IAP Presidential Election 2008

Last week, during a scientific event at Lucknow, one of the attending delegates asked me, “Sir, I have received several SMSs of the candidates of this year’s election, but I am confused to whom should I vote for? Can you please help me in making my mind?” “Just wait for the coming issue of our bulletin, Pediascene, you will have answer of your query” I replied. But, probably I was lying! As this year we have decided to avoid offering any comments in favor or against any candidate. May be just for a change!

Last year’s our predictions for the IAP Presidential election, which were analyzed on the basis of certain set parameters, hit bull’s eye!  Not only the ultimate winner was guessed correctly, but the final order of the standing was also exactly followed the predictions. However, this is a risky business. You sometimes fail to read the mood correctly. The palpating fingers may sometime remain off. Hence, we are not taking any risk this time. All the three candidates in the fray are quite worthy of pleading their own cases, and it is for you to judge them based on your own set criterions and prejudices, if any. However, to make your task simpler, we have offered them certain common issues to respond.

-Vipin M. Vashishtha

What are your three most significant contributions to the field of child health?

Ajay Gambhir:

1. While working with Dr Ramalinga Swami and National goiter survey team I observed a lot of goiter in school children which lead to the country’s first pilot study on neonatal hypothyroid screening and role of iodized salt in child health

2. Though we were used to the problem of polio, I highlighted the issue of Polio out break in press since  Delhi Govt. was not sensitive to the problem of people. I was charged with breaking Official Secret Act but later on made record and reporting officer to none than PM Mr. Rajiv Gandhi

3. First time raised the issues of thiomersol, WHO prequalification and adverse event following immunization in NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization)

Deepak Ugra:

I have started contributing to child health during my Post Graduation. I conducted Coverage Evaluation Survey under UIP in all villages of Shivpuri District in Madhya Pradesh. I have been a part of all publications of IAP on Child Health in last four years including IAP National Guidelines 2006, IAP NNF National Guidelines 2006 on Level II Neonatal Care and Guidelines for HIV Care and Treatment in Infants and Children.

I have actively participated with NGOs like UNICEF in post 26th July 2005 floods rehabilitation for over a month in Mumbai. I have been participating as an expert on various child health issues on various news channels viz. Aaj Tak, Headlines Today, CNBC Awaz etc.,  contributing articles on common child health issues for news papers viz. Hindustan Times, Bombay Times, Indian Express, Loksatta etc. and taking lectures for adolescents and parents through Parent-Teacher Associations in various schools in Mumbai.

Gadadhar Sarangi:

1. I have created a host of committed pediatricians in Orissa during my teaching career spread over more than 24 yrs, to cater to the needs of children and opened two hospitals to look after children only. One of them started in 1994 which is the first of its kind in Orissa.

2. As the Chairman of ‘Vaccine Point Trust’ with other members we have taken of urban slums to increase vaccine coverage in collaboration with family welfare Dept. Vaccine point trust has already opened 4 points of immunization which are working with the Principle of No loss and No gain. The points also taking up research activity. The conception probably is the first of its kind in India.

3. To reduce Neonatal mortality in my tenure of President of IAP Orissa State branch I have signed a MOU with UNICEF and formulated a low cost level II Nursery with its ancillary services which has opened a new era in Neonatal survival. This has been represented in different forums as the “MAYURBHANJ EXPERIENCE” by UNICEF and NNF has accepted Baripada nursery as a level II one. It is the only accepted one in Orissa till date.

Apart I am a humble partner of Pedicon 2008, the growth and survival of East Zone Pediatrics, upliftment of the state of IAP in Orissa and creation of the 1st district branch of Orissa.

2-What do you have in store for the following if elected to the post?

A.  Child health of the country:

Ajay Gambhir:

Increasing health budget, improving health infrastructure and health care delivery system. Putting all children under mandatory health insurance, compulsory education of children with special stress on girl child. Implementing essential new born care policies along with maximum coverage of essential vaccines including polio. It is possible with strengthening of NRHM and Urban Health Mission.

