Mar 2021

monthly Newsletter from Indian Medical Association, Cochin Branch

iSSUE 201 MARCH 2021

President’s Message General Body Meeting

Dear friends, Scientifi&c Session

Injustice to Health Care Workers (HCW) in private sector of Kerala should 24th March, 2021 | Wednesday
have been avoided by all means. 8.00 pm Meeting called to order
8.05 pm Scientific Session
It is an undisputed fact that HCW of private hospitals handling a major
chunk of Covid 19 cases continue to be at high risk of exposure to infection. TOPIC
Decision of the central government to discontinue free vaccination in Private Hospitals
and charge them for the 2nd dose of Covishield / Covaxin from 1st of March 2021 is Chairperson :
deplorable. Dr Sophia Philip, Pulmonologist
Govt. medical College, Ekm
This step motherly attitude towards HCW of private sector needs to be resolved at the President, Cochin Thoracic Society
earliest, to revive the morale of committed HCW who toil tirelessly to treat critically ill
Covid 19 cases in many private hospitals of Kerala. Though District Health Administration 1) Long haul Covid Warriors
responded positively to the appeal of IMA in this regard, the cumbersome procedure
to procure Free vaccines for concerned HCW proves to be a deterrent. Neverthless, we Dr. Jacob Baby
need to pursue our earnest endeavour to express our sincere gratitude and respect to Consultant Respiratory Medicine,
deserving HCW of private sector by pursuing our efforts to regain their genuine right. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS
Trust, Kent, UK
Let us look forward to a positive rethinking on the part of authorities to resolve this
sensitive issue at the earliest. 2) Updates in TB management

Best Wishes, Dr Anjana Babu , Pulmonologist,
Calicut Medical College
Jai IMA

Dr T.V. Ravi
President

Justice Devan Ramachandran honours senior ‘Haritha Karma Sena’ Staff of Kochi Meeting organised by
Corporation on 13th March 2021 at Division 44 at Clean Kochi Drive organised by
Green Cochin Mission in association with IMA Cochin. (Report on Page 4,5) Cochin Thoracic Society

­

Announcement

Please be informed that IMA
Cochin resumes live Executive
Committee meetings as well as
General Body Meetings effective
April 2021. Hence CME sessions
also will be conducted live only
(under COVID protocols), instead
of virtual meetings till further
notice.

Solicit your physical presence
and earnest participation in
forthcoming meetings.

President Secretary Treasurer
Dr. T.V. Ravi Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel Dr. George Tukalan
‘Smita’, P.C. Road, Kaloor P.O., Kochi 682 017 Koduveliparambil House Flat 2 F, Vinayaka Sreevidya Apartments
Mob : 98473 30445 Chennur, Kothad P.O., Kochi 682 027 Eroor P.O., Tripunithura 682 306
[email protected] Mob : 98959 18538; [email protected] Mob : 87541 54531; [email protected]

Secretary’s Message Triton Restaurant

Dear Members, 30%IMA House Kochi
off for
It is indeed a relief for the nation with a Lagoon members
shift in the pandemic while we enter the
vaccination phase. At this onset we urge Home delivery available
all our members to conduct physical
meetings to experience the renovated 9744669499
IMA House. 8606400333

Kindly remember that SSS3 scheme defaulters for
two years are at a risk of losing a fortune if the arears
are not settled within 31st March 2021. The Branch
Activity fund collection drive goes on, hence you are
requested to pay your dues at the earliest in order to
help us serve you better.

All Lagoon members may grab your gift booklet at
the earliest before the validity expires. discounts
worth 1.8 lakhs await you for just for Rs.10,000/- or
enroll two new Lagoon members, the latter being
preferable in the larger interest of IMA cochin.

Jai IMA!

Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel
Secretary

Woman Doctors Wing Activities

Chairperson : Dr Sheeja Srinivas Secretary : Dr Avani Pillai

WDW Kochi meeting on feb 25th to commemorate World Cancer day In an effort to create cancer
and Sexual and Reproductive health awareness day on 12th feb. Talk awareness, Dr Michelle created a
on cancer awareness by Dr Geetha and on sexual and reproductive short film The Edge, the launch was

health by Dr Avani Pillai. Bottle decoration art by Dr Anusha inaugurated by WDW Secretary
Dr Avani Pillai

Dr Lissamma & Dr Avani Pillai as speakers in State Cervical cancer awareness talk on social media Panel discussion on Recurrent pregnancy with
Adolescent committee webinar on March 5th by Dr Chaitra on 27th Feb Cochin Obs % Gynaec society on 28th Feb

