The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19.
“We cannot afford to become complacent with Covid, testing is a tool that should remain accessible to all,” says the Green Party’s Health spokesperson, Hūhana Lyndon.
“Testing is critical to protection, alerting people when they have Covid and when they should avoid interacting with others. It’s one of the most effective things we can do to help protect our immunocompromised and elderly communities.
“By withdrawing funding for tests, many will miss out, which could lead to the virus spreading and proliferating under the radar. The Government is effectively waving a white flag for this deadly virus to spread more through our communities when the need for protection remains high.
“The Health Ministry still advises people who are symptomatic to test and take precautions against spreading the virus, so it also should provide access to testing.
“At up to $11.00 per test it is a cost that many families cannot afford – especially under the current government’s regime, which is leaving so many behind.
“While members of this coalition Government may like to think the pandemic never happened, it is clear that the legacy of the virus lives on.
“Many people became ill with different strains of Covid this past Winter season, and remain sick. As people socialise more towards the end of year, the risk of Covid spreading doesn’t simply abate.
“We must ensure RAT tests are not just accessible for those who can afford it,” says Hūhana Lyndon.
New Zealanders will be safer as a result of the Government’s crackdown on crime which includes tougher laws for offenders and gangs delivered as part of the Quarter Three (Q3) Action Plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
“I’m proud to say we have delivered on 39 of the 40 actions in our Q3 Action Plan, which had a particularly strong focus on restoring law and order,” Mr Luxon says.
“Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their homes, businesses and communities, but in recent years that feeling has turned to fear for too many.
“That is why our Government promised to restore law and order, and our Q3 plan has driven significant progress toward that with the passing of four new laws that crack down on criminal activity and support offenders to turn their lives around.”
The four new law and order bills passed as part of the Q3 Action Plan are:
Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill – to give Police tough powers to go after gangs by restricting their ability to associate and banning gang patches in public.
Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill – to give Police more power to get guns out of the hands of criminals.
Corrections Amendment Bill – to increase access to effective rehabilitation for prisoners on remand.
Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill – to improve efficiency in the courts and increase access to justice.
“We have also introduced major sentencing reforms that will ensure criminals receive tougher sentences that reflect the harm they cause to their fellow Kiwis,” Mr Luxon says.
“Alongside actions to restore law and order, the Q3 plan also saw progress toward rebuilding the economy and delivering better public services.”
Actions the Government has taken this quarter include:
Passed the Local Water Done Well Bill to replace Three Waters.
Signed the new speed limit rule to reverse blanket speed limit reductions.
Introduced legislation to eliminate barriers to overseas building products being used in New Zealand.
Opened the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund for applications to help reduce New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.
Released a plan for achieving the Government’s five health targets, including faster cancer treatment and improved immunisation for children.
Released a draft of the new primary schools’ English and Maths curriculum for sector and public consultation.
Introduced the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system to get kids back into the classroom.
The one action that has only been partially completed is the publication of an updated health workforce plan. The mental health workforce plan has been published, however the Government appointed a Commissioner to replace the board of Health NZ in July and the national health workforce plan will now be considered by Cabinet in quarter four, prior to publication.
“Our Government is getting New Zealand back on track, with clear plans to deliver on the core priorities that Kiwis elected us on – rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services.”
More than 1.1 million Australians are estimated to be living with an eating disorder. Around one-third of these people are neurodivergent.
So why are neurodivergent people, such as autistic people and those with ADHD, more likely to experience eating disorders than the broader population? And how does this impact their treatment?
First, what is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence, or the state of being neurodivergent, is a term for people whose cognitive functioning differs from what society considers “typical”. Many conditions broadly fall under neurodivergence, including (but not limited to):
autism
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
dyslexia
Tourette’s syndrome.
Our understanding of neurodivergence has come a long way. Neurodivergence used to be considered a linear “spectrum” ranging from less to more neurodivergent.
We now know every neurodivergent person will have a unique experience across a range of dimensions. This includes sensory processing, motor abilities and executive functioning (working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibition).
Conceptualising these differences ends up looking more like a colour wheel.
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are complex and potentially life-threatening mental health conditions. They cause persistent and significant disturbances in thoughts, feelings and behaviours related to body weight, food and/or eating.
Many factors are likely to contribute to the development of an eating disorder. But research shows neurodivergent people are disproportionately affected.
One review found around 22.9% of autistic people had an eating disorder, compared with 2% in the general population. In another review, people with ADHD were four times more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder than people without ADHD.
Why are eating disorders more common among neurodivergent people?
Science has not pinpointed an exact reason why eating disorders are more common among neurodivergent people. But here’s what we know so far.
Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience feeding difficulties, sensory sensitivities and disordered eating.
A United States study assessing the eating behaviour of neurodivergent children found around 70% of autistic children displayed “atypical” eating behaviours. This includes food selectivity and a hypersensitivity to food textures. It compares with 4.8% of neurotypical children.
Similarly, autistic children may choose or reject foods based on texture more than other children. They may prefer foods with a consistent texture, bland taste and neutral colour (for example, chicken nuggets, plain pasta and rice).
Selective eating (having limited accepted foods and food aversions) has been associated with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This is an eating disorder characterised by avoidance and aversion to food and eating that is not related to body image. ARFID is commonly associated with autism, with one study estimating 21% of autistic people will experience it in their lifetime.
Other neurodivergent traits, such as perfectionism and a preference for routine, have been associated with disordered eating and eating disorders.
Research on adolescent girls found those with anorexia nervosa are more likely to exhibit neurodivergent (in this case, autistic) traits and behaviours. These include developing rules, resistance to change and a hyperfocus on body weight. These features are commonly seen in anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterised by restricted food intake, an intense fear of weight gain and body image disturbances.
Meanwhile, impulsivity symptoms in ADHD have been associated with binge eating disorder. This can involve recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. Impulsivity may also be linked to bulimia nervosa, characterised by compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain after binge eating (such as exessive exercise).
Some studies indicate a link between ADHD, alexithymia (difficulty experiencing, identifying and expressing emotions) and overeating behaviours such as emotional eating.
Finally, neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, experience trauma and also have a mental health condition. Each of these considerations increases the likelihood someone will experience an eating disorder.
How does this affect treatment?
Despite the overlap between eating disorders and neurodivergence, current treatment approaches don’t meet the diverse needs of those affected.
Eating disorder treatment often has moderate success at best. For neurodivergent people, the outcomes are worse than for their neurotypical counterparts.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a broad range of treatments based on the interaction between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, is less beneficial for neurodivergent people. Yet this is often part of treatment for eating disorders. Autistic women have suggested CBT is less accessible due to its blanket approach and the assumption they have the skills needed to benefit.
Such care recognised and safely accommodates the multiple ways neurodivergence is related to feeding and eating behaviour.
Research suggests eating disorder treatment can be successfully adapted for neurodivergent people based on the following principles:
1. equal partnership. Including neurodivergent people as equal partners in their care and as decision-makers, and elevating their own experiences
2. embracing and celebrating differences. Neurodivergent traits should not be considered a deficit, or something to be “treated” or “fixed”. Rather, neurodivergent traits should be celebrated to nourish a positive sense of identity
3. accommodations. Neurodivergent traits and preferences are respected and accommodated. As an example, this might include reducing sensory inputs (the smell, sounds and lights) in a dining area, or a meal plan that is predictable and considers a person’s sensory sensitivities.
Breanna Lepre works for The University of Queensland and is a member of Dietitians Australia. Breanna is neurodivergent and has lived experience of an eating disorder.
Lauren Ball works for The University of Queensland and receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
The alarming numbers have continued, with teams having treated nearly 70 per cent of the numbers across all of 2023 in just the first five months of 2024.
MSF is calling on international and national stakeholders to invest in to address sexual violence.
Amsterdam/Barcelona/Brussels/Geneva/Paris – In a new retrospective report, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reveals that – together with the Ministry of Health – we had treated an unprecedented number of victims and survivors of sexual violence in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. This upward trend has continued in the first months of 2024. MSF is calling on all national and international stakeholders to take urgent action to better prevent this crisis and improve care for survivors.
In 2023, MSF teams in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) helped treat 25,166 victims and survivors of sexual violence across the country. That’s more than two every hour.
