ease tension in the region and put an end to arms race. There is need to have restraint on the provocative actions by any of the neighbouring countries. Any hasty response could flare up tension.
Professor Arjun Dev, former head department of Social Sciences NCERT and presently working on a project of the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR), TOWARDS FREEDOM, expressed concern at the trends of increasing intolerance in the society particularly against the marginalized sections. Such a situation is a threat to the basic fabric of the society. We must unite to combat the designs of communal, caste and parochial forces.
Mrs Amarjeet Kaur, national secretary All India trade union congress (AITUC), cautioned against the increasing violence against women. This is a result of Increasing disparity and commercialization where women are commodified and used to project the sale of the products. The recent reaction to such violence is a positive step and has to be continued. Value based education has to be given to the children in the family at educational institutes.
Video conference was held with Dr.Tilman Ruff – Co President IPPNW. He gave account of the upcoming NGO conference in Oslo.
The 9th national conference of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) concluded today with a resolve to continue struggle for end to violence of all kinds and to bring about conceptual changes in the health policy so as to achieve the goal of comprehensive health care to all.
The conference elected a central council. Dr L.S Chawla was re-elected as president, Dr Arun Mitra as general secretary. THe Conference unanimously authorised the president to form Central Council for the coming period.
The conference passed resolutions for abolition of nuclear weapons, restriction on issuing of small arms to the civilians and comprehensive security to be provided by the state. In another resolution the conference demanded the use of renewable energy recourses and not nuclear power for electricity generation. Conference also cautioned against the use of GM crops without proper trials. Finally the conference demanded increase in the budget allocation for health to 6% and ensure food security to all.
Dr Arun Mitra General Secretary
IDPD Activities at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda
Students hold signature campaign at Punjab State IMA Conference PIMACON
The PIMACON 2012 was held at Bathinda on 23rd December 2012 at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda. The Student wing of IDPD led by Dr Apramjyot, Dr Amandeep Gill, Dr Tarninderjit Singh, Mr,Ankush Malhotra, Mr.Pawandeep, Ms.Amandeep Kaur and Dr Ankit held a signature campaign on Abolish Nuclear Weapons and End to Violence Against Women. Large number of members of the IMA from all over the state signed on this. Prominent among those include Dr Manoj Sobti-President IMA Punjab, Dr Ram Bhardwaj – President elect IMA Punjab, Dr.Daljit Singh Principal DMC Ludhiana, Dr H S Gill – Chancellor and Dr GPI Singh Vice Chancellor of Adesh Medical University. The students explained about the aims and object of the IDPD.
Dr Apramjyot
Candle-lit vigil for the Delhi Victims by IDPD Adesh Bathinda
21 December, 2012 The members of IDPD, Staff students and faculty members of Adesh University today expressed their shock and anguish over the unfortunate incident that occurred in our national capital. Members of IDPD, student’s council of Adesh medical college, and respected faculty were present holding a candle vigil for 23 year old rape victim praying for her speedy recovery and requesting the law and order body to take necessary strict action against the culprits. This incident is not the first one to occur… many occur daily but they go unnoticed, may be out of fear or embarrassment but this one can act as a matchstick to ignite the flame for taking action against each and every culprit. Dr.GPI Singh, Vice chancellor, Adesh university, Senior member IDPD, today exclaimed a heartfelt pain over this inhumane act and said that culprits should not be left unpunished. Dr. Harkiran kaur, Director Student welfare, today exclaimed that the crime of rape is worst than murder because the affected person lives in agony forever. The culprit should be punished in a manner that makes him feel guilty for life. Capital punishment is much less as the culprit is killed in no time. The punishment given must be constant deterrent to not just the culprit but to miscreatants in general. Dr. J.S Bahia, CWIC, Associate professor, Dept. of medicine, said that culprits should be punished with an iron hand and deserve death penalty. Police should do more patrolling and make our country a safer place to live in. IDPD student members Dr. Ankush malhotra , Dr. Manmeet Singh , Dr. Amandeep Gill, Dr. satveer Singh Jassal , Dr. Chetna hans , Dr. Pawandeep Singh , Dr. Ankit jain , Akansha Gupta , Kajol and Mohnish expressed heart felt gratitude to all present there for their support.
Amandeep Gill
Students’ Interactive Session at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda (Punjab)
07 December, 2012 As a message from Hiroshima to the future generation, a students’ interactive session was held at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda. The session was attended by students of Dental College and Medical College. The guest speaker was senior member of IDPD, Dr. J.S Bahia, CWIC, Associate professor, Dept. of Medicine. Dr. Bahia explained the health effects of the uranium, in context of traces of uranium found in water table of Bathinda, due to which many cases of uranium exposure have been reported in many areas of Bathinda region. The cause of water pollution is still to be found. Dr.Bahia told the student about the typical signs and symptoms reported in the children of the area. The government is aware of this incidents, but still not much has been done. Dr. Rajiv, Assitant professor at AIMSR, shared how medical students can help in this campaign locally as well as globally. A signature campaign was held afterwards, in which students signed and wrote message for the future generations.
Amandeep Gill
Seminar at Jammu and Kashmir
JAMMU, Nov 22: A seminar on Peace & Society- Public Health Perspective was organised at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Sidhra, near here today. The seminar was organised by IDPO Wing of ASCOMS students. Dr Arun Mitra, general secretary Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and Dr N S Bewa, vice president Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPO) were invited as main speakers on this occasion. The impact of violence of any form on the individuals, society, State and country was highlighted by the guest speakers and the loss of human life and property with its effect on physical and mental health of population, education and moral values was also deliberated. The affects of environmental pollution and degradation of natural resources were also discussed. The medical students and faculty deliberated on the public health approach to emphasize the human face of violence and role of doctors in such disaster management situations.
