UNESCO CHAIR ON BIOETHICS
SOUTH INDIAN UNIT
AT FATHER MULLER MEDICAL COLLEGE
 
VISION
Achieving excellence in health care through bioethical principles.
MISSION
To promote health and safeguard the dignity and rights of every individual. Universal human values and ethics, empowers professionals on practice of medicine and imparts medical education based on ethically sensitized doctors.
OBJECTIVES
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To impart and empower health care professionals in FMCI on bioethical principles
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To collaborate and extend facilitation of Bioethical concepts to medical school across South India.
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To act in concert with Asia Pacific network and UNESCO Bioethics Chair in implementing relevant appropriate projects and programs.
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Aid ‘Human values’ education in society through well meaning awareness programs.
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Referal and nodal centre for ethical viewpoints.
PROPOSED ACTIVITY FRAMEWORK
Information Bank
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Creating a Bioethics Bulletin – quarterly / dedicated section in Muller journal
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Dissermination of information on Bioethics and in particular UNESCO publications on Bioethics
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Creating Web database and permit e-discussion
Education and Training
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Developing and implementing bioethics subjects in the curriculum of the various courses at FMMC
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Developing specialized courses in Eco Bioethics for medical, scientists and allied health professionals
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Having regional, International Conferences, Congresses and Courses in Bioethics
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Preparing and dissemination of e-learning material
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Organizing symposia and workshops at various locations
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Translation of Bioethics educational material in vernacular.
Research
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Assisting in grant applications for funded research
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Preparing data base for Bioethics research
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Developing protocols for carrying out research in Bioethics
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Supporting the submission of manuscripts for publication in Journals
Collaboration and Leadership
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Instilling and stimulating the awareness of Bioethics and its discourse among educational institutions
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Seek to establish interdisciplinary network with interest and working in Bioethics and Human rights areas.
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Seek to take the lead role and represent the Bioethics and Human rights at the Government and Non-Government level in South India
List of Members:
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Dr Sanjeev Rai |
Patron
Chief of Medical Specialities
Father Muller Charitable Institutions |
|
Dr J P Alva |
Patron
Dean
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Princy Louis Palatty |
UNESCO Chair in Bioethics
Professor
Department of Pharmacology
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Nagesh K R |
Member, Secretary
Professor and H.O.D.
Department of Forensic Medicine
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Jacob Chacko |
Member
Professor and H.O.D
Department of Orthopaedics
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Amitha Ray |
Member
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Smitha Bhat |
Member
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Rev Fr Dr Leo D’Souza |
Member
H.O.D.
Department of Research
St Aloysius College |
|
Dr M.S.Baliga |
Member
Research and development
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Dr Rekha B |
Member
Professor and Head
Department of Microbiology |
|
Sr Winnifred |
Member
Principal
Father Muller College of Nursing |
|
Ms Bindiya Shetty |
Member
Master of Social work
Father Muller Medical College |
|
Rev Fr Augustine Pamplany |
Ethicist
Member, Director
Institute of Science and Religion
Aluva
Kerala |
|
Professor Russel D’Souza |
Member
Chair Asia Pacific Network of the UNESCO
Chair in Bioethics |
|
Dr Shivashankara |
Member
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Father Muller Medical College
Mangalore |
|
Dr Shrinath Rao
|
Member
Principal
Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College, Derlakatte, Mangalore |
|
Mr Narasimman |
Member
Course coordinator, Physiotherapy
Father Muller Medical College
Mangalore
|
|
Nikesh Shetty |
Member
Lawyer
|
|
Dr Mohandas E |
Member
Psychiatrist
Kerala
|
|
Professor Dr Parameshwar Deva |
Member
Malaysia
|
UPDATE ON BIOETHICS
February 2012
Focus on clinical trials
‘The death of a tribal women (Andra Pradesh) in a clinical trials’
Axis clinical labs have conducted a Phase I trial for HPV vaccine in Andhra Pradesh , with dubious advertising.
