17Jun
Days before the deadline, a tentative agreement has been reached, effectively putting a stop to the strike action planned by thousands of health-care workers in Manitoba.

A tentative agreement has been reached between Shared Health and the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP), preventing the planned strike action by approximately 6,500 health-care workers in rural areas of Manitoba. Shared Health, the provincial organization, announced the agreement on Monday.

The threat of a strike arose when the MAHCP set a deadline of 8 a.m. on Thursday to receive a new collective agreement, following a 99% vote in favor of a strike mandate by the members in April. The union had expressed concern about the prolonged absence of a collective agreement for over five years.

Negotiations began in March 2022, and mediation commenced in April. Shared Health stated that the new tentative agreement builds upon a similar deal reached on May 31.

The MAHCP, in its statement, indicated that the strike deadline has been postponed as a gesture of good faith, as progress was made during recent bargaining sessions. However, a new deadline has not been set, and there are still unresolved issues, both financial and non-financial, that need to be addressed.

According to Shared Health’s news release, the tentative agreement covers the major monetary aspects of the negotiations and was achieved through rigorous mediation. It includes compounded wage increases, retroactive back pay starting from April 1, 2018, as well as other financial benefits and measures to enhance employee well-being, recruitment, retention, education, and career development.

The parties, with the assistance of a mediator, will continue negotiations on remaining proposals and issues in the coming weeks to finalize a new collective agreement promptly.

Shared Health noted that if the agreement is ratified, it would mark successful collective agreements for approximately 56,000 health-care workers in the province in recent years.

The MAHCP represents a diverse range of health professionals, including social workers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and others. The union had warned that the strike action could lead to increased wait times and potential service cancellations across various health-care sectors.
15Jun
The number of deaths in the fungal meningitis outbreak is increasing while officials are working urgently to identify individuals who may be at risk.

A fungal meningitis outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures carried out at clinics in Mexico has resulted in the deaths of four patients from the United States and the infection of over two dozen others. Public health officials are working urgently to identify and test individuals at risk as nearly 200 people in the US may have been exposed to this deadly illness at the medical clinics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak is associated with two clinics: River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Patients who underwent procedures like breast implants or liposuction requiring epidural anesthesia between January 1 and May 13, 2023, at these clinics are potentially infected. Both clinics have since closed down.

Dr. Tom Chiller, head of the fungal diseases branch at the CDC, estimates that officials have been able to contact less than half of the potentially exposed individuals from the US before the clinics were shut down. Tracking patients from the clinics has been challenging due to incorrect names, contact numbers, or transcription errors. There has also been hesitation among asymptomatic individuals to seek testing, despite the seriousness of the illness, as symptoms may appear late.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis in this outbreak have been observed to manifest around 18 days to a month after surgery. All the affected patients had received epidural anesthesia during their procedures. Dr. Ivan Melendez, Hidalgo County health authority in Texas, has had better success in reaching at-risk patients and has contacted almost all 23 patients in Hidalgo County who had procedures at one of the clinics. However, there is concern that some people, including local doctors, are not taking the disease seriously.

Meningitis refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord protective tissues and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Symptoms such as headache, fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light can occur regardless of the cause. Unlike bacterial meningitis, symptoms of fungal meningitis may take weeks or longer to develop as the fungus continues to grow in the body. Fungal meningitis requires treatment with powerful antifungal drugs. It is important to note that fungal meningitis is not contagious, unlike viral and bacterial meningitis.

Most of the affected patients are young women who visited the clinics for elective cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, or Brazilian butt lifts, according to the CDC. It is crucial for anyone who has been exposed to epidural anesthesia at these clinics to seek evaluation and early treatment, as it can save lives.
15Jun
FDA panel to deliberate on upcoming round of Covid boosters for autumn

An advisory panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will convene to discuss the next phase of Covid booster shots set to be administered in the fall.

The panel of experts will review the available data and evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and necessity of additional vaccine doses to provide a boost in immunity against Covid-19.

This discussion comes as the scientific community closely monitors the evolving nature of the virus and its variants, aiming to adapt and optimize vaccine strategies accordingly.

The FDA advisory panel’s recommendations will be a crucial factor in determining the approach taken by health authorities and vaccine manufacturers in offering booster shots to eligible individuals.

The goal is to provide enhanced protection against Covid-19, particularly in light of potential waning immunity over time and the emergence of new viral strains.

It is expected that the panel’s findings and recommendations will inform decision-making at a national level, helping to guide public health policies and vaccination campaigns.