Programmes in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu
Programmes in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu
NO MORE HIROSHIMAS - NO MORE FUKUSHIMAS
20th World Congress of IPPNW 22nd to 26th August 2012 Hiroshima
The 20th World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), organized by the Japanese Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (JPPNW) was held at Hiroshima, Japan from 22nd to 26th August 2012 on the theme FROM HIROSHIMA TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. It reaffirmed the resolve to continue to work for a nuclear free world as a tribute to the victims of Atomic Bombing at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This will be achieved through its core programmes, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Aiming for Prevention - to check the proliferation of Small Arms. The IPPNW will also stress upon the world leaders to shun nuclear power plants and use renewable resources to fulfill the needs for energy as nuclear energy is neither safe nor economical and is a potential source for the development of weapon system. The congress demanded a Nuclear Weapon Convention under the auspices of the UNO on the pattern of convention on biological, chemical weapons and land mines. A mass movement will be build through public campaigns, advocacy and lobbying in different parts of the world. The activities will also be enhanced in the non nuclear weapon states so that they can put pressure on the nuclear weapon states. To achieve the goal, scope of the movement will be widened by collaborating with likeminded organizations and persons. ICAN will organize a Citizens’ conference in Oslo – Norway on 2nd and 3rd March 2013. This will precede the governmental level conference from 4th to 6th March. . .....
Main Congess Report
The 20th World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), organized by the Japanese Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (JPPNW) was held at Hiroshima, Japan from 22nd to 26th August 2012 on the theme FROM HIROSHIMA TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. It reaffirmed the resolve to continue to work for a nuclear free world as a tribute to the victims of Atomic Bombing at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This will be achieved through its core programmes, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Aiming for Prevention - to check the proliferation of Small Arms. The IPPNW will also stress upon the world leaders to shun nuclear power plants and use renewable resources to fulfill the needs for energy as nuclear energy is neither safe nor economical and is a potential source for the development of weapon system. The congress demanded a Nuclear Weapon Convention under the auspices of the UNO on the pattern of convention on biological, chemical weapons and land mines. A mass movement will be build through public campaigns, advocacy and lobbying in different parts of the world. The activities will also be enhanced in the non nuclear weapon states so that they can put pressure on the nuclear weapon states. To achieve the goal, scope of the movement will be widened by collaborating with likeminded organizations and persons. ICAN will organize a Citizens’ conference in Oslo – Norway on 2nd and 3rd March 2013. This will precede the governmental level conference from 4th to 6th March.
Whereas people around the world want peace, it is a few vested interests that want to sell arms for the sake of profit, the congress observed. Whereas only a handful of Military Industrial Complex is making the weapons, the developing world is spending huge amounts on their purchase. The US is spending nearly 50% of the total world military expenditure. It is in this connection that a special conference HUMAN TARGET will be organized in Germany from 30th May to 2nd June 2013 near to the Gun Making industry of Heckler and Koch in the twin cities of Villingen and Schewennign. Several affiliates from both South and North of the world will participate in this congress and deliberate from their perspectives.
After the congress, a 30 member delegation went to Fukushima to get first hand information of the situation resulting from the nuclear power plant melt down on 11th March 2011. Dr Arun Mitra from IDPD was a part of this delegation. There is no human population allowed in the 20 Km radius around the plant. Even after 1 year and 5 months, more than 1,60,000 people are still living out of their homes in the make shift houses. A large number of villages will never be inhabited again. As a result youth has moved out to distant places in search of jobs. Elderly are left behind in the make shift houses. This is causing lot of stress among the people. Fourth nuclear reactor in this Dai Ichi plant is still leaking. Decontamination is being done by removing the upper layers of the soil. This will leave huge amount of irradiated soil for which there is no method to dump. The delegation visited Kuwachki village 25 Km away from the plant and met the people there to learn about their horrifying experience. Delegation also had a meeting with the Mayor of the village. Later they also attended a seminar at Fukushima. This event was organized by the Physicians against Nuclear Weapons (PANW), Peace Boat and Green Peace. It was felt that the government is down playing the issue. Independent studies of the area need to be done.
Over 800 delegates from all around the world participated in the congress. Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) delegation was represented by 43 delegates including 31 students from different states namely Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Manipur and Karnataka. IDPD delegation participated actively in the congress deliberations. Dr Satyajit Kumar Singh gave a presentation in the session on Health Effects of Uranium mining. Dr Balbir Singh participated as a panelist in the session on Responsibility to Protect. Dr Jeetendra Singh coordinated students’ activities during the congress. Dr Vasundhara Bhupati actively participated in the session on Violence and women. Dr Amarjit Singh took part in the discussion in various sessions. Ms Soumya Shree National Students’ Representative (NSR) IDPD co-chaired the plenary on World Without Nuclear Weapons. Mr Arshdeep Singh NSR IDPD co-chaired the youth summit. He also co-chaired the workshop on Nuclear Energy. A special workshop was held on south Asia. Affiliates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended this session to chart out strategy of action to strengthen confidence building measure in the region with a purpose to check the arms race. Theworkshop made following recommendations to be sent to all the heads of governments of south Asia.
- Declare south Asia as Nuclear Free Zone and thus dismantle all the nuclear weapons.
- All countries of south Asia should reduce arms purchase by 10% every year.
- Resolve the issues through mutual dialogue and refuse any external intervention in the region
- Take confidence building measures in the form of increase in people to people exchange programmes. For this make travel easy by giving Visa on arrival to the residents of SAARC.
- Neoliberal economic policies should be shunned and pro people economic development policies in the countries should be made to meet the interests of the common man. Social spending should be increased.
- Steps should be taken to increase trade and cooperation among SAARC nations.
A south Asian regional meeting was held in which it was decided to hold a South Asian regional meeting next year.
Congress also elected a Board for the next two years. Dr Arun Mitra from IDPD was reelected as a member of the board. Before the Congress 31 students from different countries including Mr Arshdeep Singh and Ms Apramjyot from IDPD undertook a Bike Tour from Nagasaki to Hiroshima covering a distance of 480 Kilometers in 14 days from 7th August to 21st August. They stopped on the way at various places spreading the message of peace through different activities.
Students’ Congress was held on 22nd and 23rd August. It deliberated on strengthening the movement among students. A full fledged action programme including students’ exchange programme was designed. Students from India made several presentations. Next World congress will be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan in 2014.
