IMA TIMACON 2023
Address by Dr KM Abul Hasan
IMA TNSB State President 2024
Respected Chief Guest National President of IMA, Dr Sharad Kumar Agarwal, Respected Outgoing President Dr. T. Senthamil Pari, Hon. Secretary IMA Dr.N.R.T.R. Thiagarajan, Finance Secretary IMA Dr.V.N. Alagavenkatesan, Respected Guest of Honour Honourable Minister Thiru. S. Muthusamy, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Government of Tamilnadu, Respected Guest of Honour Honourable Minister Dr. M. Mathivendhan, Minister for forests, Government of Tamil Nadu. Thiru. E.V.K.S. Elangovan, MLA Erode Constituency, Respected Collector of Erode District Thiru. Raja Gopal Sunkara, I.A.S., Respected Chairman Wakf Board Tamilnadu Thiru. M. Abdul Rahman Ex MP., Respected National President Elect IMA Dr. R.V. Asokan, Respected Chairman National Health Scheme & Past National President IMA Dr. Ravi Wankhedkar, Respected Secretary of Commonwealth Association & Past National President Dr. J.A. Jayalal, Respected IMA National Vice President Dr. Daggumati Shree Harirao, Respected Chairman Olirum Erodu Foundation Thiru. Chinnasamy, Respected Immediate Past State President IMA Dr. N.R. Palanisamy, Respected Directors of Sakthi Masala Thiru. P.C. Duraisamy & Thirumathi Shanthi Duraisamy, , Respected Dr. Ram Natesan, Sr Vice President Star Health & Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Dr. R. Anburajan, Secretary CGP IMA HQ, Dr. A.K. Ravi Kumar Chairman HBI IMA HQ, Incoming secretary IMA TNSB Dr. S. Kathick Prabhu & Finance Secretary IMA TNSB Dr. S. Gowrisankar.
Respected Past National Presidents of IMA & Past State Presidents of IMA Tamilnadu, Dr. V. Varadarajan, Dr. S. Arulrhaj, Dr.P.A. Sivakumar, Dr. T. Kumaraguru, Dr.R.M. Krishnan, Dr. M.S. Ashraf, Dr. A. Muruganathan, Dr. K.Vijayakumar, Dr. A. Zameer Pasha, Dr. Capt. G. Raghavelu, Dr. N. Mohandas, Dr. L.V.K. Moorthy, Dr. R. Gunasekaran, Dr. S.S. Sukumar, Dr. T. Sadagopan, Dr. K. Prakasam, Dr. L.P. Thangavel, Dr. M. Balasubramanian, Dr. R.V.S. Surendran, Dr. S. Damodaran, Dr. T.N. Ravisankar, Dr. S. Kanagasabhapathy, Dr. C.N. Raja, Dr. P. Ramakrishnan, Dr. P. Senguttuvan, IMA State President Elect 2024, Dr. B. Sridhar, IMA State President Elect 2025 and Vice Presidents, Joint & Assistant Secretaries to all the members of the Indian Medical Association, my fellow healthcare professionals, honoured guests, friends in press.
I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour and responsibility as the newly installed President of the Indian Medical Association, Tamil Nadu State Branch. This role comes with immense privilege and challenges, and I am committed to serving our esteemed organization and the healthcare community with utmost dedication.
As we embark on this journey together, let us first acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our
predecessors who have steered this association with distinction. Their contributions have laid a solid foundation upon which we shall build and strive for even greater heights. I would like to begin my talk thanking all of them from the bottom of my heart.
Our state faces unique healthcare challenges, and it is our duty to address them collaboratively. We must work towards enhancing medical infrastructure, advocating for the well-being of healthcare professionals, and promoting public health awareness. Our Association also faces numerous challenges & tasks in Insurance, Clinical Establishment Act, labour laws and in the family security scheme. We have formed groups consisting of our members who would work dedicatedly to fix the issues. We have formed an unique FSS Medal winners group to strengthen and take the scheme out of any kind of crisis today & tomorrow. Together, we can forge a path that not only ensures the highest standards of patient care but also nurtures a supportive and thriving medical community.
My journey in IMA Public life reached an important memorable milestone when I organised IMAYAM, Erode IMA Home for Terminally ill cancer patients in 2006 and the doors of IMAYAM was not closed even for a day for all these 17 yrs. I am fortunate to have the Golden record of having organised an IMA function in which President of India was the Chief Guest.
The most exciting segment of my journey is when I work for the welfare of young doctors of India in Junior Doctors Network & Medical Students Network of IMA in addressing their work related stress, burnout mental health, working hours and developing entrepreneurship & leadership skills & their job opportunities. We have opened up a new platform for them and engage them from 1st year MBBS to the time till 10 years after the council registration. We could do so much of Academic & skill development events many were for the first time in our country. We have held Tamil Nadu Intermedical College MSPL Cricket Premier League Tournament for the first time in the State & the final was held today morning near this conference venue. I thank Star Health Insurance Company for Sponsoring the entire event of the First Edition, Thank you sir. I am so indebted to all my dear MSN & JDN boys & girls throughout India who like me so much.
Let us also recognize the importance of community engagement. Outreach programs, health camps, and educational initiatives can empower us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By strengthening our connections with the public, we reinforce the trust placed in us as guardians of health.
I am happy and proud to announce some of my visionary projects which are my dream for the past few years and I am determined to make sure that these are implemented in full swing with the active participation of our members of tamilnadu state branch along with my dear young junior doctors and medical students of our state.