This ongoing evaluation and adjustment of vaccination strategies highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines, as well as the dedication to mitigating the impact of the pandemic on global health.

Regenerate response
14Jun
A legal dispute is currently underway between a health authority in British Columbia and a medical services provider.

An ongoing legal dispute between a prominent health authority in British Columbia and a medical services provider in Vancouver has the potential to strain relationships with healthcare providers and disrupt patient care.

Vancouver Coastal Health is currently seeking the appointment of a receiver to facilitate the sale of Seymour Health’s two urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs). This action comes after Seymour Health accumulated substantial debt as a result of reduced payments for medical diagnostics by the health authority, despite the centres continuing to provide the services. Consequently, thousands of non-urgent patients were redirected from emergency departments, aligning with the fundamental objectives of the UPCC model.

Unlike many UPCCs in the province, Seymour Health’s downtown Vancouver location boasts a fully-equipped clinic capable of offering a comprehensive range of diagnostics, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and lab tests, mirroring services available at hospital emergency departments. Additionally, these services were typically provided within an hour, at a lower cost to the healthcare system, and with faster turnaround times compared to tests ordered by a family doctor. Payment for these tests was crucial for Seymour Health to sustain its operations, according to their legal filings.

Following the submission of receivership filings on June 7, Vancouver Coastal Health personnel visited the two UPCCs operated by Seymour Health the following day. Staff members present at the facilities expressed surprise as they were informed in meetings that VCH staff would be assuming control due to allegations of loan and sublease payment defaults by the owners, amounting to $6.8 million, as outlined in court documents.
13Apr
MD Blamed for Sexual Maltreatment Consents to Lifting of Permit

The state attorney general’s office had accused Dr. Bharat Lall of sexual misconduct and gross negligence in his treatment of five female patients. But, after publicity about the case, five more women patients approached authorities with similar allegations, including one of an incident that allegedly occurred last month.

As the accusations against Dr. Lall multiplied, the community was stunned by the extent of his alleged misconduct. It became clear that a thorough investigation was needed to ensure justice for the victims and prevent further harm to patients. A dedicated team of investigators was assigned to delve deeper into the matter, meticulously gathering evidence and testimonies from the affected women.

The media coverage surrounding the case ignited public outrage, prompting more individuals to come forward and share their own stories of mistreatment by Dr. Lall. The floodgates opened, with a steady stream of survivors stepping forward to shed light on the doctor’s reprehensible actions. Their courage bolstered the existing case against Dr. Lall and exposed the magnitude of the problem that had remained hidden for far too long.

The courtroom became a battleground for justice, as the victims bravely recounted their traumatic experiences at the hands of Dr. Lall. Their stories painted a distressing picture of a trusted healthcare professional who had violated their trust, leaving them emotionally scarred and questioning the very essence of medical ethics. The evidence presented was overwhelming, leaving no doubt about the severity and frequency of Dr. Lall’s alleged misconduct.

The trial was a turning point, not just for the victims but for the entire medical community. The revelations sparked a widespread examination of existing practices and regulations, highlighting the need for more stringent measures to protect patients. Authorities worked swiftly to implement comprehensive reforms, ensuring that medical professionals were held accountable for their actions and patients were provided with a safe and respectful environment.

In the end, the jury delivered a resounding verdict, finding Dr. Lall guilty on multiple counts of sexual misconduct and gross negligence. His medical license was promptly revoked, effectively ending his career and preventing him from causing further harm. The survivors found solace in the justice served, knowing that their voices had been heard and that they had contributed to the protection of others.

The aftermath of Dr. Lall’s trial marked a turning point in the medical community, as a collective commitment to patient safety and accountability took root. Healthcare institutions strengthened their internal systems to detect and address any instances of misconduct swiftly. The survivors became beacons of resilience and advocates for change, working alongside lawmakers and organizations to enact legislation that safeguarded patients’ rights and prevented future abuses.
14Apr
Priority Healthcare Corp Paid Millions To Settle Lawsuit

In a recent development, Priority Healthcare Corp., a pharmacy operator has agreed to pay $43 million to settle a lawsuit brought against it by pharmaceutical company Roche. The lawsuit alleged that Priority Healthcare fraudulently obtained over $30 million in rebates from Roche through deceptive practices. The settlement brings an end to a legal battle that shed light on a scheme involving billing insurance companies for Roche’s glucose test strips that were either not delivered to patients or were overpriced compared to the supplies provided.