Dr Arun Mitra General Secretary
Student Congress Report
Student report 20th world congress Hiroshima Japan
The 20th world congress of IPPNW started with a pre-congress bike tour(August 09-20) in which participants from 20 countries went on bikes to cycle from Nagasaki to Hiroshima, the two cities against which the atomic bombs were ever used, passing 15 cities and covering over 500kms in 12 days. Arashdeep Singh, Co-NSR and Apramjyot, North Zone Representative represented India in the event. The aim of bike tour was to show solidarity with the victims and the survivors of not only the nuclear weapons but also nuclear testing, uranium mining, nuclear energy and nuclear accidents over the whole nuclear chain since the inception of nuclear energy. Keeping fresh, blunders of the past in one hand and a message for a nuclear free world in another the bikers spread their message throughout the tour by meeting and interacting with the locals, meeting with the mayors, conducting street actions and interacting with the media.
The student congress was held from August 22-23, a day after ICAN meeting. There were more than 100 students participating from 25 countries. The Indian delegation was again the biggest consisting of 31 medical students from J&K, Punjab, Manipur, Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The congress focussed mainly on the issue of nuclear energy and its relation with nuclear weapons, small arms violence as depicted through one bullet stories, Hibakusha around the world and learning nuclear issues with Hibakusha and Fukushima victims and challenges faced by IPPNW student movement. There were numerous workshops held during the student congress covering vast global issues like climate change, medical peace works, doctors in training, communications and media, website and student magazines, IPPNW core programs ICAN, NWIP, post congress activity and many more.
There were guest speeches from Dr Masako Nakamoto, Hiroshima Bomb survivor, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician; Dr Robert Mtonga, Vice President, IPPNW and Mr Steven Leeper, Chairman, Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation. They all stressed on the need of eliminating both nuclear weapon and nuclear power which is vital for the survival of mankind in future.
The Indian students’ participation is well up to the mark throughout the student congress and main congress as well. The highlights are:
- Indian students Ashwini Hule, Aditi Zaveri, Disha Sambhrant, Yamini Verma, Vijay Gajjar, Bhagyashree Bhende, Ameya Kale and Rashi Bedekar presented a workshop on “Political Situation in South Asia and how it is moving towards a nuclear world” with inputs from Soumya Shree, Kunal Jain and Shruti Sharma.
- Soumya Shree, Co-National Student Representative co-moderated with Arielle Denis from ICAN, a plenary session during the main congress on “World without nuclear weapons-ICAN”. Mr Hideo Hiraoka, Global Coordinator of PNND, Dr Tilman Ruff, Chair of ICAN, Dr Ira Helfand, IPPNW Regional Vice President and Mr Akira Kawasaki, Vice Chair of ICAN was speakers on the issue.
- Arashdeep Singh, Co-National Student Representative was one of the panellists in “Youth Summit” during the main congress where high school students from USA, Kazakhstan, Brazil and Japan served as speakers. He also facilitated a workshop on “The non-nuclear path to energy security” with Dr Frank Boulton, President Medact-UK in which Dr Arun Mitra; Gen Secretary IDPD was one of the speakers along with Dr Martin Sonnabend, IPPNW Germany and Dr Robert Gould, PSR-USA. He also organised a workshop on “ Media Resources in IPPNW Student Movement”
- Amit Garud presented a documentary in the students' congress about the “Origins of Nuclear Energy & Weapons”
- Indian students attended ICAN workshop before the student congress and met a lot of their campaigners.
- Under the Paper Crane Project of ICAN, an Indian student delegation will meet the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and handover a 1000 paper cranes made by students of High schools in Hiroshima. A lot of decisions were taken during the ISRs, RSRs and NSRs meet. A short summary is:
- wo new International Student Representatives (ISRs) were elected. Karin Harada from Japan and Niloufer Rahim from Netherlands will represent the Student movement for the year 2012-2014.
- An International Core Group is formed to serve as a support to the ISRs for the better functioning of the student movement. It also gives interested students a chance to work at international level in IPPNW. The group is open to every enthusiastic and dedicated student in IPPNW across the globe.
- The IPPNW student website will be completely renovated. Arashdeep Singh and Tarninderjit from IDPD are part of a 3 member team responsible for this renovation.
- In South Asian regional meet, it was decided that the next Regional Student Representative will be elected from Nepal as Pakistan was unable to represent an active student delegate. The decision was taken unaniosmously among the participating NSRs.
- There is a proposal to conduct a NWIP Regional workshop in Nepal in the month of March. Other alternative is Pakistan which has also shown a great enthusiasm. The final decision will be taken soon
The students were also active throughout the main congress and almost each workshop and plenary has witnessed the active participation of medical students from India. They met local campaigners, Hibakusha, Peace activists, Anti nuclear activists and above all people from different backgrounds and ethnicity. Overall, it was a successful and promising tour for the student movement in IDPD in India.
The report complied by Arashdeep, Soumya -National Student Representatives, India at IPPNW and Apramjyot
Bike Tour Report
IPPNW BIKE TOUR JAPAN 2012: CYCLING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
44 medical students and doctors came together from around the globe this august to bike together across southern Japan with the common message of NUCLEAR ZERO resonating among them all. The uniqueness and the exceptionality of this tour brought about by the perfect blend of determined and brave activists from medical background belonging to 20 countries and all continents, biking over approx 600 kilometers of highly undulating and hilly terrain from Nagasaki to Hiroshima, so different from each other yet so similar with the dream and hope of bringing about ultimate world peace and security was unprecedented.
Extending over 13 days from august 7th to the 20st, the tour started and finished in the two cities which were shamefully wiped off by the nukes in 1945. Starting in Nagasaki the participants cycled to Hiroshima where they eventually attended the 20th IPPNW World Congress 2012. In the bike tour India was represented by two IDPD affiliates- Arashdeep Singh,National Students Representative and Apram Jyot, North Zone Representative.
The aim of this tour was to show solidarity with the victims and the survivors of not only the nuclear weapons but also nuclear testing, uranium mining, nuclear energy and nuclear accidents over the whole nuclear chain in the past 60 years . Keeping fresh blunders of the past in one hand and a message for a nuclear free world in another the bikers spread their message throughout the tour by meeting and interacting with the locals, meeting with the mayors, conducting street actions and interacting with the media.
Activities during the bike tour
On August 7th after meeting the whole bike crew in Nagasaki at the RECNA, a research centre to promote nuclear abolition, the tour crew had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Nagasaki, Mr. Tomihisa Taue, one of the vice presidents of the Organization Mayors for Peace. Being equally impressed and amused after listening about the plans for the next 13 days the mayor expressed overwhelming appreciation for the bikers and a wish to join the tour if it hadn’t been for his commitments. The meeting ended with best wishes from the mayor and a memento from the Office of Nagasaki to the bikers.
