Course on hearing aid dispensing opposed

March 15, 2012
Mangalore, March 15: The Dakshina Kannada Speech and Hearing Students Union protest against proposed course on hearing aid dispensing by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) in front of Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Wednesday.The Dakshina Kannada Speech and Hearing Students Union organised a protest against proposed course on hearing aid dispensing by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), in front of Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Wednesday.

Dispensing of hearing aids is a crucial issue for addressing the needs of people with hearing impairment. Therefore, hearing aid dispensing should be done by trained professionals. However, the RCI is all set to start a three month course which would include Audiological assessment and dispensing any kind of device assisting in hearing.

In the field of audiology and speech pathology a professional gets qualification after four years of Bachelor's course. The decision of RCI to promote the short term course will only bring adverse effect to the field as well as the professionals. This will create a way for a lot of non-professionals and quacks to dispense the hearing aids legally. This is not only the downfall to the field but also the quality of the health care provided, alleged the students union at the protest.

They further alleged that Speech and hearing colleges have mushroomed in India and the RCI has not been successful in monitoring the quality of education. Till date there has been no document to show the RCI has taken steps to provide employment to the audiologists and speech therapists in India. As per the RCI Act passed in the Parliament, RCI has to take legal action against malpractice and maintain the quality of rehabilitation services. In spite of receiving numerous complaints, RCI has failed to take such action, said the students.

The students demanded that the minimum eligibility criterion for any new course in the field of speech and hearing should be BASLP (Bachelor's in Audiology and Speech Pathology). RCI should take strict action against the malpractice in the field of speech and hearing immediately.

Only those professionals who have minimum Bachelors degree in speech and hearing should be called for any RCI meeting related to speech and hearing.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment should initiate a thorough judicial inquiry on all activities of RCI secretary and chairman for promoting quackery and impending millions of Indians to receive quality health care.

The protest will be carried out in the future, till these demands are met by the RCI and the ministry, they said.

Prior to the protest, the students took out a protest march from Light House Hill to the Deputy Commissioner's office. Students carried placards that read “Three months give quantity, four years give quality.”

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News Network
September 19,2024

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Mangaluru, Sep 19: Following the recent Nipah virus-related fatalities in Kerala, health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are taking proactive measures to monitor for potential cases of monkey fever. While typically found in African countries, monkey fever has raised concerns within the district, prompting increased vigilance.

To ensure early detection, travelers arriving at Mangaluru’s international airport and local ports will undergo health screenings. Additionally, a dedicated ambulance has been placed on standby for any emergent cases, and Wenlock Hospital has set aside a special ward with six reserved beds specifically for monkey fever patients.

"We currently have no confirmed cases of monkey fever in Dakshina Kannada, and there are no direct orders from the state government," said Dr. Timmaiah, the District Health Officer. "However, we are taking preventive measures, including continuous screening of incoming passengers. A special meeting is also being planned to discuss future action steps."

Dr. Timmaiah further highlighted the rise in general viral infections following the region's recent shift in weather patterns. "With the decline in rainfall, we are seeing an uptick in viral cases, particularly fevers accompanied by cough, cold, and throat pain, especially in children. Though Mangaluru has experienced mostly sunny weather, occasional rain at night has contributed to the spread of illnesses. It’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Health officials are urging residents to seek timely medical advice and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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News Network
September 16,2024

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Mangaluru: Police have arrested five miscreants belonging to saffron outfits for pelting stones at a masjid at Katipalla near Surathkal on the outskirts of the city last night. 

The arrested have been identified as Bharat, Chennappa, Nitin, Manu and Sujit all residents of Surathkal and surrounding areas. Among them, Bharat is said to be a rowdy sheeter. 

The miscreants, who came on two motorbikes late on Sunday night, pelted stones at Masjidul Huda, located at 3rd block of Katipalla on the eve of Miladunnabi.  

Confirming the incident, City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said that investigation is in progress and a case has been registered at Surathkal police station.

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News Network
September 24,2024

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Mangaluru, Sept 24: A blanket of gloom descended over Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as heavy rains battered the coastal Karnataka districts on Tuesday. Substantial rainfall has been drenching the region since Monday, intensifying as the day progressed.

In Dakshina Kannada, torrential downpours began early Tuesday, followed by overcast skies and humid conditions. 

The showers persisted intermittently through the afternoon, with areas like Beltangady experiencing moderate rainfall, while Puttur and Bellare bore the brunt of heavier storms. 

Overnight showers were reported in Bantwal, and Mangaluru city, along with its surrounding rural areas, witnessed a steady increase in rainfall, peaking by the evening.

After a brief respite, the return of intense rainfall has brought a welcome drop in temperatures. In Udupi, Karkala, Udupi city, Kundapur, and Hebri taluks all faced substantial rains throughout the day, continuing from late Sunday night.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the coastal districts, predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming hours. 

A yellow alert has been placed for Wednesday, signaling the likelihood of additional downpours. Fishermen have been cautioned to remain vigilant, as the possibility of strong winds looms over the coastal waters.

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