The tribal women Tapavathy Chikamma (55) who underwent the Phase I and came back physically immobile and soon after lost her life. This created a furore with the medico and investigations reported that the 3-5 deaths that have occurred we are not related to the drug being tried.
The unit in India stopped functioning, while they set up another in Nigeria, which soon reported 5 deaths in past 2 months, that were considered to be related drug and a compensation of Rs 6 million per victim was sanctioned
Quite a scope for an ethical debate!
‘Supreme court stalls clinical trials at Indore’, pending hearing
The illegal and inhuman practice was exposed in Indore during a sting operation at Indore. The operation had showed as many as 233 mentally challenged patients were subjected to clinical trials in Indore without permission from their family members only few bucks.
Justice reigns supreme!!
March 2012
Crackdown on ‘Stem cell therapies’
The desperately ill patients are charged heavily by private clinics, for unproven stem cell therapies’. The US government has ordered the FBI, to crackdown on such unethical therapies.
Uprightness takes a bend!!
‘Assisted suicide’ - need for legislation
‘Assisted suicide’ for people who are terminally ill, is on the rise and experts warrant a ‘strong case’ for legislation.
Scope for unethical practices!!
‘Egg donors’ in the dark
A US governmental survey, revealed that fertility clinics, ‘egg donors’ are unaware that the embryos formed using their eggs are used for ‘stem cell research’ Autonomy hijacked!!!
April 2012
US court scrutinizes ‘ Health Care case’
Obama’s healthcare overhaul is being scrutinized by Republican appointed Justices and defended by administorial lawyers, on the ideology and individualization of insurance requirements, which is the lynchpin of the massive health care law
Just a closer look!!
Indian version of cancer drug cheaper – only 3%
The first time ever issue of compulsory license by Indian patients to induct cheaper generic drugs for important diseases like cancer, is a definite breakthrough. Bayer’s ‘Nexvant, a drug for renal and liver cancer has been manufactured by Natco Pharma at 97% lesser cost. Cost of whole course chemotherapy Rs 2.2 lakhs now only Rs 80,000.
Note the difference !Ahhh!
Announcement:
Talk: “Interfacing science, Religion and Bioethics”
By Rev Fr Augustine Pamplany
25th April 2012
At DM Hall, Knowledge centre, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore
Session chaired by Dr R P Pai, Professor, Community Medicine. A hearty welcome to all interested faculty, students and people of all walks of life
May 2012
Drugs being approved for clinical use sans human trials!
Several popular medicines in India are being approved without having undergone human trials. Whether goes the safety of pills?
The notorious examples are:
Daptomycin (cubicin)
Pemetrexed (Alimta)
Raltegravir (Isentress)
Pemetrexid (Eli Lilly)
Aliskiren (Novarti)
A ‘bioethical issue’ film review – Vicky Donor
India has truly come of age, as seen by the acceptance by masses, of this carded and mature discussion of an otherwise taboo issue. As I look around at the audience around me and see them soaking in the issues in a open manner despite the orthodox veneer.
The film is produced by John Abraham, broke the myth that has only - boks’.
The director Surjit Sircar has smoothly handled the sensitive issue in a ‘matter-of-fact’ manner.
The lead part played by Ayushman Khurana and Yami Gautham was laudable, and rest of the cost admirably did their characters.
The fertility centre doctor played by Anu Kapoor and his ‘chela’ were committed and persevering with their mission, despite raking in millions.
The smooth handling without too much contrieved situation is laudable.
The whole movie flows on with a delightful script. The transition of the belligerent, happy go lucky, good natured, handsome, unemployed, cricketing study into a “sperm donor” was hilarious. The varied reactions to his occupation was well portrayed. The rendition of ‘Pani da’ was soulful and sensitive
The ‘divine irony’ that strikes in his life and the typical Hindi films style dramatic solution to the problem, is predictable. But overall a good, watch able movie. Mr Sashikant Shivaji, the Tollywood filmmaker has the rights to remake the same in Telegu and Tamil with Siddarth in the lead role.