August 8th was a day fully devoted to anti nuclear activities and no biking. Street action was conducted on a crowded intersection in Nagasaki. With HIBAKUSHA WORLDWIDE poster exhibition lined on both sides of the road the bikers were able to generate quite a public stir. There was one on one interaction with the interested locals about the dangers of the nuclear chain. After the street action the bikers attended the meeting with the high school students of Nagasaki . Dr. Alex Rosen spoke about the nuclear chain. An integral part of the meeting was a very heart warming and touching speech by a girl about her experience as a first hand witness to the Fukushima disaster. The narration of her misery as she and her family suffered the agony of evacuation from the nuclear fallout zone shook everybody. This was followed by a very fruitful discussion on the Hibakusha World Wide posters as each one was handed to a biker with a group of very eager to learn students. The bikers then picked up their respective bikes followed by official bike tour t- shirts and buttons.
August 9th, on the 67th anniversary of the grim nuclear bombing of Nagasaki, the bike tour crew was invited as special guests to the very prestigious Memorial ceremony at the Nagasaki peace park. It was a great honor because the ceremony was attended by the most distinguished guests from all over Japan. Later in the day, in the presence of local press the bikers then started the tour from the Nagasaki medical college under the applause of IPPNW members and local supporters. After 50kms of biking through the Omura bay and rice paddies the bikers ended the day by reaching the rest house at a hilltop in Seihi. This was followed by an exceptionally sunny day of august 10th when biking through the hilly terrain the bikers reached another hilltop rest house. After diner everyone enjoyed the unwinding at the traditional Japanese bath called the onsen.
August 11th brought about an approx 80km journey to the hilltop Oonojo campsite. The day which was a variegated mixture of picturesque surroundings, up hills, rain and the sun ended with some much missed Indian curry. A former Japanese nuclear power plant worker who was also biking with us shared his experiences of working in a NPP and the prejudice he faced for questioning the authorities.
On august 12th,biking through rain the bikers reached another hilltop campsite in Fukuoka. After a very brisk change the bikers made it to the very prestigious symposium in a grand conference hall. Dumbstruck by the grand welcome with music and applause the bikers took the allocated executive seats as Dr. Alex Rosen presented the nuclear chain. The session was concluded with a question and answer session and the day with a Japanese ramen diner.
August 13th was biking trough the rain and clouds to lunch when all voted for an early day off and stay at a nearby boat house to reenergize the spirits.
August 14th was a day of unbelievable and striking 93kms for the bikers through the city of Kitakyushu, island of Honshu ,the harbor town of Shimonoseki to the campsite. The plateau of Akioshidai marked the mid point of our tour which was celebrated by all with nepali curry , drinks and singing. August 15th was a rest day, no biking(except for Alex and Bene) , only touring trough the biggest limestone caves of Asia below the Karst plateau. The evening was well spent learning how to make paper cranes with the help of the fellow Japanese which is a tradition to honor the nuclear bomb victims .The diner followed by campfire with bikers sharing their work and contributions in their individual chapters was very inspiring. August 16th was many long kilometers in the sun before lunch including the visit to the famous five tiered pagoda in Yamaguchi and the rest along the coast towards Hikari, the beach campsite. The bikers experienced immense joy and satisfaction as they jumped into the welcoming waters of the Seto inland sea and letting the waves wash away every bit of anguish of the taxing 88kms they biked. Perfect evening ended with the perfect night of sleeping on the beach under the stars. August 17th was an activity day per se. After some delicious bannock for breakfast, a delegation to meet the mayor of Hikari the sunshine city ,so called because of its promotion of the solar and wind energy. Bikers were then taken to Kaminoseki in vans where a discussion was held with the pro nuclear energy PR man from a local energy supplier. They also met up with many extremely dedicated anti nuclear activists who took them to the site of construction of a very controversial nuclear power plant in the far side of peninsula. The activists shared their inspiring experiences and struggles over the past 30 years, opposing the construction by blockading the beach, kayaking in the cove and holding weekly protests. Many devoted activists from all over Japan had moved to the region to oppose the construction. Their conviction was truly inspiring for all of us. The evening was well spent with barbeque followed by a long discussion with the activists until midnight on the beach
August 18th was another long day of 80 kilometers of biking which went past surprisingly easy and fast as we reached the hostel at Miyajimaguchi. The highlight of the day was the lunch in the beautiful park in Iwakuni where everyone wholly enjoyed, starting from the huge shower to the delicious softi cream in amazing flavors. The historic bridge of Iwakuni was breathtaking. August 19th was a much awaited rest day for all. After a hearty Indian breakfast of stuffed paronthas, the bikers took a ferry to the famous island of Miyajima which everybody explored in their own way and thoroughly enjoyed.
The half submerged shrine in the centre of the island was the main attraction. Winding up with barbeque on the beach and the ferry back to the hostel it was truly a rest day for all. August 20th was only 30 kilometers to the grand finale!!Hiroshima welcomed us with open arms and cheers. IPPNW members and locals greeted us in front of the Hiroshima peace museum. This was followed by a meeting with the mayor of Hiroshima and the president of the organization Mayors for Peace Mr.Kazumi Matsui.The bikers then attended a meeting with the students in the medical school where a discussion on the nuclear chain was followed by very edifying presentations by the students. Our tour was officially concluded by the live prepared Japanese specialty Okonomiyaki. People from -Germany,Netherlands,India,Nepal,Canada,phillipines,iran,Australia,Nigeria,U.S.A.,Norway,Swedn,Estionia,Japan,Switzerland,Ukraine,Denmark,Nicaragua,Ecuador,Egypt…..widely separated from each other in terms of land, nationality and culture ,yet so closely connected by the bond of value and reverence for human life and yearning for peace and security world wide….this is what made this tour a huge success.
The Anthem-
WHO ARE WE? Doctors Worldwide
WHAT DO WE WANT? Nuclear zero
WHERE ARE WE FROM? Nagasaki
WHERE ARE WE GOING? Hiroshima LETS Go!!!!!!!!
