The Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, Chandigarh in association with Punjab Medical Council is organizing a two day CME-cum-Workshop on “Laws Applicable to Hospitals: Issues, Challenges & Possible Solutions”. The CME-cum-Workshop was inaugurated by Prof. V. Sakhuja, Director, PGIMER. Prof. Sakhuja expressed his pleasure that the Department of Hospital Administration had taken this step to organize CME on such an important issue concerning all healthcare establishments. He said that with the increasing awareness and availability of state of art technologies, society felt the need of newer laws for proper regulation of healthcare industry. He stressed that it is very important for every person may be doctor, nurse, technician or any other person working in the healthcare industry to know the legal aspects of healthcare. Prof. A.K. Gupta welcoming all the delegates said that the changes in the society, political arena and economy has led to improved awareness and demand from patients which ultimately has led to improvement in existing laws and creation of newer ones. The technical sessions were started with the presentation on Bio-medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules by Prof. A K Gupta who said that violation of these rules may invite serious criminal prosecution against the authorized person or delinquent official. Improvement in Bio-medical Waste Management practices requires a constant spread of education, awareness and supervision in the organization.
Speaking on the Consumer Protection Act, Dr. R.K. Sharma, Assistant Professor stressed the need of proper communication between the patient and doctor which can prevent litigation under this act. Speaking on the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Assistant Professor said that the country is short of organs required for transplantation as against the need. The act aims to curb the illegal organ trade practices and has been successful in doing the same up to some extent. Dr. Nirupam Madaan, Assistant Professor speaking on the PC PNDT Act said that it is shameful on the part of people working in this noble profession to resort to the practices which are not only illegal, but are unethical.