2

MARCH 2021

Mr M Mahesh felicitated by IMA cochin, for his act of courage in avoiding a Goods Prof. M.K. Sanu releasing a Book, ‘JEEVITHAM ENNA
Train accident at vallarpadam. Certificate of appreciation & Memento presented PADHAPUSTHAKAM’ authored by Dr. S.D. Singh on 26th February

by Dr T V Ravi, Dr Athul Joseph Manuel, Dr George Tukalan in the presence of at chavara Cultural Centre, Ernakulam

Mr. Nitin Norbert (Area Manager, Southern Railways)

In connection with the Intl Women’s day on Mar 8th, the IMA Blood Bank Cochin Releasing Health Card for Architects at the Installation ceremony of
organised 2 blood donation camps (organised by Rotary club of Milan and Indian Association of Architects, at Taj Gateway, Kochi on 27th Feb.

Vyapari Vyavasayi Women’s association, Karimugal). There were 17 donors for
the in-house & 23 donors for the external camps.

Launch of ‘THE EDGE’, short film on Cancer awareness, written by Dr. R. Remesh Kumar, National President Elect, Indian Academy of
Dr. Michelle Aline Antony and directed by Dr. Nousheed Ani for CANSERVE Pediatrics honoured at Mangalore Pedicon 2021. He delivered the
prestigious Dr. M.R. Shenoy Oration : Pediatric Allergic Disorders -
under the auspices of Women Doctors Wing at IMA House Cochin.
Dr. Bijoy Jacob Thomas, Consultant Radiologist, offered felicitation Face the Challenge

Congratulations! Kerala Assembly Election
2021

Two IMA Cochin members contest

Dr Akhil Manuel Dr. George Tukalan

Preconference award winners Dr. Joe Joseph Dr. J. Jacob
from IMA Cochin at Kerala Health
Kothamngalam Thrikkakkara
International Webinar 2021.
Dr. S.S. Kamath and Dr. V.P. Paily were panelists Best Wishes
Best District : Ernakulam
in the Webinar : Kerala Health - Making the
SDG a Reality. organised by Dept. of Health & 3
Family Welfare, Govt. of Kerala - 24th Feb ’21

Green Cochin M

A collective formed by District Legal Service Authority with IMA Cochi
Mission,Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, Haritha Keralam, K
Carnival at Fort Kochi in 2019, was a huge success by developing a syste
Recently IMA Cochin has taken up the project in accordance with the H
requesting many Councilors of various Divisions, the Division 44 cam
Division a role model in terms of reducing the waste as well as dissemin
our household waste. Later the waste is picked up from each home th
(MRF). At MRF the waste is segregated into 18 sub types making 90%
The Biodegradable waste is planned to be made into manure and sup
mission to beautify the Stadium Link Road with fruit bearing trees.
To mark the beginning of this incredible journey on 13th March, a
associations and 800 NSS volunteers. The back log of waste accumula
residents. A temporary MRF was setup inside the Ward wherein segre
will be kept on display for everyone to see and learn how our waste c
home. Further updates will follow every month on this major agenda
for a clean and green Kochi.

4

MARCH 2021

Mission (GCM)

chin, Justice Brigade, Child Line, Motor Vehicle Department, Suchithwa
, Kerala Police, Coast Guard, and many more. The first project, Green
stem to segregate and dispose waste that was produced by the Carnival.

e HEAL Cochin, a project of Hon’ble Mayor of Cochin. On follow up, after
ame forward in partnering with GCM. We are on the path to make this
minating the information on the importance of cleaning and segregating
e through a proper channelised system to a Material Recovery Facility
% of it reusable and rest is sent to cement factories to be used as fuel.
upport the greenery in the Division. As a part of this, we are also on a

a mega cleaning drive was initiated involving all the 24 residents’
ulated at each home was removed completely to relieve the burden of
gregation is in process. Shortly after the process the segregated items
e could be recycled with proper cleaning and segregation done at our
da of IMA Cochin 20-21. Let us combat, surmount and survive together

5

IMA Cochin resumes live Executive Committee meeting (under COVID protocols) on 10th March 2021 after an year

KGMCTA strike at Govt. Medical College Kalamassery, against failure of Govt. to implement pay revision of Medical College Teachers
of Kerala declared in 2016. IMA office bearers were also present to express their solidarity.

IMA Cochin in Media

6

MARCH 2021

Do vaccines cause blood clots?