This figure is by far the highest number ever recorded by MSF in DRC. It is based on data from 17 projects set up by MSF, in support of the Ministry of Health, in five Congolese provinces – North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema and Central Kasai. In previous years (2020, 2021, 2022), our teams treated an average of 10,000 victims per year in the country. The year 2023 therefore marks a massive increase in admissions.
‘We are calling for help’: Sexual violence in DRCpdf — 2.9 MBDownload
This trend accelerated in the first months of 2024. In North Kivu province alone, 17,363 victims and survivors were treated with MSF assistance between January and May. Not even halfway through the year, this already represented 69 per cent of the total number of victims treated in 2023 in the five provinces mentioned above.
Displaced women are the first victims
Analysed and verified over several months, the 2023 data presented in the report, We are calling for help, show that 91 per cent of victims treated with MSF assistance in DRC were admitted in North Kivu province. Clashes between the M23 group, the Congolese army and their respective allies have been raging in the province since late 2021, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
The vast majority of victims (17,829) were treated in displacement sites around Goma, North Kivu’s capital. The number of displacement sites continued to grow throughout 2023.
“According to the testimonies of patients, two-thirds of them were attacked at gunpoint,” says Christopher Mambula, head of MSF’s programmes in DRC. “These attacks took place on the sites themselves, but also in the surrounding area when women and girls – who accounted for 98 per cent of the victims treated by MSF in DRC in 2023 – went out to collect wood or water, or to work in the fields.”
A view of a refugee camp in Goma, where thousands of people have been displaced due to ongoing fighting in North Kivu. Marion Molinari/MSF
While the massive presence of armed men in and around displacement sites explains this explosion in sexual violence, the inadequacy of the humanitarian response and the inhumane living conditions in these sites fuel the phenomenon. The lack of food, water and income-generating activities exacerbates the vulnerable situation of women and girls (1 in 10 victims treated by MSF in 2023 were minors), who are forced to go to neighbouring hills and fields where there are many armed men. The lack of sanitation and safe shelter for women and girls leaves them vulnerable to attack. Others are victims of sexual exploitation to support their families.
“On paper, there seem to be many programmes to prevent and respond to the needs of victims of sexual violence,” says Christopher Mambula. “But on the ground in displacement sites, our teams struggle every day to refer victims who need help.”
“The few programmes that do exist are always too short-lived and grossly under-resourced,” says Mambula. “Much more is needed to protect women and meet the urgent needs of victims.”
Urgent calls for action
Based on the needs expressed by the victims, and building on previous work to solve this long-standing problem in the country, the report lists some 20 urgent actions to be taken by the parties to the conflict, the Congolese authorities – national, provincial and local – as well as international donors and the humanitarian sector. For MSF, there are three main areas of urgent action.
Firstly, we call on all parties to the conflict to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. In particular, we call for the absolute prohibition of acts of sexual violence, but also respect for the civilian nature of displacement sites. The protection of people caught up in the fighting must be a priority. The call to protect civilians from abuse is also addressed to those involved in humanitarian programmes.
Second, MSF calls for the improvement of living conditions in sites for internally displaced people. Access must be improved to meet basic needs – food, water, income-generating activities – as well as improving safe and well-lit sanitation and shelter. These investments must also be accompanied by increased efforts to raise awareness of sexual violence. While humanitarian funding must be sufficiently flexible to respond to emerging and urgent needs, implementing partners must also demonstrate accountability in delivering interventions.
A woman stands in front of the camps of Bulengo and Lushagala. MSF/Alexandre Marcou
Finally, we call for specific investment in better medical, social, legal and psychological care for victims of sexual violence. This requires long-term funding to improve medical training, the supply of post-rape kits to care facilities, legal support, as well as the provision of shelters for survivors. Funding is also needed for awareness-raising activities to prevent stigmatisation or marginalisation of victims, which sometimes prevents them from seeking help. Given the high number of requests for abortion from victims, MSF is also calling for the adaptation of the national legal framework to guarantee access to comprehensive medical abortion care.
Sexual violence is a major medical and humanitarian emergency in DRC. According to the latest Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility DRC informationhttps://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/republique-democratique-du-congo-bulletin-dinformation-du-gbv-aor-avril-juin-t2-2024-aout-2024, which compiles data from various humanitarian organisations offering gender-based violence care services in 12 provinces of DRC, 55,500 survivors of sexual violence received medical care in the second quarter of 2024.
You could also be interested in
Democratic Republic of Congo
Mpox in eastern DRC is just another challenge amid torrent of problems
Voices from the Field4 Sep 2024
Democratic Republic of Congo
MSF survey shows scale and continuing cycle of violence against displaced women in eastern DRC
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
4 mins ago
Alisha Stanford, 18, is currently in her first year of the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT Hawke’s Bay.
Driven by compassion, a Hawke’s Bay student is motivated to pursue her ambition of becoming a nurse by studying at EIT.
Alisha Stanford, 18, who went to Napier Girls’ High School, was also attracted to studying the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT by the Year 13 scholarship on offer.
The Year 13 Scholarship, which is offered annually by EIT, covers one year of tuition fees. The Scholarship supports school leavers across the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions to study any one of EIT’s degrees or selected level 5 diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study. Students who live outside the region may be eligible for the scholarship in some programmes that are available nationwide.
“I’ve had family members go through EIT, including nursing and they enjoyed their studies, all fulfilling their carer pathways now. I’ve always wanted to do nursing and see where it takes me.”
“I also chose EIT for the convenience of staying local and because EIT offered me everything that I needed.”
Currently in her first year at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus, Alisha is enjoying learning more about her chosen craft, and especially enjoyed her first year placement, which was at a Napier rest home. She will soon be going on her second placement at Te Whata Ora in Hastings.
She says that she is hoping to eventually become a paediatric nurse at some stage, but was keeping her options open.
“It’s all on the table. I’m very open-minded to where this nursing could take me, offering me endless opportunities, which I think is an attraction to nursing.”
“I enjoy being in the lab and hearing the experiences of our lecturers. I’ve always been interested in how the body works and that side of biology.”
EIT Bachelor of Nursing Lecturer Abby Davis says: “Alisha is a student of mine currently on her placement, and she has been absolutely fantastic, thoroughly enjoying her clinical time in the hospital.”
“The nurses have genuinely appreciated working with her, noting her enthusiastic approach and dedication to her learning. She is hardworking and consistently ensures her patients receive the best nursing care.”
“She has a passion for nursing encouraging other students with her positive attitude, leadership qualities and relationships with her classmates. Alisha is an excellent student, and I eagerly anticipate her bright future in nursing.”
To the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Shanghai Head Office, PBOC branches in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and cities under separate state plan; regulatory bureaus of the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA); China Development Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, all state-owned commercial banks, Postal Savings Bank of China, and all joint-stock commercial banks; all trust companies, insurance companies, and financial asset management companies:
To implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, meet the reasonable financing needs of the real estate sector, and promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market, some issues are announced as follows:
I. The applicable period of the reasonable extension policy for outstanding loans such as property development loans and trust loans in the Notice of the People’s Bank of China and China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on Providing Financial Support for the Stable and Healthy Development of the Real Estate Market (Yinfa No. 254 [2022]) is extended until December 31, 2026.
II. If relevant policies in the Notice of the General Administration Department of the People’s Bank of China and the General Office of National Financial Regulatory Administration on Effectively Managing Commercial Property Loans (Yinbanfa No.8 [2024]) have an applicable period, the applicable period will be extended until December 31, 2026.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The organizer of the forum is Novosibirsk State University. According to the idea of the founder of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, academician Mikhail Lavrentiev, the university was included in the Lavrentiev triangle “science-personnel-industry” from the day of its foundation, and today it confidently ranks among the top ten leading universities in the country.
The Forum’s partners include the interregional association “Siberian Agreement”, the government of the Novosibirsk region, the NSU Graduates Association, the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok technology park, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Council of Rectors of Universities of Novosibirsk.
Director of the Center for Interaction with Government Authorities and Industrial Partners of NSU Alexander Lyulko noted:
— The results of the first Forum were very pleasing to all participants. One of the main results of the work was the signing of several agreements at once, designed to strengthen the trinity of science, education and business.
Throughout the past year, we have seen an active growth of interest from industrial enterprises in our university and its resources. The programs implemented by the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, New Functional Materials, the Advanced Engineering School and other innovation centers of NSU find a response and support in industry and business.