Deepak Ugra:

I would continue educating masses through media. I plan to have a platform where an expert from IAP and educated parents (through NGOs) come together and share the science and experience for the awareness of masses and betterment of child health. I would try to convince Drug Controller of India to make some of the common and important medicines (which are not available) available widely. 

Gadadhar Sarangi:

1-The ‘Mayurbhanj Model’ in collaboration with UNICEF/ other agency to be replicated in other States as it does not require inputs from outside, cost effective and reproducible.

2- The ‘Vaccine Point’ model will be put to action to increase coverage as well as reduce exploitation of parents.

3- Low cost community based ‘SELF HELP’ scheme with rewarding result in Bolgarh block of Khurdha district of Orissa done under my supervision to reduce child hood and maternal morbidity and mortality will be tried in different States of India. It does not require any financial support from outside.

Beyond these personal projects which can be generalized and acceptance of other works in their merit will be my priority.

B.  Pediatricians and IAP members 

Ajay Gambhir:

Act on line of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi to save paediatricians and neonatologists from assault  as they are at maximum risk due to high mortality in the age group of patients seen by them. Strengthening of clinical establishment bill looking at paeditrician interest. Continuous medical education for paeditrician with simple protocols followed by hands on training. Confidence and capacity building of all doctors specially in small districts and towns.

Deepak Ugra:

I am looking at a state of art e-library and online teaching for all our members and students in Institutes across the country. To continue Satellite Subspecialty CMEs regularly with a wider participation and protocolized as much a part of Pediatric Medicine as possible.

Gadadhar Sarangi:

1-Increase conventional low cost communications to those working in the field and not approachable by electronic
   media.

2- Subsidies the membership fees for those working in disadvantageous and adverse situations.

3-Try to orient the pediatricians of periphery and to take IAP Programs closer to them.

C.  Indian Academy of Pediatrics:

Ajay Gambhir:

Decentralization of office and officials.- Federal sharing mechanism with all states. Equal sharing of resources and knowledge with all city and district branches. Transparency of working  without preference to any city or state. Collective decision making mechanism with participation of all. Reaching the un-reached doctors.

Deepak Ugra:

I would strive for more stake at child health policies at Government level and with NGOs like UNICEF, WHO, NACO, Clinton Foundation, USAID etc. and would streamline administrative matters at most peripheral branches of IAP 

Gadadhar Sarangi:

1-Rotate the Post of President to each zone.

2-To recognize the zone and the zonal President to be regarded as Vice President of IAP with an office.

3-To change the bylaws of the Academy to give it a national character with central registration.  

3. Please cite ONE reason why should an IAP member vote for you. 

Ajay Gambhir:

For my activism, academics and for my glasnost and perestroika policy of openness, fairness and for change, I do not belong to any industry or corporate but to you all. A team person who always believe in collective bargain. I believe in procedure, principal and policies.

Deepak Ugra:

I am involved in IAP activities at various levels since 1991. My association with IAP Central office started in 1993. I have the experience of attending 22 Executive Board Meetings and 17 General Body Meetings till now. I have also got an opportunity to interact with the highest officials of Government of India and various NGOs. UNICEF, WHO, NACO, USAID, Clinton Foundation to name a few.

I have the experience of serving the Academy as Honorary Secretary General, IAP, National Convener, IAP PALS Courses, National Coordinator, IAP PP Quiz, National Coordinator, IAP Quiz for Post Graduates, National Coordinator IAP Subspecialty Satellite CMEs etc. On academic front, I was awarded the prestigious Dr. V. Bala Gopal Raju Endowment Gold Medal Award by Indian Academy of Pediatrics. I have been working on child health issues since my post graduate times continuously.

Gadadhar Sarangi:

Because I am one amongst them, I came out of them, I have all along worked for them and if they bless I will be voted by them.