22 May 2012
The move of the Indian government to engage Psychiatrists to counsel the anti nuclear protestors at Koodankulam is very perturbing. Opposition to the nuclear power plants is not based on any delusion but on scientific evidence of effect of nuclear radiations on not only human health but all the flora and fauna around. This opposition is not just at Koodankulam but worldwide. There are ample of scientific studies to prove the detrimental effect of nuclear radiations including the one carried out by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) on the “Effect on Health of People Living Around Jadugoda Uranium Mines” which shows statistically significant effect on the health of the people. Fears of the people around the Koodankulam plant are therefore justified and need to be addressed to by the government rather than doing witch hunting. People who think of safe environment, well being of masses, social justice, coexistence and not competing with nature, reducing wealth gap are sanest people. This whole exercise of the government is unethical and smells of some business deals
22 May 2012 - IDPD Statement in response to Government of India’s plan to engage Psychiatrists to counsel the anti nuclear protestors
The move of the Indian government to engage Psychiatrists to counsel the anti nuclear protestors at Koodankulam is very perturbing. Opposition to the nuclear power plants is not based on any delusion but on scientific evidence of effect of nuclear radiations on not only human health but all the flora and fauna around. This opposition is not just at Koodankulam but worldwide. There are ample of scientific studies to prove the detrimental effect of nuclear radiations including the one carried out by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) on the “Effect on Health of People Living Around Jadugoda Uranium Mines” which shows statistically significant effect on the health of the people. Fears of the people around the Koodankulam plant are therefore justified and need to be addressed to by the government rather than doing witch hunting. People who think of safe environment, well being of masses, social justice, coexistence and not competing with nature, reducing wealth gap are sanest people. This whole exercise of the government is unethical and smells of some business deals.
No one can ever say with 100% authenticity that there can never be an accident in the nuclear power plant or any other industry so to say anywhere in the world. Who could imagine the disaster at Fukushima in Japan which is known for one of the best technological applications and disaster management? On the contrary the track record of disaster management in India is extremely dismal. We are till date unable to cope up with the Bhopal gas tragedy.
A team of doctors from International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) including IDPD is likely to visit Fukushima in August 2012 to take stock of the ground reality. However lot of studies has been done on the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. Based on information from the Belarus National Academy of Sciences, Greenpeace places the figure at 93,000 deaths as a fall out of this accident.
The Belarus National Academy of Sciences estimates 270,000 people in the region around the accident site will develop cancer as a result of Chernobyl radiation. Another report by the Center for Independent Environmental Assessment of the Russian Academy of Sciences found a dramatic increase in mortality since 1990—60,000 deaths in Russia and an estimated 140,000 deaths in Ukraine and Belarus—probably due to Chernobyl radiation.
The biggest challenge facing communities still coping with the fallout of Chernobyl is the psychological damage to 5 million people in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. "The psychological impact is now considered to be Chernobyl's biggest health consequence," according to Louisa Vinton, of the UNDP. "People have been led to think of themselves as victims over the years, and are therefore more apt to take a passive approach toward their future rather than developing a system of self-sufficiency.” It is high time therefore, the Indian government pays more attention to the renewable energy resources which are inexhaustible and non hazardous in our country. The Japanese have already put a stop to the nuclear power plants and so are many other countries.
News Item in The New Indian Express 19th May 2012
Centre to deal anti-nuke mind-set with NIMHANS
Veena Joshi Datta
The New Indian Express BANGALORE: Having exhausted all options to end opposition to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant, the Centre now plans to get a peek into the protesters’ minds and remove any fears.
?For this, it has decided to engage a team of psychiatrists from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore. ?In the first week of May, a representative from the Central Government visited NIMHANS to discuss strategies and to chalk out a plan of action. ?The Central team wanted to evolve a method to engage with those involved in the Koodankulam agitation.
?Following this, NIMHANS has already started working on the project and has formed a team comprising six members to take up the task of counselling protestors. ?Some of these members are from the department of social psychiatry. ?A former director of National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) is expected to lead this project. ?The institute has already commenced the collection of primary data in this regard and is now gearing up to seek field reactions from villages in Tamil Nadu as the secondary research data for further formulation of multiple strategies to address the problem.
?Dr P Satishchandra, director, NIMHANS, told Express that this will be a long-term project, which is currently in its infancy. ?“We will submit a detailed report to the Central Government within a week and depending on the government’s response, further strategies will be planned for this project,” Dr Satishchandra added. ?NIMHANS hopes to work in tandem with self help groups, NGOs, local administration and other community level workers who can help people understand the importance of the nuclear power plant. ?The effort will be to allay apprehensions.
?For instance, the fishing community is apprehensive about safety following the Fukushima disaster in Japan. ?There was also a fear among villagers that once the reactor is set in motion, the condenser water released into the sea could affect marine life jeopardising fishermen’s livelihood. ?Besides, there was also a fear that mock exercises mean permanent eviction of residents. ?Considering these factors, the members have planned to chalk out various exercises at the grass-root level to convince protestors that the nuclear power plant is safe and essential for the country.
25 April, 2012 - Press Conference on Nuclear Famine: A Billion People at Risk
25 April, 2012 - Press Conference on Nuclear Famine: A Billion People at Risk ndian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has since long being campaigning for complete elimination of nuclear weapons as these could annihilate not only the man kind but whole the flora and fauna on earth. Even a limited use of these weapons could put crores of peoples at risk. The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) has carried out a study in this regard which is being released internationally now said Dr.L.S.Chawla while addressing the press conference today at IMA House Ludhiana. He said that latest study by the IPPNW has warned that even a limited nuclear exchange could endanger the lives of 100 crorers people in the world. ...