This year, the key aspect of the Forum will be the discussion of ways of further interaction between science and production with an emphasis on joint solution of import substitution tasks and creation of high-tech products. We will be glad to see representatives of both the scientific community and business structures at our Forum to strengthen ties and exchange ideas.
Together we can create conditions for the introduction of innovative technologies into production and the training of qualified specialists necessary for the success of the Russian economy, and become part of an important dialogue about the future of science and industry in our country.
The Golden Valley 2024 Forum will feature thematic sections:
Aviation
Unmanned aircraft systems.
Mechanical engineering and instrument making.
Energy.
Smart city technologies. Construction.
Medicine and pharmaceutical industry.
Artificial Intelligence in Industry and Robotics
Agriculture.
In addition to the business program, the Forum will host a number of related events aimed at establishing contacts between universities and potential industrial partners. In particular, there will be an exhibition of the latest scientific developments and advanced industrial achievements. Participants of the exhibition will be able to get acquainted with the best developments and technologies already implemented in the Novosibirsk Region, other regions of the Russian Federation and in the world.
The result of the Forum should be the formation of partnerships between representatives of science, universities, industry, development institutions, and government agencies to introduce new technologies and developments into the real sector of the economy.
In 2023, the Forum brought together more than 1,000 participants. Over 130 speakers spoke at sections and plenary sessions, including 15 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 20 rectors of universities in the Siberian Federal District, and more than 50 directors of federal and regional enterprises. The forum was attended by Deputy Governors of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova and Sergey Semka, representatives of leading corporations interested in introducing new technologies and promising developments into the domestic industry: Rosatom, Rostec, Russian Railways, Sitronics, Rostelecom, UEC, SGK, LUKOIL and many others.
Following the results of the first Forum, the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk noted:
— Such events will be held regularly, their main goal is to help ensure the technological sovereignty of our country. It is not without reason that the forum’s motto is: “Real science for real industry.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Headline: Paramedics to work alongside emergency department teams in innovative new trial
Published: 30 September 2024
Released by: Minister for Regional Health
An innovative, 10-week trial starting today will see paramedics working alongside doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve access to care in regional healthcare settings.
Mudgee Hospital’s emergency department (ED) will be the first in the state to participate in the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot, which will see paramedics integrate into the multidiscplinary team within the ED and support existing staff to provide care.
The trial will see up to three NSW Ambulance paramedics rostered on in the ED, in addition to the regular, full suite of ED staff at Mudgee.
During the trial, triage will continue to be performed by a Registered Nurse in the ED, and hospital staff will inform patients if a paramedic is involved in their care.
How a paramedic works with existing ED staff as part of the multidisciplinary team in treatment areas will depend on each patient’s individual needs.
The trial, which was open to NSW Ambulance paramedics across the state, will demonstrate how paramedics may be able to complement existing workforces in healthcare settings, with a second rural health service participating in the pilot in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“Integrating paramedics into emergency departments is something which has been done effectively overseas, and this trial will give us insight into how it could be done in NSW to complement our regional health workforce.
“Our EDs across NSW are grappling with unprecedented pressure, which is why the NSW Government is investing in a range of measures including creating alternative pathways to care, all with the goal of relieving our busy and stretched emergency departments.
“Paramedics will provide additional support by working alongside our dedicated doctors, nurses and allied health teams to provide treatment, and improve access to care.
“Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia, and the NSW Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce through innovative initiatives like the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence:
“We know that regional and rural health services face unique pressures, and this trial is all about exploring innovative solutions.
“This collaborative effort is an important step to see how we can improve access to care for patients in our regional communities.”
Quotes attributable to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal:
“As a large rural centre, the wide range of presentations we see at Mudgee Hospital will see paramedics utilise their extensive skillsets in the ED setting, within their scope of practice.
“Clinical procedures have been rigorously reviewed and adjusted for the pilot. We have worked together with NSW Ambulance to investigate how and when paramedics will provide support, to ensure all patients receive appropriate care from appropriate staff.
“Patients will know if a paramedic is involved with their care. Hospital staff will let patients know, but NSW Ambulance paramedics involved in the trial will also be in different uniforms to ED staff, making paramedics identifiable.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for our award-winning ED team at Mudgee Hospital, and for our Local Health District as a whole. To be selected for this trial reflects our willingness and capability to support innovation which could help regional healthcare settings across NSW in the future.”
The latest issues, decisions and proposed changes impacting business and workplace risk5 min read
Fair Work Act changes have now commenced
By: Tarsha Gavin, Lawrence Mai, Ruby Evans
Time to review contractual arrangements and processes
As foreshadowed in our August Insight, the second tranche of changes introduced by the Closing Loopholes amendments commenced on 26 August 2024. Some of the key changes that are now in force include:
The right to disconnect
The new right permits an employee to refuse to respond to contact (or attempted contact) from their employer or third parties when that contact is made outside of their working hours, unless the employee’s refusal is unreasonable.
Changes to the definition of employment
The new definition of an employment relationship requires an assessment of the ‘real substance, practical reality and true nature of the working relationship’ (now known as the ‘whole of relationship’ test).
Rights for independent contractors
Contractors who earn above the contractor high income threshold of $175,000 are now eligible to voluntarily opt out of the new definition of an employment relationship (if it would otherwise apply to them). Those who opt out of the ‘whole of relationship’ test will instead be governed by the ‘start of relationship test’, which assesses what the parties agreed about the nature of their relationship.
Casual employment changes
A new definition of a ‘casual employee’ has been introduced, and a new ’employee choice’ process for conversion to permanent employment has also come into effect.
Key takeaway
As the latest tranche of legislative changes impact permanent employees, casual employees and contractors, it is important that employers review contractual arrangements and processes across their workforce to ensure they are compliant with the recent changes.
Implementing a key Closing Loopholes amendment, all modern awards now include a workplace delegates’ rights clause.1 Newly made enterprise agreements must now also include an equivalent or more favourable clause.
Key takeaways
From 1 July 2024, all modern awards contain a term that sets out the rights of workplace delegates (being workers elected or appointed by their union to represent the interests of union members and employees eligible to be union members) in a workplace.
Any enterprise agreements put to a vote post-1 July 2024 must contain a delegates’ rights term. If an enterprise agreement does not contain a delegates’ rights term or the proposed term is less favourable than the modern award term, the more favourable modern award term is taken to form part of the agreement.
What does the new delegates’ rights clause say?
In summary, the new delegates’ rights clause provides workplace delegates with the following rights:
Category of right
What does the clause say?
Representation
Workplace delegates may represent the interests of eligible employees who wish to be represented in matters including:
consultation about major workplace changes and changes to rosters or hours of work;
resolution of disputes and disciplinary processes;
enterprise bargaining; and
any process or procedure that eligible employees are entitled to be represented for under an award, enterprise agreement or workplace policy.
Reasonable communication
Workplace delegates may communicate with eligible employees for the purpose of representing their industrial interests, including by discussing union membership and representation. Workplace delegates may communicate with eligible employees during working hours or work breaks, or before or after work.
Reasonable access to the workplace and workplace facilities
Workplace delegates must be provided with access to, or use of, an appropriate room or area to hold discussions with eligible employees, a physical or electronic noticeboard, an electronic means of communication to communicate with eligible employees (including access to WiFi), a secure document storage area and various office facilities and equipment.
Reasonable access to training
Subject to various conditions set out in the clause, employers must provide workplace delegates with access to up to five days of paid time during normal working hours to attend initial training related to the representation of industrial interests of eligible employees. Each subsequent year, the employer must provide at least one day of paid training time.
How does this affect you?
We expect that the new delegates’ rights term will result in increased union activity and involvement in a wide variety of workplace matters.
To ensure your organisation is prepared for the changes, we recommend:
if your organisation is bargaining for a new enterprise agreement, reviewing the model delegates’ rights clause and considering whether it is appropriate to adopt the modern award term or bargain for a different term (noting that any term must be at least as favourable as the modern award term);
notifying employees and managers of the rights available to workplace delegates; and
reviewing current practices and considering whether to introduce a protocol to support consistent, reasonable and appropriate management of workplace delegates.