Announcement:
Workshop on “Research Ethics”
Yenepoya University, Rs 5,000/-
28th May to 1st June 2012
Those interested please attend.
Contact – 9845104505 for more details
June 2012
Complex issues
Would this be a boon to couples or would it be tampering with nature. Has natural selection given way to guided selection?
Announcement:
Saturday July 7th, 2012, "Introductory workshop for Bioethics
Educators for Faculty of FMCI
Report :
A talk by Dr P.D. Shenoy, Former Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Former member of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
A talk on “Medical Negligence – What the Doctor, Patient and Hospital should know” organized by UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, South Indian Unit ,at FMMC at 3 p.m. at the DM hall on 26th June 2012.
The programme began at 3 p.m. and was presided by the CMS Dr B Sanjeev Rai and the Administrator FMMCH. Dr Nagesh KR, welcome the gathering and Rev Fr Richard Coelho delivered the message. The session was chaired by Dr Jacob Chacko, HOD Orthopedics, by opening with the preamble on medical negligence and the Chief Guest was introduced by Dr Shrinath Baliga, scientist, research development, FMCI. The talk was delivered thereafter which was captivating. Various cases of medical negligence was discussed and the CPA act 1992 was also described out, in depth. Irrational use of drugs, self administration of drugs etc were also discussed. The target audience constituted of faculty and staff from the FMCI as well as few faculty from neighboring medical colleges and some law faculty (SDM Law college). The memento was handed over to the chief guest, vote of thanks proposed by Dr R P Pai and concluded with the institutional anthem. Programme came to a halt at 5.05 p.m.
July 2012
“Introductory workshop for Bioethics educators”.
Target – FMCI Faculty
On 7th July 2012
At KCH, FMMC
From 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Maximum no: 25 participants
'Body Rights':
In the eye of the controversy, is Pinki pramanik who waded through the West Bengal Commission on Human Rights to declare her gender identity as ‘woman’
Pinki’s case is the fore rumor of a fundamental struggle that we have in our society in dealing with the gender of our body issue. Our gender identification is independent of our biological sex. Gender variance and fluidity are anathmas to our society, but understand we must
Glimpses of " Introductory Workshop For Bioethics Educators":
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Announcement:
13 July 2012
‘Pharmaceutical industry and ethics’
Talk by Dr Uduppa, Manipal college of Pharmacy at 3.30 p.m. at KCH, FMMC
Report on "Pharmaceutical Industry and Ethics" :
The programme began at 3.32 p.m. with the meditation over the audiovisual prayer song followed by Welcome Address, by the Dean – Dr J P Alva and Presidential address by Rev Fr Richard Coelho, Administrator, FMMCH. Dr Princy introduced the speaker and the session was chaired by Dr K S Bhat.
The talk was enlightening and viewed the law enactments and fundamentals in animal and human research ethics
Queries of the audience was well answered and the programme concluded with the ‘Vote of thanks’ by Dr Shivashanker, Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Member Bioethics committee.
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Guest Lecture On Global Medical Ethics By Dr. Shafek Dharamsi, Associated Professor Family Medicine ,University Of British Colombia
The Father Muller Medical College held a guest lecture on global medical Global Medical Ethics by Dr. Shafek Dharamsi, associated professor family medicine from the university of British Colombia , on 18 august 2012 at the knowledge centre hall at 11.30 am.
The gathering was welcomed by Dr. Princi Louis Palatty, UNESCO chair in bioethics. The audience consisted of faculty and students from both medical and allied from Father Mullers and neighbouring medical colleges.
Introduction of the chief guest was done by Dr. Nagesh K.R, professor HOD Forensic medicine. The lecture was informal and totally interactive. He stressed on social accountability of healthcare professionals and urged the need for producing socially responsible doctors.