The problem with interpreting adverse events following vaccination
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan

jeev Jayadevan n

This week, there has been a worldwide following vaccination. This may or may not be background rates to the general public for the
controversy following the decision by a few related to the vaccine. past several months during the pandemic.
European nations to temporarily suspend However numeracy is surprisingly low in most
Astrazeneca‘s Covid vaccine. However a large number of people confuse this parts of the world. Numeracy is the ability to
term as “directly caused by the vaccine.” calculate the value of a fraction.
This was following reports of a few cases of
blood clots: DVT and pulmonary embolism. Deaths and illnesses occur in all age groups, In addition to the lack of numeracy, an
However the data so far show that the number from multiple conditions, regardless of emotional response to such events complicates
of such cases following vaccination is far whether vaccination is given or not. or aggravates the wrong perception that
below what is expected to happen in a similar vaccines caused these events.
population without vaccination. For example, among young adults, violent
deaths predominate. Among the non-violent Background rates vary in each population,
Various nations have varying standards for deaths, undetected heart disease, cerebral depending on locally prevailing diseases,
approving, disapproving and suspending vascular disease, infections, liver disease are infections, and the age distribution. The
vaccination. The UK has already looked at the the major culprits. reporting rates also vary.
data and concluded that they have no problem
with continuing Astrazeneca vaccine because When these events occur in people who had Thus, the background rates will need to be
at least 11 million doses have been safely received a vaccine, it is almost invariable that customised for each geographical region. India
administered there. people will blame the vaccine. has a rigorous ongoing pharmacovigilance
programme and the feedback received from
Our own study from IMA Cochin had shown In such situations, what matters is whether the the officials has so far not shown any cause for
no adverse serious adverse outcomes in 5396 frequency of these events was more common concern.
patients. There is no report so far of such after vaccination - also called clustering- in
clustering of cases elsewhere from India. each age group. The MHRA from the UK has looked at
approximately 10 million vaccinations each
A similar problem had been encountered So far our experience in India has not shown by both Astra Oxford and Pfizer, and has
during the initial days of Pfizer vaccination any such clustering. concluded that there is no evidence of serious
when cases of anaphylaxis were reported and adverse events from either vaccine. 10 million
this caused significant hesitancy. As people However emotional knee-jerk reactions are is an extremely large number, and this gives us
slowly got over this, came the reports of “deaths common and such news spreads rapidly a high degree of confidence that such adverse
among the very elderly” in Norway, which again through social media, alarming people to a outcomes are not the result of vaccination.
was misinterpreted and misunderstood by point of refusing vaccine.
the rest of the world to be “directly caused by The world will no doubt get over this episode
Vaccination”. This also contributed to vaccine Unfortunately, even after such allegations are concerning Astra Oxford vaccine, but we can
hesitancy. found to be false after due investigation, the expect similar allegations with other vaccines
hesitancy continues. This is because most in the future. Unfortunately such allegations
Now the few cases of blood clots are creating people have short attention spans and are create an extraordinary amount of harm to
a similar controversy - albeit on a larger scale. generally not interested in finding out what the public health - although this might have not
truth was. By the time truth is revealed, no one always be intentional.
Although this can be interpreted as “evidence is interested in reading about it.
of diligence and adherence of safety protocols”, As doctors it is important to regularly and
in reality, such thoughtless and “knee-jerk” It is said that a lie can travel travel halfway patiently communicate these principles in
actions by nations create doubts in the minds around the world by the time truth is still laymans terms to the general public.
of millions of people, greatly aggravating putting on its shoes.
vaccine hesitancy. When people refuse to take
the vaccine, they put themselves at risk for Anticipating this, doctors have been explaining
getting severe organ damage or dying from
COVID-19 in the future. HurryUp! BPrlaeansceh ciomntmaecdtiayoteulry

We must remember that vaccines by IMA Kerala Health Scheme
themselves do not save lives, it is vaccination
that saves lives. In other words the vaccine that Kindly note that there is no LOCK IN PERIOD
is sitting in a fridge or a factory does not save of one year for treatment of COVID 19
any lives. Unless vaccines are administered, we for those who join before 31.3.2021
lose the battle against the pandemic. This is
because at this time, this is the only safe option n Original treatment bills will be returned and can be used to claim the
of preventing severe disease from COVID-19. amount from other policies.

People without background knowledge of n Original bills to be submitted at your Branch for claim within two
public health have difficulty interpreting months of discharge from Hospital.
events following vaccination. AEFI (adverse
event following immunisation) does not mean n Upper age limit is 65 years.
adverse event due to vaccination. It simply
means an event that occurred in the period n No health screening for admission into the Scheme.