Fair Work Commission alters flexible working arrangement
By: Tegan Ayling, Anastasia Hatzisarantinos
Decision highlights the importance of articulating reasonable business grounds
In a recent decision, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ordered an employee to work in the office one day per week, at the same time highlighting the importance of adequately explaining reasonable business grounds if an employer refuses a request.
Key takeaway
Employers should clearly outline their reasonable business grounds for refusing flexible working requests. This involves not only explaining the benefits to the employer’s proposed working arrangement, but also explaining how the approval of the working arrangement requested by the employee would be detrimental to the employer’s business.
Background
FedEx gradually introduced hybrid arrangements that involved employees working back in the office post COVID-19. From July 2023, employees were required to work in the office three days per week.
FedEx refused an employee’s request to work from home three days per week to care for his two teenage children who have an intellectual disability and autism, and his wife who suffers a debilitating illness. However, it agreed that the employee could continue his existing arrangement to work in the office two days per week and two days from home. While that arrangement was in place, the employee was in practice working in the office one day per week, taking leave one day per week and working two days from home.
In January 2024, the employee made another request to work entirely from home. FedEx sought further information from the employee and suggested alternative arrangements, but no agreement was reached. FedEx subsequently rejected the employee’s request, and he lodged a dispute with the FWC.
Following conciliation, FedEx agreed to trial three days at home and one day in the office, but the employee never returned to the office.
Decision
Since the matter could not be resolved between the parties, the FWC ultimately ordered the employee to work in the office one day per week and allowed FedEx to also direct him to work in the office in specific circumstances. This included if the employee did not attend the office for two consecutive weeks, there were performance concerns or there were genuine operational requirements that required his attendance.
In its decision, the FWC emphasised the importance of following proper process when responding to a request for flexible working arrangements. In particular, the FWC criticised FedEx for failing to sufficiently articulate its reasonable business grounds in rejecting the employee’s request. The grounds FedEx relied on during the proceeding had not been clearly articulated to the employee in FedEx’s refusal of his request.
The FWC also took into account that the employee had not followed FedEx’s lawful and reasonable direction to return to the office, noting that employees are not entitled to a flexible working arrangement without an approved request. The employee’s actions to ‘avoid working in the office at all costs‘ before the flexibility request was decided was a factor in the FWC decision to permit FedEx to direct the employee to work in the office, including in the specific circumstances outlined above.
Employer not required to produce investigation report under terms of enterprise agreement
By: Tarsha Gavin, Sayomi Ariyawansa and Steve Hatzipavlis
Confidentiality does not automatically prohibit provision of documents
The Full Bench of the FWC ruled that Aurizon Operations Limited (Aurizon) was not required under the terms of its enterprise agreement to produce an investigation report to an employee following an investigation into their alleged misconduct.2
Key takeaways
The FWC will consider the process set out in the relevant enterprise agreement when determining the requirements of natural justice and due process in relation to an investigation, and any subsequent process relating to the determination of a disciplinary outcome.
Even if an investigation is confidential, the requirements of procedural fairness include informing an employee of the substance of the adverse material against them so the employee can provide a response before findings are made.
A clause stating that an investigation is confidential does not necessarily prohibit an employer from providing a copy of an investigation report to the employee.
Decision
Following an investigation by Aurizon into allegations of misconduct by an employee, an investigation report was prepared outlining the substantiated conduct, and the employee was provided with an opportunity to put forward their submissions on the appropriate disciplinary outcome. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) on behalf of the employee requested a copy of the investigation report for the purposes of making these submissions. This request was refused.
The RTBU brought an application in the FWC claiming that Aurizon’s failure to provide the report breached the applicable enterprise agreement which relevantly provided the following terms:
Process: any investigation that may lead to the disciplinary action against an employee must apply the principles of natural justice and due process, including the employee being made fully aware of allegations subject to an investigation and being provided with sufficient information to provide an informed response.
Confidentiality: disciplinary inquiries and investigations shall be confidential.
Disciplinary outcomes: following the investigation procedure, the employee may be subject to various disciplinary outcomes, following a process that includes providing the employee with a reasonable opportunity to provide reasons regarding what the appropriate disciplinary outcome should be.
The RTBU alleged that the principles of procedural fairness, as set out in (a), required Aurizon to provide the investigation report to the employee to assist with the employee’s response in (c) concerning the disciplinary outcome. The RBTU also alleged there was no utility in keeping the investigation confidential as the employee was already aware of the complainant’s identity and allegations. Aurizon claimed that because of the confidentiality requirements, the Full Bench of the FWC could not order Aurizon to produce the report.
The Full Bench of the FWC found that:
the confidentiality clause did not prevent Aurizon from providing a copy of the investigation report to a worker. If this were the case, Aurizon would be unable to provide information to the employee subject to the investigation as required by (a) and it would make the disciplinary regime unworkable. Rather, the confidentiality clause prohibited workers from disclosing information obtained during the investigation and prohibited Aurizon from disclosing investigation information to any person not involved during the inquiry.
at the point the RTBU sought the investigation report, the investigation process was complete, and Aurizon was at the stage of assessing the appropriate disciplinary outcome. At this point of the disciplinary process, there was no requirement in the enterprise agreement for Aurizon to apply the general principles of natural justice and due process outlined in (a), as these did not apply in the assessment of disciplinary outcomes outlined in (c). As such, Aurizon was not required to produce the investigation report.
natural justice and due process had not been afforded to the employee under (a), as the substance of the adverse material in the report was not put to the employee for their response during the investigation process. The Full Bench recommended that it would be prudent for Aurizon to re-open the investigation to put the substance of the report findings to the employee, but did not make an order to this effect as the grounds of appeal in the matter were limited to dealing with the production of the completed report.
Employees retain redundancy pay because of move to ‘dusty, noisy and malodorous’ office
By: Sarah Lunny and Bella Busby
Connection between redundancy pay and alternative employment
After accepting that an employer had obtained ‘acceptable alternative employment’ for two former employees, the FWC allowed the two employees to keep 30% of their redundancy pay because of the inferior quality of their new office space.3
Key takeaways
Employers can apply to the FWC to vary the amount of redundancy pay that would otherwise be payable to an employee under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) if the employer obtains other acceptable employment for the employee. The FWC has a broad discretion to vary redundancy pay to an amount it considers appropriate, including reducing the amount payable to zero.
Even if an employer has arranged a new role for a former employee, the FWC may determine that the employee is entitled to receive part of their redundancy pay entitlement if there is a difference in working conditions between the employee’s previous role and the new one.
Background
An employer in the recycling industry made an application to the FWC to reduce the redundancy pay entitlements of two administrative employees after the employer arranged comparable roles with another recycling business. Both office-based employees had been made redundant after the original employer’s business suffered a significant downturn, resulting in 100 employees being laid off.
Both employees argued that their redundancy pay entitlements should not be reduced because the new roles the employer had arranged for them did not constitute acceptable alternative employment, including because:
the new employer had a less professional, more ‘blue collar’ work culture than the previous workplace; and
the new office was noisier and dirtier than their previous workplace, as it was physically attached to the recycling facility, where trucks would enter and unload rubbish several times a day.
After comparing each employee’s role with the new employer to their role with the old employer, the FWC decided that both employees had been provided with ‘other acceptable employment’ because the work and conditions were sufficiently similar to those of their previous employment, even if there were some factors that made the new jobs less attractive to the employees.
In considering whether to reduce the employees’ redundancy pay, the FWC weighed the ‘significant effort’ the employer had made to obtain other acceptable employment for the employees against ‘the disadvantage of the quite different work environment’ at the new employer. The FWC ultimately decided to reduce each employee’s redundancy pay by 70%, allowing each employee to keep 30% of their redundancy pay in consideration of the ‘marked difference’ between performing their administrative work in an office attached to a recycling warehouse compared to previously working in an office removed from the actual process of recycling.
Resurrecting the dead: breathing life into a zombie agreement
By: Andrew Wydmanski and Samuel Jackson
Extensions remain viable during ongoing bargaining of enterprise agreements
The Full Bench of the FWC has extended the default period of a ‘zombie agreement’, for a second time, rejecting the employer’s request to transition employees onto the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) while bargaining for a new agreement was ongoing.4
Key takeaways
The FWC is open to extending the life of zombie agreements during enterprise bargaining if it considers that extending the agreement would ‘minimise disruptions or changes to terms and conditions’ and where it might be expected that ‘a replacement agreement will be reached in the near future’.