The speaker also took us through “Influence of various determinants of health” and “attitude of healthcare professionals “with “a longitudinal study of becoming of Doctors”
Despite the short duration of one hour, the talk was inspiring and sent the audience thinking. The question session that followed was invigoration and had the students agog with questions
Dr. R.P. Pai, professor community medicine presided over the function and invited Dr. Krishnamurthy, professor psychiatry to offer a memento to the guest speaker
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Aug 2012 update
My DNA:
Rohit Shekar, 33 years, won the paternity care, proving with the enforced DNA test, that the 86 year old, former Andhra Pradesh Governor was Narayan Dutt Tiwari, was indeed his ‘illegitimate’ father. Forced acceptance!!
Announcement:
18 August 2012, 11.39 a.m, KCH – talk on “Global medical ethics’ by Dr Shafik Dharamsi – Associate Professor, Family Medicine, University of British Columbia
Sept 2012
Sept 2-5 – Conference on Bioethics, Tiberius Israel
October 2012
Protecting health care providers
Dr Khalil Rashid Dale, a member of International Committee of Red Cross, was abducted by warning faction of local government from his residence at Quetta and beheaded as ransom was not paid, according to the ICRC security policy. These and other incidents, bring out the need for the safety of health care personnel at strategic venues.
Announcement:
19th and 30th October 2012 – FMMC team of UNESCO ,conducted workshop “ Dental Ethics” at NITTE
Nov 2012
Patients and medical education
The medical education has come under fire for its deteriorating standards and the disconnect between patient care, reminding us that medical humanities is the need of the hour.
Announcement:
20th and 30th November 2012 – FMMC team of UNESCO, conducted workshop “ Dental Ethics”
December 2012
Announcement:
Bioethics conference – Global Emerging Issues, 8-9 May 2013, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstracts submissions deadline 28th Feb 2013
Confidentiality breached:
The news of the death of Nurse Jacintha Saldanha an ex-student of FMCON, has rocked the world, in a breach of confidentiality provoked by unfair means and paid with the loss of an innocent life. This ethical turbulence has rippled into international debates
Introductory Workshop for Bioethics eductors held on 4th Febraury 2013 :
For more information Please click the below link :
Report on ‘Introductory workshop for Bioethics Educators’
May 2013
Announcement :
11th May 2013 talk “ Informed consent and accreditation of IEC”
Speaker : Dr Mary Mathew
Chair person – Dr Russel D Souza, Dr Sanjeev Rai
3 p.m. at KC Hall, Knowledge centre, FMMC
For 2nd MBBS students, 2nd B Sc Nursing, 2nd year Allied Health Sciences, faculty of medical, nursing and Allied Health Sciences.12th May 2013, workshop “Spiritual augmented cognitive behavior therapy”.
Resource persons : Dr Russel D Souza, Dr E Mohandas
From 9 to 1 p.m., at KC Hall, Knowledge centre, FMMC
Report:
Programme : Informed consent and IEC accreditation
Speaker : Dr Mary Mathew, Prof in Pathology, KMC Manipal
Chair person : Dr Russel D Souza
Time : 3 p.m. Date: 11th May 2013
Venue : DM Hall, Knowledge centre
The programme began with an invocation for Gods blessings in kannada, with a welcome by Dr Princy Palatty. The chair person was introduced and then Dr Russel gave a preamble to the discussion which was followed by introduction of the speaker. The talk was informative and reinforced the importance of Informed Consent process, suitably explained with interactive case discussions
The audience of second year MBBS, B Sc Nursing, Allied health sciences was chosen for the relevance to their audience and research work. The faculty represented from Medical, Nursing and Homeopathy were also seen. Dr Maithreyi proposed the vote of thanks. The talk ended at 4.30 p.m. with the handling over of memento by the Vice Dean Dr Prakash Shetty and institutional anthem. The MC was Miss Victoria Fernandes.
Workshop Report on “Spiritual augmented cognitive behavior therapy” held on 12th May 2013
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