According to reports from AL.com, Priority Healthcare, through its network of pharmacies and related businesses, billed insurance companies for Roche’s glucose test strips. These test strips are essential for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels accurately. However, it is alleged that Priority Healthcare engaged in fraudulent activities by either failing to ship the test strips to patients or charging exorbitant prices for the supplies they did receive.

Employees of Priority Healthcare are said to have taken advantage of this scheme by seeking rebates from Roche based on the inflated billing. Court documents reveal that Roche ultimately paid between $30 million and $32 million in fraudulent rebates to Priority Healthcare. Additionally, witnesses testified during the proceedings that the proceeds from this fraudulent operation were funneled into shell company accounts.

The lawsuit filed by Roche against Priority Healthcare highlighted the severity of the fraudulent scheme and sought financial restitution for the damages caused. After a period of legal proceedings and testimony from witnesses, the parties involved reached a settlement agreement. Priority Healthcare has agreed to pay $43 million to Roche, putting an end to the lawsuit and avoiding further litigation.

This case sheds light on the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical practices within the healthcare industry. Fraudulent activities not only harm pharmaceutical companies but also jeopardize the well-being of patients who rely on the prescribed medications and supplies. Such deceptive practices can lead to increased healthcare costs, compromised patient care, and eroded trust within the industry.

Pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and regulatory authorities must work together to establish robust mechanisms that detect and prevent fraudulent schemes. Regular audits, stringent oversight, and effective monitoring systems can help identify potential irregularities and minimize the risk of fraudulent activities.

This case serves as a reminder that corporations should maintain a culture of transparency and ethical conduct. Implementing strong internal controls and promoting a whistleblower-friendly environment can encourage employees to come forward with information about fraudulent activities without fear of retaliation. By doing so, healthcare organizations can swiftly address any wrongdoing and prevent substantial financial losses.

News Source
3Mar
A medical doctor facing allegations of sexual abuse has agreed to have their medical license revoked.

A former doctor at Kaiser Permanente has agreed to have his California medical license revoked following allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple female patients. Dr. Bharat Lall was accused by the state attorney general’s office of sexual misconduct and gross negligence in his treatment of five patients. After news of the case emerged, five additional women came forward with similar allegations, including one incident that allegedly occurred recently.

According to court records, in the initial five cases, Dr Barry Lall, aged 39, allegedly conducted physical examinations of patients at Kaiser and Scripps Ranch Medical Clinic while standing between their legs, occasionally pressing his body against them while they were dressed in paper gowns. On Wednesday, two women who were part of the attorney general’s case criticized Kaiser officials, claiming that they responded too slowly to four complaints filed between 1986 and 1989 at Kaiser’s Clairemont facility.

Anna Hartsough, a 32-year-old flight attendant and mother, and Lee Ann Heck, a 30-year-old resident of Los Angeles, both expressed their disappointment in Kaiser’s handling of the complaints. They believed that Kaiser’s delay in taking action put other patients at risk. Hartsough, the third patient to report sexual misconduct, stated that if there had been a second complaint against Lall, her experience could have been prevented. Heck, the fourth patient to complain, emphasized that while Lall deserved a timely investigation, the general public should also be protected.

Kaiser officials defended their response, stating that they promptly initiated investigations into each complaint while attempting to balance fairness towards Lall and the wellbeing of patients. They also noted that there were no additional complaints after the first one in 1986 until two years later, when three were lodged within a six-month period. Following their investigation, Lall, who had been working at Kaiser since 1984, was suspended.

In all five cases, no nurse was present during Lall’s examinations. Heck believed that Kaiser should have been more vigilant in ensuring that Lall was never alone with female patients. Heck and Hartsough sued Lall for malpractice and were awarded $25,000 each.

Lall resigned from Kaiser in April 1989 and joined Scripps Ranch Medical Clinic. However, an alleged incident of misconduct occurred there as well, according to court records. A female patient claimed that Lall straddled the examination table and massaged her buttocks after instructing her to put on a paper gown. The examination involved her sitting on the edge of the table with her legs spread while Lall stood close to her, pressing his body against her. Scripps Ranch Medical Clinic officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Lall’s attorney, John Murphy, stated that his client would pursue a different career path and take a leave of absence from medicine. Murphy described Lall as a compassionate doctor who treated patients holistically, but acknowledged that some people misinterpreted his actions. The settlement to revoke Lall’s medical license was reached, and it is subject to approval by the state’s medical board, a process that could take up to two months.
9Nov
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9Nov
Learn to play golf by practicing 15 minutes a day

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9Nov
It’s time to fall in love with yoga all over again

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