Employers covered by a zombie agreement that has been extended by the FWC should prepare for the possibility that the FWC may grant further extensions if bargaining for a new enterprise agreement is ongoing.
Background
A ‘zombie agreement’ is an old industrial workplace agreement made before the commencement of the FW Act. Under the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Cth), all zombie agreements were set to automatically end on the ‘default period’ of 7 December 2023, unless an application was made to the Commission to extend it.
In September 2023, the Health Service Union (HSU) made an extension application in respect of the Kirinari Community Services Ltd Hume Riverina Branch Certified Agreement 2006-2008 (Agreement). The Full Bench of the FWC decided it was reasonable to extend the operation of the Agreement to 6 April 2024.
The HSU again applied under the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth) (Transitional Act) to extend the default period of the Agreement, this time until 6 December 2024.
The employer, Kirinari Community Services Ltd (Kirinari), opposed the HSU’s application on the basis that:
from an administrative and payroll perspective, it would be more efficient and fairer for all of its employees to be covered by the SCHADS Award;
the terms of the SCHADS Award would provide employees with greater flexibility should they wish to work in Kirinari’s operations outside of the Hume Riverina region; and
given that bargaining for the new enterprise agreement was based on the SCHADS Award, transitioning remaining employees to the SCHADS Award would mean all employees would be familiar with rostering arrangements and other terms and conditions of the SCHADS Award.
The Commission rejected Kirinari’s arguments, finding that moving employees from the Agreement to the SCHADS Award at a time when a replacement agreement was expected to be reached in the near future could disturb current bargaining.
The Commission considered that more progress should have been made since its decision in September last year. It also noted that the parties had not sought the Commission’s assistance to finalise the replacement enterprise agreement. As a result, the Commission was satisfied that it was appropriate to extend the default period for a further four months.
Former manager awarded $1.5 million following unlawful summary dismissal
By: Anthony Hallal and Matt Stark
Penalties can be severe for breaches of the general protections regime
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA) recently ordered an employer to pay a former manager over $1.5 million after summarily dismissing him in breach of the general protections regime in the FW Act and their employment contract.
Key takeaway
This case is a recent example of the substantial damages that can be awarded under the general protections regime where employees have been found to be unlawfully terminated.
Background
An employee of Laing O’Rourke Australia Management Services Pty Ltd (LOA), Mr Haley worked for LOA and other companies in LOA’s group for over 15 years. From 2018 he was the Commercial Team Leader in charge of cleaning up bushfire-damaged properties from the previous Christmas period (Bushfire Project).
In early July 2020, Mr Haley and other LOA employees invited their colleagues to a property LOA was leasing while working on the Bushfire Project for a social event. Following noise complaints from neighbours, the owners of the property attended twice, which culminated in a verbal altercation between the LOA employees and the owners (the Incident).
LOA subsequently conducted an investigation into the Incident, following which Mr Haley had a show cause meeting with LOA. Later in July 2020, Mr Haley was summarily dismissed by LOA on the basis that he had engaged in serious misconduct. Specifically, LOA alleged that Mr Haley had lied in the course of the investigation, and that Mr Haley’s conduct during the Incident breached LOA’s policies in a manner that ’caused imminent and serious risk to the reputation of [LOA]’.5
The FCFCA decided that LOA had not established it was entitled to summarily dismiss Mr Haley from his employment. Further, LOA had taken adverse action by summarily dismissing Mr Haley in circumstances where it could not establish Mr Hayley’s complaints and inquiries in relation to his employment were not a reason for his dismissal.6
Decision on damages
Following this finding that Mr Haley had been unlawfully terminated, the most recent decision7 of the FCFCA concerned the assessment of damages to which Mr Haley was entitled.
LOA was ordered to pay Mr Haley a sum of more than $1.5 million in respect of the summary dismissal, accounting for Mr Haley’s:
loss of income up to the date of judgment;
present value of Mr Haley’s loss of future income until March 2025 (accounting for likely promotions/pay increases throughout this period);
relocation costs back to the UK after the termination of his employment;
break fees for car rental and lease agreements; and
an amount of $50,000 for Mr Haley’s hurt, distress and humiliation.
Today marks the end of an era for South Australia Police (SAPOL) with the final handover of the Thebarton Barracks site after more than 100 years.
Following a final walkthrough this afternoon, SAPOL handed over the keys to builders behind the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital project.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens acknowledged the goodbye felt “bittersweet”.
“For over a century, Thebarton Barracks has been a cornerstone of our operations, witnessing countless milestones and serving as a testament to SAPOL’s enduring legacy,” he said.
“As we turn the page on this chapter of our history, we have an opportunity to weave cherished traditions into new and innovative ways of operating.
“While Thebarton Barracks was state-of-the-art when it was built in 1914, we had outgrown the stables and buildings, and this move has allowed us to acquire modern facilities.”
The Thebarton Barracks Project Team has been collaborating with the government for the past two years to ensure staff have modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation that meets SAPOL’s operational requirements.
Throughout August and September remaining units at Thebarton Barracks vacated the site for their new locations. While some are in temporary accommodation, as their new facilities are not yet complete, work is progressing as a priority to ensure they receive the same high-quality, fit-for-purpose sites soon.
Last week, the first stage of new state-of-the-art facilities at Gepps Cross, housing Mounted Operations Unit, was unveiled, and the new Road Safety Centre at West Beach will soon be formally opened to the public.
As a final goodbye, a short commemorative video has been prepared which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/rtd_FdEpEXI
Project Sponsor Chief Superintendent John De Candia handing over the Thebarton Barracks keys to Senior Project Manager of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital James Patrick on Monday 30 September.
Lendlease Site Manager Nathan Peal ready to get to work after Project Sponsor Chief Superintendent John De Candia handed over the Thebarton Barracks keys to Senior Project Manager of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital James Patrick on Monday 30 September.
As referred to in the Company Announcement 05/2024, Interim Financial Report Q2 2024 on August 26, NNIT was close to signing a large important strategic contract. NNIT has entered into a contract with ATP (Udbetaling Danmark) for the delivery of their critical SAP Debtor system. Udbetaling Danmark is the authority responsible for the collection, disbursement, and control of a number of public benefits. – e.g., state pension and housing benefits.
The contract will initially run for six years with the possibility to extend twice for a two-year period. The contract was tendered by ATP at an estimated value of DKK 240 million incl. options, ad hoc solutions made to order and infrastructure operations to be delivered by a subcontractor.
Kasper Søndergaard Andersen, Senior Vice President of Region Denmark, says “We are exceedingly pleased to have won the project for the delivery of ATP’s Debtor system. Public digitalization is a strategic focus area in NNIT, and we are energized by the significant task of ensuring the continued welfare in Denmark. With this Debtor delivery, we are building on our long-standing relationship with ATP, and we will also have the opportunity to bring our recently fortified SAP business to the table and begin the substantial task of modernizing SAP”.
The contract has no implications for NNIT’s financial guidance for the full-year of 2024.
Media Relations Tina Joanne Hindsbo Media Relations Manager Tel: +45 3077 9578 tnjh@nnit.com
ABOUT NNIT
NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.
We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.
We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.
We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.
NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and subsidiaries SCALES, Excellis Health Solutions and SL Controls. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA. Read more at http://www.nnit.com.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hamish Bradley, Adjunct Lecturer, Anaesthetist and Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist, The University of Western Australia
From the creeks that wind through inner city Melbourne to the far outback in Western Australia, snake season is beginning.
Over the cooler months snakes have been in state of brumation. This is very similar to hibernation and characterised by sluggishness and inactivity. As warmer conditions return both snakes and humans become more active in the outdoors, leading to an increased likelihood of interaction. This may happen when people are hiking, dog-walking or gardening.
The risk of being bitten by a snake is exceptionally small, but knowing basic first aid could potentially save your, or another person’s, life.
Snake bite should always be treated as a life-threatening emergency, and if you are bitten in rural or remote Australia, you will often receive an air medical emergency pick up to a regional or metropolitan hospital for advanced care.
The effects of snake bites vary, depending on the species of snake and first aid measures undertaken.
calling for help (dialing 000 or activating an emergency beacon)
applying a pressure immobilisation bandage
resting.