OBITUARY n IMA member, their spouse, children and parents can also join.

Dr T K Santhakumari n 75 % reimbursement of the total bill.

obstetrisian & gynecologist,

Krishna Hospital

Baby Varghese Office address Contact details
sister of Phone Monu’s, Inpar junction, Chevayur PO, Kozhikode 673017
Dr. Abraham Varghese Email 9539332426

[email protected] ; [email protected]

7

MARCH 2021

Grab Gift Vouchers for IMA Lagoon members

who contribute Rs.10,000/- towards renovation fund of IMA Cochin
or

enroll two new Lagoon members

Welcoming Offers for the Lagoon Members of IMA House Cochin

Sl No Vendors Offer Validity

1 Giri Pai Personal Offers 31/12/2021
20% flat off on diamond for above rs 1,00,000/-
2 Carmicci purchase n 20% flat off on precious, semi precious 31/12/2021
strings and birthstones for above rs 5000/- purchase.
3 Doc & Mark discount of flat 20% on all new launch articles and 31/08/2021
4 Wrangler 40% flat discount on existing running articles. 31/12/2021
The promo code to be used will be CARMICCI_IMA 31/12/2021
5 Lee 31/12/2021
6 Speed Shoppee Rs. 1000/- offer on purchase of Rs. 5000/- 31/12/2021
7 Speed Tyre This offer valid till

15% off at Wrangler Lulu

15% off at Lee Lulu

25% discount on 3D Car Alignment
Coputerised Wheel Balancing

25% discount on 3D Car Alignment
Coputerised Wheel Balancing

Family Offers

8 Lulu 5% off at Lulu Hypermart n 15% off at Lulu  
9 Oh my cake Celebrate n 15% off at Lulu Fashion 31/12/2021
10 De fab 31/12/2021
11 Roms & Raks 25% of bill value on purchases of Rs 500 and above on 31/12/2021
12 Honda all Fresh Cream cake purchases made at our outlets. 31/12/2021
13 Wudapple 31/12/2021
14 Paragon Discount of 10% for all the lagoon members for the 3 months
bill amount 50,000/- or below n Discount of 25% of
the bill amount of 50,0000/- or above.
A flat 10% discount on all the products and services
except Acana, Orijen, little big paw, ruffewear, westpaw
1. Cash benefit worth Rs. 10,000 for IMA and Lagoon
members n 2. 5% discount in service labour
n 3. 5% discount in insurance

15% discount

The discount option of 15% can be availed from Lulu
Paragon @ Ernakulam for a period of three months.
The offer can be availed from Monday to Friday.

15 Spice basket Platinum-5999 | Gold-4299 | Silver-2499 | Bronze -899 31/12/2021

16 Pvr    

17 Busy bee 12 discount coupons valid for 6 months each with 31/12/2021
50% discount on our net rates.

18 Car wash 25% discount 31/12/2021

19 EC Life 20% off 31/7/2021

Leisure Offers

20 Kuhi Free stay for monthy lucky draw winners 31/12/2021

21 Abad Special rates to IMA Members 31/12/2021

22 CGH 10% discount on the special rates given 31/12/2021
23 Indriya 30/09/2021
Special rates n Indriya Kuzhuppilli- 4750
24 Lake palace Indriya Munnar- 3900 n Indriya Wayanad- 3800 31/03/2022

25 Le Collins INR. 5500 + taxes per room per night on Dbl 31/12/2021
26 Vythiri occupancy for cottage n The above special rate 15/12/2021
27 Vayalveedu valid till 30th Sept 2021 n INR. 7500 + taxes per 15/12/2021
28 Lakes & Lagoon room per night on Dbl occupancy for cottage 30/09/2021
29 Sheraton The above special rate valid from 01st Oct 2021 – 30/06/2021
31st March 2022
•25% discount on prevailing room rate with
complementary breakfast.

Special Offer: Vythiri Haven-12,750 Honeymoon
Villa-14450 Pool Villa-21250 Honeymoon Pool
Villa-25500

Special offer - 6750/-

15 % Discount on prevailing Houseboat rates

INR 3650 ++ n Breakfast + one meal n 15% discount
on F&B n Valid till 30th June 2021 n Rate Code- B0134

30 Samroha offer 10% discount on all Packages 31/10/2021

IMA House, J.N. International Stadium Road, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin 682 025 Ph : 9961648800, 92495 78466 Email : [email protected] Website : imacochin.org
Printed & published by IMA Cochin for circulation among IMA members only. production : pixel studio@98460 38143