Press Conference by Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) on Nuclear Famine: A Billion People at Risk Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has since long being campaigning for complete elimination of nuclear weapons as these could annihilate not only the man kind but whole the flora and fauna on earth. Even a limited use of these weapons could put crores of peoples at risk. The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) has carried out a study in this regard which is being released internationally now said Dr.L.S.Chawla while addressing the press conference today at IMA House Ludhiana. He said that latest study by the IPPNW has warned that even a limited nuclear exchange could endanger the lives of 100 crorers people in the world. Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary IDPD said that Dr. Ira Helfand, the author of Nuclear Famine: A Billion People at Risk—Global Impacts of Limited Nuclear War on Agriculture, Food Supplies, and Human Nutrition, said the new evidence that even the relatively small nuclear arsenals of countries such as India and Pakistan could cause long lasting, global damage to the Earth’s ecosystems “requires a fundamental change in our thinking about nuclear weapons.” Working with data produced by scientists who have studied the climate effects of a hypothetical nuclear war between India and Pakistan, Dr. Helfand and a team of experts in agriculture and nutrition determined that plunging temperatures and reduced precipitation in critical farming regions, caused by soot and smoke lofted into the atmosphere by multiple nuclear explosions, would interfere with crop production and affect food availability and prices worldwide. Dr Bharti Uppal- Finance Secretary IDPD gave a presentation. Among the specific findings: • Corn production in the US would decline by an average of 10% for an entire decade, with themost severe decline (20%) in year 5. Soybean production would decline by about7%, with the most severe loss, more than 20%, in year 5. • There would be a significant decline in middle season rice production in China. During the first 4 years, rice production would decline by an average of 21%; over the next 6 years the decline would average 10%. • Increases in food prices would make food inaccessible to hundreds of millions of the world’s poorest. Even if agricultural markets continued to function normally, 215 million people would be added to the rolls of the malnourished over the course of a decade. • Significant agricultural short falls over an extended period would almost certainly lead to panic and hoarding on an international scale, further reducing accessible food. • The 925 million people in the world who are already chronically malnourished (with a baseline consumption of 1,750 calories or less per day), would be put at risk by a 10% decline in their food consumption. While the IPPNW report calls for further research into the effects on additional crops in additional agricultural regions, Dr. Helfand said this preliminary study “raises a giant red flag” about the danger of nuclear weapons and the urgency of their elimination. “The death of one billion people over a decade would be a disaster unprecedented in human history,” he said. “It would not cause the extinction of the human race, but it would bring an end to modern civilization as we know it. “The danger identified in this report requires a fundamental change in our thinking about nuclear weapons. We must now recognize that it is not just the arsenals of the nuclear super powers that threaten all humanity. Even the smaller arsenals of emerging nuclear powers like India and Pakistan pose a global threat.” Noting, however, that even one US Trident submarine has the ability to destroy 100 cities and create a global famine, Dr. Helfand said “Even the most ambitious current proposals for nuclear arms reductions would leave the US and Russia with many times the nuclear fire power needed to create a global disaster on the scale described in this study.” Dr D P Singh Arora – President IMA Ludhiana while paying homage to victims of Chernobyl Nuclear disaster in Ukraine on 26th April 1986 where 93000 people lost their lives demanded that this accident followed by the Fukhushima Nuclear disaster should be eye opener. Learning lesson from these Government of India should put moratorium on the nuclear power plants. The electricity produce by these plants is neither safe nor economical. There is no foolproof method to manage the nuclear waste. Moreover the nuclear power plants pose a potential threat for the production of nuclear weapons. Dr N S Bawa – Vice President IDPD said that the doctors have to realize their duty to save the world from catastrophe. Dr Deepak Prashar was also present on the occasion.
15 April, 2012 - Central Council Meeting held at AITUC Bhawan, New Delhi
21 March, 2012 - Nuclear Energy Neither Safe Nor Economical - Hoshiarpur (Punjab)
21 March, 2012 - Nuclear Energy Neither Safe Nor Economical - Hoshiarpur (Punjab) While expressing solidarity with the people of Japan at the devastation caused by Tsunami and Earthquake which led to damage to the Dai Ichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima one year back on 11th March 2011, Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded that India should shun the pursuit for nuclear power plants and instead look forward to utilize renewable energy resources like, wind power, bio-waste, micro-hydel and solar which are in plenty in our country......
21 March, 2012 - Nuclear Energy Neither Safe Nor Economical
While expressing solidarity with the people of Japan at the devastation caused by Tsunami and Earthquake which led to damage to the Dai Ichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima one year back on 11th March 2011, Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded that India should shun the pursuit for nuclear power plants and instead look forward to utilize renewable energy resources like, wind power, bio-waste, micro-hydel and solar which are in plenty in our country. Addressing a seminar at the Rayat Bahra Institute of Engineering & Nano – Technology Chandigarh Road , Hoshiarpur. Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary IDPD said that the Government of India should immediately put moratorium on all ongoing nuclear activity and review the whole nuclear power policy in the wake of Fukushima disaster. Events in Japan are very shocking and vindicate the stand of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and IDPD that nuclear power plants are a potential threat of radiation. The cost of producing electricity from nuclear power is fraught with dangers and is 2-3 times more expensive than from conventional sources like coal and gas. There cannot be any comparison with the renewable resources which are totally non hazardous. It is pertinent to note that US has not built any nuclear power plant since the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 despite George W Bush the former President of USA offering subsidies on nuclear plants. France which pioneered the nuclear technology and nuclear power plants have not built one in the last 25 years. The nuclear plant can never be dismantled as the half life of Uranium in the reactor is 24000 years that means the danger is reduced to half after 24000 years and they have to be kept for an eternity, literally, before the spent fuel (the used Uranium from reactors) for it to become completely safe. More over the cost of dismantling is much more than the cost of installation. The track record of safety in the nuclear facilities in India is far from satisfactory. According to reports an estimated 300 incidents of serious nature have occurred causing radiation leaks and physical damage to the workers. But these have remained official secrets so far. During Tsunami water had entered the Kalpakkam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu. The people around Uranium mines in Jadugoda are totally unprotected. As per the reports the technology being used by the French company, Areva, which is building the world's largest nuclear power plant in beautiful coastline of Ratnagiri (Jaitapur Town), India has not been completely tested. The world still remembers the Chernobyl nuclear accident where about 93000 people are reported to have died. Health of liquidators (cleanup workers) engaged in the job of cleaning the area is a matter of serious concern even today. An accident in a nuclear power plant is almost like an atomic explosion with serious consequences on flora & fauna and ecology. We demand that the Indian government should review its nuclear power policy and use other safe renewable options for power generation which are available in abundance in our country. Japan has the best disaster management capacity but in contrast our country’s track record in disaster management is extremely dismal. The explanation by some of our nuclear lobbyists that our country falls in the low seismic zone is unfounded and ignoring the reality as next time the disaster may not be due to earthquake but due to terrorism, climate change, technology failure, proliferation of plutonium or human error. According to Clause 6 of the nuclear liability bill, the maximum financial liability in case a nuclear accident is Rs. 2,087 crore. It is less than the compensation in Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The amount is considered meagre in comparison to the destruction caused by a nuclear accident. More over the time limit for filing complaint in case of nuclear accident has been limited to 10 years whereas it is a well known fact that the radiation leak may cause cancer even after 20-30 years of exposure. Dr Manju Sharma Member Central Council IDPD cautioned about the deteriorating environment as a result of unchecked human activity. We must come forward to save our planet from climate catastrophe she said. She also warned of danger of Uranium in Malwa belt of Punjab which has led to increase in incidence of cancer in the region.