Why pressure is important
Snake venom is carried within the lymphatic system. This is a collection of tiny tubes throughout the body that return fluid outside of blood vessels back to the blood stream.
Muscles act as a “pump” to help the fluid move through this system. That’s why being still, or immobilisation, is vital to slow the spread of venom.
A firm pressure immobilisation bandage, applied as tight as you would for a sprained ankle, will compress these tubes and help limit the venom’s spread.
Ideally bandage the entire limb on which the bite occurred and apply a splint to help further with immobilisation. It is very important that the blood supply to the limb is not limited by this bandage.
Never attempt to capture or kill the snake for identification. This risks further bites and is not required for specialist care. The decision about when to give antivenom (if any) is based on the geographical location, symptoms, the results of blood tests and discussion with a toxicologist.
The tyranny of distance
People living in rural and remote locations may also have limited access to health care, including access to ambulance services, snake bite first aid such as bandages and splints, and to antivenom.
Over one year (as a component of a larger three-year study) we collected information on the pre-hospital care and in-flight care with the Royal Flying Doctors Service Western Operations.
During this time, 85 people from regional, rural, remote and very remote Western Australia were flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to hospital for suspected or confirmed snake bites. Reassuringly, only five of these patients (6%) ultimately received a toxicologist’s diagnosis of envenomation.
To move or not to move?
Troublingly, 38 (45%) of the 85 snake bite victims continued to move around and be active following their suspected snake bite. This raises questions about whether people lack knowledge of first-aid guidelines, or whether this is a consequence of being isolated, with limited access to health care.
Either way, our as-yet-unpublished research highlights the vulnerability of Australia’s rural and remote people. All patients eventually received a pressure immobilisation bandage, with an average time from bite to application of 38 minutes. Three quarters of the patients made their way to health-care site by foot, or private car, arriving on average 65 minutes after the bite.
Rest and compression with a bandage are vital elements of snakebite first aid. Microgen/Shutterstock
What needs to change?
Our results indicate rural and remote Australians need innovative health-care solutions beyond the metropolitan guidelines, particularly when outside ambulance service areas.
Basic snake bite first aid education needs to be not only reiterated but also a pragmatic approach is required in these geographically isolated locations. This would involve being vigilant, staying safe and, when isolated, always carrying emergency technology to call for help.
The authors wish to acknowledge the efforts required through this research project as it continues, including by Fergus Gardiner, Kieran Hennelly, Rochelle Menzies, James Anderson, Alex McMillan and John Fisher. Hamish Bradley is an Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist and Principal Investigator in this project.
Alice Richardson receives funding from NHMRC.
Breeanna Spring is affiliated with Australian College of Midwives, Australian College of Nursing.
Hamish Bradley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Experts, policymakers, and practitioners will gather at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization at the Drought Resilience +10 Conference – so called because it marks a decade since the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy.
The conference provides an opportunity for global stakeholders to reflect on a decade of advancements in drought preparedness, response, and adaptation while exploring new ways to turn knowledge into practical solutions that can help countries become more drought-resilient.
“Droughts are an insidious and dangerous climate-related hazard, which undermines food human security and is a major cause of internal displacement in worst-hit countries. It can wreak a devastating impact on the environment and economies and reverse progress in sustainable development,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
“We need sustainable solutions, based on scientific knowledge and tailored policies that promote integrated drought management practices and policies. We have the knowledge and the tools but we all too often lack the necessary political will and financial investment to build drought-resilient societies,” said Celeste Saulo.
The Conference will focus on the escalating drought-related risks posed by climate change and increasing structural vulnerabilities in many societies. It will examine how to accelerate the shift in approach from a reactive, crisis-driven one to a more proactive approach, which leverages climate services such as seasonal forecasts, and anticipatory action tools, including innovative financing mechanisms.
The conference will examine drought monitoring and forecasting advances and will discuss how to strengthen drought monitoring for early warnings for food security and health, and how to embed policies into the international Early Warnings for All initiative. There will be a heavy emphasis on case studies and community-led actions.
It will also look at scientific and policy-making developments, including progress in satellite technology and artificial intelligence tools, which bring new perspectives to forecasting, monitoring and impact assessment.
Drought is not a new phenomenon and has historically occurred as a consequence of natural climatic variability. However, climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Changes in land use and land cover are compounding the challenge.
“Healthy economies depend on healthy lands. We must urgently recognize that our land and natural systems are allies in our responses to climate change and drought, and we must leverage them for integrated, proactive drought management. Drought Resilience +10 is a crucial opportunity to exchange knowledge and build momentum for UNCCD COP16, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December”, remarked the UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary Andrea Meza.
In Africa, 1 839 disasters attributed to weather, climate and water extremes were reported between 1970 and 2021. They caused 733 585 reported deaths and US$ 43 billion in economic losses. Droughts accounted for 95% of reported deaths.
For instance, a prolonged La Niña event led to five consecutive failed rainfall seasons in the Horn of Africa, culminating in a massive humanitarian, food security and displacement crisis in 2023 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
With the transition to El Niño in 2023-2024, Southern African nations became the focus of the drought crisis – especially countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.
Enhanced drought resilience
Despite the challenges, progress has been made in integrated drought management.
The Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) is a joint initiative between WMO and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), which works with over 45 partners to support countries and states, by providing them with policy and management guidance for handing droughts.
There are a number of success stories. These examples underscore the importance of strong drought management policies and early warning systems. They highlight the need for governments to adopt forward-looking approaches that integrate climate data and resource management into their drought preparedness strategies.
Brazil’s Northeast region, which historically faces frequent and severe droughts, provides a prime example of the benefits of proactive drought management policies. Recent policy responses focused on developing a comprehensive drought management system that integrates early warning systems, sustainable water management practices, and integration of climate change scenarios into infrastructure planning. Coordination between federal, state, and local governments was also enhanced to facilitate timely and efficient responses.
Similarly, in the USA, a proactive approach helped mitigate the effects of a severe water shortage in the State of Washington in 2024. With water supplies falling below 75% of normal levels in April, the state issued an early emergency drought declaration, unlocking funding for drought relief measures. This early action allowed communities and public entities to access funding for drought relief in advance, giving them time to implement mitigation strategies such as securing alternative water supplies and preparing for reduced irrigation.
Drought Resilience +10 Conference
Conference themes
Discussions at DR+10 will focus on nine topics, each addressing key aspects of drought management and reflecting the central challenges and opportunities for building drought resilience globally.
It will include national and regional case studies These include:
Drought resilience and global mechanisms
Drought risk governance: the regional, national and local challenges
Drought monitoring, impact assessment and forecasting
From policies to action
Ecosystems
Social inclusion and climate justice
Drought finance
Public-private civil society partnerships
Health
There will be a high-level closing session: Turning Drought Resilience Challenges into Action.
The Conference’s final declaration will include recommendations for countries to accelerate drought resilience efforts over the next decade. It will focus on policy implementation, drought resilience in countries’ preparedness plans, and adaptation strategies. It will also seek to mobilize resources to support vulnerable countries facing drought-related challenges.
The outcomes of the Conference will inform the global drought community as well as the high-level discussions at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh in December 2024.
Logos of the World Meteorological Organization, Drought Resilience High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy, and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology.
WMO monitors weather, climate, and water resources and provides support to its Members in forecasting and disaster mitigation. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public safety and well-being through its work.
Source: Australian Department of Health and Aged Care
Consumers and health professionals should be aware that counterfeit Ozempic-labelled pens have been imported into Australia. These pens may pose a serious health risk and should not be used. There are clear inconsistencies from the original product to look out for.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French
Its systemic nature is highlighted by studies. On the occasion of the Assises, the IntégrAction 2024 Prize also rewarded the NELA and Action-parrainages associations.
Organised by the Cantonal Consultative Chamber of Immigrants (CCCI) chaired by Guy Gaudard, the 2024 Immigration Conference was dedicated on Saturday to the fight against racism, the subject of the 2004 edition. “20 years later, if things have moved forward, the findings have also evolved. Racism is a very real reality in Switzerland”, underlines Isabelle Moret, head of the Department of Economy, Innovation, Employment and Heritage.