- Jeevan 2.0 – 100% Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Literacy for Tamil Nadu
Under my leadership, the dream project “Jeevan 2.0” is launched today, aiming for 100% CPR literacy in Tamil Nadu. Recognizing the pivotal role of CPR in saving lives, we are committed to training all healthcare providers and, subsequently, the general population. As of now, the knowledge of CPR among the public is limited, and its importance cannot be overstated. By empowering individuals with CPR skills, we create a resilient community ready to respond to emergencies.
The importance of training the public in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is underscored by real-life incidents that highlight the critical role bystanders can play in saving lives. There are instances like Road Accidents, Public Spaces & Events, Drowning Incidents, Heart-related emergencies, educational institutions. In rural areas, Cardiac Arrests in Homes, we need successful rescues. Encouraging widespread CPR training in Tamil Nadu can create a community that is better prepared to respond to emergencies and contribute to improved public health outcomes.
- Action Groups for Social Challenges:
- Group for Liasoning with Govt: let us stand before the Govt as the most trusted & valuable partner for all the welfare schemes & Disease outbreak control measures. We urge the Govt of Tamil Nadu to form such a Liason Committee with IMA, and IMA would certainly use the opportunity to cement our ties with Govt. At the same time our struggle against undermining modern medical services like Mixopathy, Crosspathy and Quackery will be aggressive. We will also continually stress the use of Act 48/2008 for violence against doctors & clinical establishment.
- Drugs and Alcoholic Addiction: Establishing action groups to combat substance abuse among the youth, we aim to raise awareness and provide support for addiction recovery. The formation of action groups by doctors against drug and alcohol addiction is of paramount importance, addressing a critical societal issue with far-reaching implications.
Action groups by doctors against drug and alcohol addiction play a crucial role in leveraging the expertise of the medical community to address a pervasive societal problem. By combining medical knowledge with community engagement, these groups contribute significantly to preventive efforts, early intervention, and overall improvement of public health outcomes related to substance abuse.
- Cell Phone Addiction: Addressing the rising concern of cell phone addiction, we strive to promote a healthy balance in technology use, especially among the younger generation.
The establishment of action groups against cellphone addiction is crucial in addressing a contemporary challenge with far-reaching consequences.
- Lifestyle Modification Committee: This involve positive changes in daily habits such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, we will do an effective campaign by developing a compelling message, leverage social media and collaborate with influences.
- Air Pollution Control Committee & Climate Change: We will emphasize education sustainable action and advocating policies that reduce emissions and encourage ecofriendly habits.
- Committee for Food Safety: We will focus on educating people about proper food handling, storage and hygiene, campaign against use of chemicals & cancer producing colouring agents, decayed food stock. We will collaborate with Health authorities and use social media to disseminate scientific and evidence-based food safety tips.
- Skill Development Centre for Doctors in Chennai IMA Skill Lab:
Embarking on the journey of enhancing professional skills, we initiated a Skill Development Centre for young doctors in Chennai. The recent BOOT Camp organized at Ramachandra Medical College in June marked the first step towards this transformative initiative, promoting continuous learning and skill refinement.
- Hands-on Training Opportunities in Basic & Sub Speciality Skills.
- Specialized Training in Emerging Fields: Cater to the evolving healthcare landscape by offering specialized training in emerging fields such as telemedicine, digital health, and other innovative healthcare technologies.
- 24×7 Mental Health Helpline for young doctors of India:
In our commitment to prioritize mental health, a 24×7 helpline will be established to prevent suicides. We recognize the importance of providing timely support and resources for those facing mental health challenges within our community.
The importance of mental health helplines for doctors in India is paramount, addressing the unique stressors and challenges that healthcare professionals often face. This would include
Stress Mitigation, Emotional Support, Preventing Burnout, Crisis Intervention, Stigma Reduction,
Work-Life Balance, Substance Abuse Prevention.
- Doctors Employment Exchange and Job Opportunity Portal:
To facilitate career growth and opportunities, we are launching a Doctors Employment Exchange and Job Opportunity Portal, connecting medical professionals with both domestic and overseas employment prospects. As a stepping stone, under my leadership we conducted, a workshop on Job Opportunities in UK in the presence of faculties and GMC members of UK to address the students from our state in August at Sri Ramachandra Medical College. More than 300 young doctors registered and attended the event.
The Doctors Employment Exchange Program in India holds significant importance, especially in the context of the rapid increase in medical graduates each year. Here are key reasons highlighting its significance.
- Medical Entrepreneurship Programs:
Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the medical field, we are launching programs to empower doctors to explore entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the growth of healthcare solutions and services. The importance of a Medical Entrepreneurship Program in Tamil Nadu cannot be overstated, as it serves as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and improved healthcare delivery. Here are key aspects highlighting its significance:
My job right here is to tap all the untapped potential everyone of you is having. That potential is huge & more than sufficient to address all the issues. Hence, we should live our life as a GO-GIVER. GO-Giver is the one who shares his time, energy and knowledge for others and continually add value to their lives. Living with focus on others is not just a nice goal but that it can be a way of life and can lead to a life that is full, rich and fulfilling. I wish to lead you how to open upto the power of giving and be a Go-GIVER in the state and in the country.
In conclusion these initiatives are not just projects; they embody our collective commitment to advancing healthcare, promoting well-being, and nurturing a community of dedicated professionals. Together let us embark on this journey towards a healthier and more resilient future.
I thank all my office bearers colleagues both in State & Centre, my Erode colleagues and my family members, my hospital staffs, friends, members of various NGOs & associations who are all responsible for me to reach this stage.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to working hand in hand with each one of you.
Tamil Vazhga! Tamil Nadu Vazhga!
Jai Hind! Jai IMA!
Dr KM Abul Hasan
President 2024, IMA TNSB