10 March, 2012 - Seminar at Nashik (Maharashtra)
A Seminar on Health through Peace was conducted at Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, held in association with Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) an affiliate of International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) to pay homage to the victims of Fukushima Nuclear Disaster which completed a year on the 11th of march 2012. Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary of IDPD and Dr S.S Soodan, Vice President IDPD, Director ASCOMS Medical College, Jammu, were the Guests of Honor. The event took place under the able guidance of Sarchitnis, MVP Samaj Ms Neelima Pawar, and Dean Dr Mrunal Patil
10 March, 2012 - Seminar at Nashik (Maharashtra)
A Seminar on Health through Peace was conducted at Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, held in association with Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) an affiliate of International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) to pay homage to the victims of Fukushima Nuclear Disaster which completed a year on the 11th of march 2012. Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary of IDPD and Dr S.S Soodan, Vice President IDPD, Director ASCOMS Medical College, Jammu, were the Guests of Honor. The event took place under the able guidance of Sarchitnis, MVP Samaj Ms Neelima Pawar, and Dean Dr Mrunal Patil. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr Major Jeetendra Singh. The seminar was attended by 30 students from Dr D.Y Patil Medical College and Research Center, Pune, 50 students from Nursing and 40 students from Physiotherapy college along with all the MBBS students of Dr Vasant Pawar Medical college. Dr Arun Mitra stressed the need of use of renewable sources of energy like hydropower and wind energy. He pointed out that nuclear energy is neither safe nor economical. Dr S.S Soodan discussed the rise in insecurity among people due to violence, nuclear health hazards and the role of students in spreading awareness. They have also stressed concern for people living near Jadugoda mines in Bihar as they are exposed to harmful nuclear radiations. There were discussions on the topics of the harmful health effects of nuclear radiations, adequate methods of nuclear waste disposal and also a documentary on the consequences from the use of Nuclear Weapons in conventional War was shown which was made by students themselves. Social issues like the importance of peace in achieving health and role of positive development through education and awareness were stressed. The act of female foeticide was condemned and opposed through a street play conducted by students of II year MBBS. Dr Jeetendra Singh said National Student Co-coordinator said that Planning such activities in medical college will go a long way in sensitizing medical students during their formative years towards their social responsibilities as doctors. Ms.Soumya Shree the Co NSR stressed the need for organizing such events in different colleges among the students.
2nd North-South joint conference of IPPNW held at Kathmandu
More than 300 doctors and medical students, who participated in the Second North-South joint conference of IPPNW held at Kathmandu from 4-6 March 2011 reaffirmed their commitment to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, violence of all kinds and check on the proliferation of small arms. The conference was held on the theme “Peace Through Social Justice”. Conference opened with a message from the Prime Minister of Nepal Hon’ble Sh.Jhalla Nath Khanal, who could not personally attend because of the sad demise of former Prime Minister, Sh.Bhattarai. Inaugurating the conference, Dr.Vappu Taipale- Co-President IPPNW complimented the affiliates from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, China and DPR Korea for their effort to jointly carry forward the mission of IPPNW. The conference dwelt on the topics, “Thereat to regional peace”, “Perspective of peace and security in Asia”, “Experiencing Human made nuclear cast atrophy in Hiroshima”, “Agenda for peace in the region” and “Regional collaboration and co-operation for peace in Asia”. Various speakers expressed serious concern at that the majority of population in Asian countries live under abject poverty and is devoid of even basic needs to sustain life, nutrition, shelter, clean drinking water, hygiene & sanitation, education and health. The social inequalities have further increased after the so called globalization which has strengthened the corporate sector and resulted in mass deprivation of the people. This lack of social justice provides potential ground to violence. A 71 members delegation of IDPD from the states of J & K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh led by Dr.L.S.Chawla – President and Dr.Arun Mitra – General Secretary participated in this meet. The conference further warned that the arms race is the major factor of deprivation of large number of population in the world. The world spends over 20000 crore of rupees per day on arms race on the other side more than 15000 children die of hunger alone in the world. It would cost nearly Rs.7/- lack per day to provide them food to sustain life which is a miniscule amount in comparison to the expenditure on arms. There is urgent need for a worldwide people’s movement to force the governments to abolish nuclear weapons and check the proliferation of small arms. The Asian countries are by and large poor but ironically spend huge amount on arms purchase. It is of utmost importance that confidence building measures are undertaken in these countries through people to people exchange programmes and increase in trade relations so as to remove mistrust amongst each other. The conference demanded Visa Free movement for the citizens of SAARC nations. Dr L.S.Chawla presented keynote address in the session on “Agenda for Peace in the Region”, Dr.Arun Mitra addressed on the subject “Threat to Regional Peace”. Gen. Vinod Saighal presented a keynote address on the “Perspective of Peace and Security in Asia”. Dr S S Soodan chaired the Plenary session on “Regional Collaboration and Cooperation”. Dr.G.M.Malik was a speaker in this session. Dr.N.S.Bawa, Dr.Santokh Singh, Dr.Rajni, Dr.Manju Sharma, Dr.Jeetndra, Mr.Arshdeep Singh and Ms.Upasna intervened in the deliberations. Medical students’ conference was held on 4th March 2011 in the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Doctors demand use of renewable energy resources