Since then, the Cantonal Office for the Integration of Foreigners and the Prevention of Racism (BCI), created in 2009, has set up a consultation for people facing racism since 2012, which was subsequently supplemented by that of the Lausanne Office for Immigrants (BLI). A new consultation is currently being planned in the north of the canton. To counter systemic racism, action plans are underway or being considered with various cantonal services, including the police, schools and the health sector,
During the Assizes, Ludovic Vérolet, a lawyer specializing in this field, noted that, while the criminal law against discrimination and incitement to hatred (article 261 bis of the penal code) certainly makes it possible to counter racist acts and behavior, despite 30 years of existence, it still faces challenges in its application (the public dimension of the act is necessary for the offense to be constituted and the definitions of the groups or individuals targeted are very restrictive).
Denise Efionayi-Mäder, deputy director of the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies at the University of Neuchâtel, notes the existence of real systemic racism, a racism that goes beyond individual deviant behavior and can unconsciously influence institutions.
Anthropologist Ninian Hubert van Blijenburgh noted that the scientifically based claim that races do not exist (there is only one human species) must be supplemented by an explanation that accounts for human diversity. He emphasizes that diversity education is essential to counter racist misrepresentations.
Journalist Julie Eigenmann also presented the exploratory survey “Switzerland in flagrant denial” which brings together testimonies and analyses on various concrete facets of racism. Several articles taken from this survey were exhibited at the Lausanne School of Social Work and Health (HETSL) which hosted the Assises this year.
The IntegrAction 2024 prize was awarded by the president of the jury, Professor Patrick Bodenmann, head physician of the Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine at the University Center for General Medicine and Public Health (Unisanté), to two winners: on the one hand, the NELA association, which welcomes, supports and supervises young migrants through sponsorships and the implementation of cultural and social projects, and on the other hand, to the Action-parrainages association, which connects families living in the canton and migrants in order to facilitate their integration, by promoting the learning of French and the creation of links with the population.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland
09/30/2024
This fall, babies will be able to benefit from a new preventive medication against acute bronchiolitis. This viral respiratory disease can cause serious complications, particularly in infants under 3 months old. This treatment is recommended by the Neuchâtel Health Authorities and the Neuchâtel Pediatric Society. It will be offered by pediatricians and at the maternity ward of the Neuchâtel Hospital Network.
Preventive treatment for acute bronchiolitis will be available for babies from mid-October in the canton of Neuchâtel. It will offer them effective protection to get through the winter period. Indeed, each year in Switzerland, nearly 3,000 children under 12 months are hospitalized due to complications caused by this viral respiratory infection. Infants under 3 months are particularly likely to develop severe complications.
The Neuchâtel Health Authorities and the Neuchâtel Pediatric Society strongly recommend this new preventive medication. For infants born between April 2024 and September 2024, treatment should be carried out from mid-October by the child’s pediatrician. For those born between October 2024 and March 2025, it will be offered directly at the maternity ward of the Neuchâtel Hospital Network (RHNe). It is also indicated for certain children under 2 years of age with a chronic illness.
Swissmedic has authorised the marketing of this new treatment (immunisation with a specific antibody) in December 2023. The latter allows an 80% reduction in severe bronchiolitis and offers protection for at least five months. It is reimbursed by compulsory health insurance (AOS).
Simple preventive measures
In order to avoid contamination of babies, simple preventive measures are recommended for those around them:
More than 11 thousand Saksham Anganwadi Centres in 20 States virtually inaugurated in closing ceremony of 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah held at Ranchi Multifarious developments with enhanced velocity through Saksham Anganwadis will encourage communities to participate, engage and own initiatives of Poshan 2.0 to make India a Suposhit Rashtra : Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister, Women and Child Development
More than 12 Crore sensitization activities at 13.95 Lakhs AWCs conducted during the Poshan Maah on different nutrition-related themes
Exclusive campaigns on environment sustainability through Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam held throughout the Poshan Maah
Posted On: 30 SEP 2024 3:32PM by PIB Delhi
The closing ceremony of 7thRashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 was held today at Ranchi, Jharkhand in the august presence of Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor, Jharkhand; Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development; and other senior officers from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India and State Govt of Jharkhand.
A film on Poshan Maah demonstrating various mass sensitization initiatives that took place across the country during the month-long celebrations was shown to the audience. This was followed by the Annaprashan Ceremony of Children and God Bharai of Pregnant women.
This was followed by an inspiring short film “Aao Toden: Kuposhan Chakra” highlighting Jharkhand’s lifecycle approach towards improving the status of nutrition among children, adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating mothers. The key highlight of the event was the virtual inauguration of more than 11 thousand Saksham Anganwadi across 20 States of the country today. A short film showcasing the concept of how Saksham Anganwadis can lead to improved nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education delivery (ECCE) was also showcased.
Thereafter, there was an online interaction between the Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor, Jharkhand, Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister, Women and Child Development, Government of India and Anganwadi Workers of Saksham Anganwadi Centre from Jamui district in Bihar and Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh.
Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister, Women and Child Development in her special Address said, “I am overwhelmed with the wide participation and enthusiasm that all the stakeholders have shown during Poshan Maah. A total of 12.86 Crores sensitization activities at 13.95 Lakhs AWCs were conducted during the Poshan Maah on different nutrition-related themes. In addition to this nutrition-centric Jan Andolan which has played a vital role in sensitizing the entire country, exclusive campaigns on environment sustainability through Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam were held. A total of86 Lakhsactivities related to Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam were conducted during the Poshan Maah”. She also said “Some of the States have organized unique activities during the Maah for sensitization of the beneficiaries and community. In Assam, Adolescent Girls with better Hemoglobin levels were recognized as ‘Hemoglobin Queens‘. This has not only inspired and sensitized the adolescents, but the community at large”. Concluding her special address, she said, “I can foresee the multifarious developments with enhanced velocity through Saksham Anganwadis, which will encourage communities to participate, engage, and own the initiatives of Poshan 2.0 with a mission to make India a Suposhit Rashtra”.
Shri Santosh Gangwar, Governor, Jharkhand, in his Keynote Address drew the attention of the audience to the importance of convergence and partnerships among all the departments and other stakeholders to build a holistic ecosystem towards malnutrition-free India. Further, stressing the importance of the role of Anganwadi Workers, he mentioned: “I am glad that with the help of these frontline workers, Saksham Anganwadi and concepts like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, we are moving towards a strong and self-reliant country”. He further mentioned that we should all promote green vegetables, whole grains and millet in our daily meals.
An exhibition with a variety of stalls focusing on different themes like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, ECCE, Palna Grih, Take Home Ration/ Food & Nutrition, Health Camp & Anemia Testing, Child Protection, Self Help Groups, Social Security Schemes and CMAM Protocol was organised at the venue. The third edition of Poshan Dhara Magazine, focusing on key strategies for transforming Jharkhand into a malnutrition-free State was also launched during the event.
During the month-long celebrations in Poshan Maah, more than 12.86 crore sensitization activities around nutrition have been conducted across all 36 States/ UTs. In terms of different themes, dedicated 2.4 crore activities and 2 crore activities have been conducted on anaemia and growth monitoring respectively.
Poshan Maah 2024 celebrates the collective efforts of various stakeholders towards a healthier and nourished India. It not only recognizes the dedication of all participating states but also underscores the vital role of strengthening the grassroots movements through continued Jan Andolans while ensuring better exposure for stakeholders through Saksham Anganwadi Centres.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:
AB 98 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Planning and zoning: logistics use: truck routes.
AB 347 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Household product safety: toxic substances: testing and enforcement.
AB 772 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Child day care facilities.
AB 796 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Athletic trainers.
AB 801 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Student privacy: online personal information.
AB 866 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Juveniles: care and treatment.
AB 977 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) – Emergency departments: assault and battery.
AB 1755 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.
AB 1810 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Incarcerated persons: menstrual products.
AB 1824 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt out right: mergers.
AB 1825 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – California Freedom to Read Act.
AB 1841 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Student safety: opioid overdose reversal medication: student housing facilities.
AB 1843 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) – Emergency ambulance employees.
AB 1907 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – California Child and Family Service Review System: Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment.
AB 1934 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Digital financial asset businesses.
AB 2074 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – Pupil instruction: English Learner Roadmap Policy: statewide implementation plan. A signing message can be found here.
AB 2096 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Restraining orders: educational institutions.
AB 2119 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Mental health.
AB 2123 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Disability compensation: paid family leave.