While expressing solidarity with the people of Japan at the devastation caused by Tsunami and Earthquake which led to damage to the Dai Ichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded that India should shun the pursuit for nuclear power plants and instead look forward to utilize renewable energy resources like, wind power, bio-waste, micro-hydel and solar which are in plenty in our country. Addressing a seminar organized by the Indian Medical Association Fatehabad. Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary and Dr Balbir Singh- Member Central Council of the IDPD said that the Government of India should immediately put moratorium on all ongoing nuclear activity and review the whole nuclear power policy in the event of Fukushima disaster. Events in Japan are very shocking and vindicate the stand of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and IDPD that nuclear power plants are a potential threat of radiation. The cost of producing electricity from nuclear power is fraught with dangers and is 2-3 times more expensive than from conventional sources like coal and gas. There cannot be any comparison with the renewable resources which are totally non hazardous. It is pertinent to note that US has not built any nuclear power plant since the Three Mile Island incident and France which pioneered the nuclear technology and nuclear power plants have not built one in the last 25 years. The nuclear plant can never be dismantled as the half life of Uranium in the reactor is 24000 years that means the danger is reduced to half after 24000 years and they have to be kept for an eternity, literally, before the spent fuel (the used Uranium from reactors) for it to become completely safe. More over the cost of dismantling is much more than the cost of installation. The track record of safety in the nuclear facilities in India is far from satisfactory. According to reports an estimated 300 incidents of serious nature have occurred causing radiation leaks and physical damage to the workers. But these have remained official secrets so far. During Tsunami water had entered the Kalpakkam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu. The people around Uranium mines in Jadugoda are totally unprotected. As per the reports the technology being used by the French company, Areva, which is building the world's largest nuclear power plant in beautiful coastline of Ratnagiri (Jaitapur Town), India has not been completely tested. The world still remembers the Chernobyl nuclear accident where about 93000 people are reported to have died. Health of liquidators (cleanup workers) engaged in the job of cleaning the area is a matter of serious concern even today. An accident in a nuclear power plant is almost like an atomic explosion with serious consequences on flora & fauna and ecology. We demand that the Indian government should review its nuclear power policy and use other safe renewable options for power generation which are available in abundance in our country. Japan has the best disaster management capacity but in contrast our country’s track record in disaster management is extremely dismal. The explanation by some of our nuclear lobbyists that our country falls in the low seismic zone is unfounded and ignoring the reality as next time the disaster may not be due to earthquake but due to terrorism, climate change, technology failure, proliferation of plutonium or human error. Dr Balbir Singh cautioned about the deteriorating environment as a result of unchecked human activity. We must come forward to save our planet from climate catastrophe. Prominent among those who participated in the meeting include Dr Virinder Siwatch – State Vice President IMA Haryana, Dr Sanjay Bansal- President IMA Fatehabad,Dr Rajesh Batra, Dr Subhash Mehta
Citizens for a nuclear free world and renewable energy resources
Citizens for a nuclear free world and renewable energy resources While expressing solidarity with the people of Japan at the devastation caused by Tsunami and Earthquake which led to damage to the Dai Ichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded that India should shun the pursuit for nuclear power plants and instead look forward to utilize renewable energy resources like, wind power, bio-waste, micro-hydel and solar which are in plenty in our country. Addressing a seminar organized by the Indian Medical Association, National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) Ganganagar, Dr Arun Mitra, General Secretary said that the Government of India should immediately put moratorium on all ongoing nuclear activity and review the whole nuclear power policy in the event of Fukushima disaster. Events in Japan are very shocking and vindicate the stand of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and IDPD that nuclear power plants are a potential threat of radiation. The cost of producing electricity from nuclear power is fraught with dangers and is 2-3 times more expensive than from conventional sources like coal and gas. There cannot be any comparison with the renewable resources which are totally non hazardous. It is pertinent to note that US has not built any nuclear power plant since the Three Mile Island incident and France which pioneered the nuclear technology and nuclear power plants have not built one in the last 25 years. The nuclear plant can never be dismantled as the half life of Uranium in the reactor is 24000 years that means the danger is reduced to half after 24000 years and they have to be kept for an eternity, literally, before the spent fuel (the used Uranium from reactors) for it to become completely safe. More over the cost of dismantling is much more than the cost of installation. The track record of safety in the nuclear facilities in India is far from satisfactory. According to reports an estimated 300 incidents of serious nature have occurred causing radiation leaks and physical damage to the workers. But these have remained official secrets so far. During Tsunami water had entered the Kalpakkam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu. The people around Uranium mines in Jadugoda are totally unprotected. As per the reports the technology being used by the French company, Areva, which is building the world's largest nuclear power plant in beautiful coastline of Ratnagiri (Jaitapur Town), India has not been completely tested. The world still remembers the Chernobyl nuclear accident where about 93000 people are reported to have died. Health of liquidators (cleanup workers) engaged in the job of cleaning the area is a matter of serious concern even today. An accident in a nuclear power plant is almost like an atomic explosion with serious consequences on flora & fauna and ecology. We demand that the Indian government should review its nuclear power policy and use other safe renewable options for power generation which are available in abundance in our country. Japan has the best disaster management capacity but in contrast our country’s track record in disaster management is extremely dismal. The explanation by some of our nuclear lobbyists that our country falls in the low seismic zone is unfounded and ignoring the reality as next time the disaster may not be due to earthquake but due to terrorism, climate change, technology failure, proliferation of plutonium or human error. Dr Dharmendra Kumar Verma –Convener IDPD Rajasthan gave an account of activities of IDPD to promote peace and health. Dr M Arora highlighted the role of medical professionals in building peace movement. He also called upon the media to play a positive role. Dr.Rajeev Munjal welcomed the delegates and spoke for the need of a nuclear free world, better relations between neighbouring countries and resolution of issues through dialogue. Prominent among others who addressed the seminar include Dr.R.C.Jindal- President IMA Ganganag, Sh.Jagdish Rai Jandu-Chariman Nagar Parishad, Dr.Pralad Gupta-Chairman Sh.Jagdamba Manav Seva, Sh.Inderjit Bishnoi- President Bar Association, Dr.Partap Singh Shekhawat – Patron IDPD Hanumangarh, Sh.Ashok Singhal- President Khatri Sabha, MJF Lion Virender Veidya, Dr.Amarjeet Singh Sidhu, Lion Jangeer Farma, Lion Navdeep Bansal, Lion Vinod Sethi, Smt.Kamla Bishnoi, Dr.Pawan Sharma, Dr.Rameshwar Bhambu.