AB 2129 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Immediate postpartum contraception.
AB 2132 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – Health care services: tuberculosis.
AB 2164 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Physicians and surgeons: licensure requirements: disclosure.
AB 2192 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Public agencies: cost accounting standards.
AB 2215 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Criminal procedure: arrests.
AB 2224 by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) – Special immigrant juvenile status: court orders and guardianship.
AB 2245 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Certificated school employees: permanent status: regional occupational centers or programs operated by single school districts.
AB 2318 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account: receipts and expenditures: report.
AB 2343 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) – CalWORKs: childcare programs.
AB 2357 by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) – University of California: school of medicine: University of California Kern County Medical Education Endowment Fund. A signing message can be found here.
AB 2377 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Sylmar) – Pupil instruction: physical education: accommodation: religious fasting.
AB 2443 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Transactions and use taxes: Cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, and Victorville.
AB 2458 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Public postsecondary education: student parents.
AB 2475 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Parole.
AB 2483 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Postconviction proceedings.
AB 2484 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Courts: juveniles: remote proceedings.
AB 2493 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Tenancy: application screening fee.
AB 2499 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) – Employment: unlawful discrimination and paid sick days: victims of violence.
AB 2531 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Deaths while in law enforcement custody: reporting.
AB 2738 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Sylmar) – Labor Code: alternative enforcement: occupational safety. A signing message can be found here.
AB 2741 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Rental car companies: electronic surveillance technology.
AB 2843 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Health care coverage: rape and sexual assault.
AB 2883 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – California State University: University of California: Lunar New Year holiday.
AB 2988 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – Courts.
AB 2998 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Opioid overdose reversal medications: pupil administration.
AB 3059 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Human milk.
AB 3145 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Family preservation services: standards.
AB 3206 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Alcoholic beverages: hours of sale: arenas in the City of Inglewood. A signing message can be found here.
AB 3258 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Refinery and chemical plants.
SB 285 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Criminal procedure: sentencing.
SB 379 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Victim services: restorative justice.
SB 442 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Sexual battery.
SB 504 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Wildfires: defensible space: grant programs: local governments.
SB 551 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Beverage containers: recycling.
SB 575 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) – Marriage: underage marriage.
SB 918 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Law enforcement contact process: search warrants.
SB 940 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Civil disputes.
SB 946 by Senator Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: exclusions: wildfire mitigation payments.
SB 958 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Surplus state property: County of Napa.
SB 1143 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Paint products: stewardship program.
SB 1174 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Elections: voter identification.
SB 1303 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Public works.
SB 1379 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Public Employees’ Retirement Law: reinstatement: County of Solano.
SB 1386 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Evidence: sexual assault.
The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:
AB 637 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Zero-emission vehicles: fleet owners: rental vehicles. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1111 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Cannabis: small producer event sales license. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1122 by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) – Commercial harbor craft: equipment. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1296 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Bar pilots: regulation of vessels. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1890 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Public works: prevailing wage. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1895 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Public health: maternity ward closures. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1973 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: Bobcat Fire: exclusions. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2058 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Devices: disclosures. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2178 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Prisons: bed thresholds. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2447 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – California State University: fiscal transparency: internet website. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2693 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Childhood sexual assault: statute of limitations. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2773 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Elders and dependent adults: abuse or neglect. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2892 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – Vehicles: financial responsibility: self-insurance. A veto message can be found here.
AB 3179 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Emergency telecommunications medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. A veto message can be found here.
AB 3245 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Coverage for colorectal cancer screening. A veto message can be found here.
AB 3282 by the Committee on Judiciary – Courts. A veto message can be found here.
SB 299 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Voter registration: California New Motor Voter Program. A veto message can be found here.
SB 336 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – State grant programs: negotiated indirect cost rates. A veto message can be found here.
SB 542 by Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: wildfires: exclusions. A veto message can be found here.
SB 615 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Vehicle traction batteries. A veto message can be found here.
SB 782 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Gubernatorial appointments: report. A veto message can be found here.
SB 984 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) – Public agencies: project labor agreements. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1022 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Enforcement of civil rights. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1066 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Hazardous waste: marine flares: manufacturer responsibility. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1155 by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) – Political Reform Act of 1974: postgovernment employment restrictions. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1281 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Advancing Equity and Access in the Self-Determination Program Act. A veto message can be found here.
For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Recent news
Sep 29, 2024
News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed legislation today to expand IVF coverage. Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed SB 729 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-Van Nuys) which requires large group health care…
Sep 29, 2024
News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced that the “godmother of AI,” Dr. Fei-Fei Li, as well as Tino Cuéllar, member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Social and Ethical Implications of Computing Research, and Jennifer Tour Chayes, Dean of…
Sep 29, 2024
News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed a package of bills that will streamline and simplify procedures that support veterans and their families. Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he had signed a package of bills designed…
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, on October 01, 2024, became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.
Prior to assuming the appointment of 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the coveted appointments of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air) and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC, Pune and was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985. She is an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Pune and Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, complemented with training in Gamma Knife Surgery from University of Pittsburgh.
In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments including Professor & Head, Radiation Oncology, Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini, Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands.
The Flag Officer has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, having served as Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, from Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy and as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force.
In recognition of her dedication to patient care with utmost loyalty and supreme commitment, the Flag Officer has been awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2024 and Vishist Seva Medal in 2021. She has also been conferred with Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017), Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001) and General Officer Commanding –in-Chief Commendation (2013) for distinguished service.
The Flag Officer has been recently appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals. She has been at the forefront of motivating young women to join the Armed Forces and is a shining icon for the Nari Shakti initiative of the Government.
Today, the province’s first Integrated Youth Services (IYS) site, or hub, opened its doors in Humboldt, delivering supports to young people ages 12 to 25 and their caregivers.
The hub is located at 307 Main Street and will operate under the name HOMEBASE. It will provide co-located access to mental health and addictions services; physical health services; peer supports; education, employment and training supports; cultural and traditional supports; and social and community supports.
“We are proud to have our first youth-focused and youth-friendly services center opening in Humboldt,” Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod. “Integrated Youth Services is an innovative way to connect young people and their caregivers with the resources they need to enhance their wellbeing.”
The HOMEBASE team within the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS) is leading the implementation of hubs across the province with $3.4 million in funding from the Government of Saskatchewan for development and operations.
“We are thrilled to have our first HOMEBASE youth hub opening in Humboldt,” Integrated Youth Services HOMEBASE Director Pam Reimer said. “Our lead agency and their local youth co-design team have been hard at work to create a safe, inclusive, barrier-free environment to serve the youth of Humboldt and the surrounding area.”
PARTNERS Family Services has been contracted by the JHSS to operate HOMEBASE Humboldt, which also has support from local school divisions, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Humboldt and District Community Services, Sask Central Victim Services and other community partners.
“Our team has been working tirelessly with our youth, caregivers, and community partners to shape HOMEBASE Humboldt and our service delivery model,” PARTNERS Family Services Executive Director Hayley Kennedy said. “We are so excited to bring this model to Humboldt and offer barrier-free access to mental health and wellbeing supports, physical health care, and other areas of need as identified by our diverse youth community.”
IYS is a national and international movement, aimed at reimagining how youth and their caregivers find and access the resources, services and supports they need.
In January 2024, the JHSS announced that the first IYS hubs were selected with partner organizations. In the coming weeks, HOMEBASE hubs in Regina and Moose Jaw will also become operational. Sturgeon Lake First Nation is the fourth community to host a hub, after previously hosting one as part of a national research project. HOMEBASE Sturgeon Lake will open later in 2024-25.
Additional information on HOMEBASE’s integrated youth services is available at homebasesask.ca and Integrated Youth Services.
After the impressive success of the pilot concert series earlier this year, Alberta’s government is providing a $19,000 grant to Calgary company Stagehand to bring a second concert season to the South Health Campus. The second season of the full-year concert series will begin on Sept. 26.
A patient watches local musicians play at the South Health Campus music series pilot project in February of 2024.
This grant renews the pilot project from February 2024, when Alberta’s government first enabled Stagehand to bring musicians to perform for South Health Campus patients, staff and visitors.
“Alberta’s government recognizes the incredible impact music has on people’s lives, and how it can give people the strength to beat their illness. That is why we are proud to support this amazing concert series that supports local artists and helps lift spirits at the South Health Campus.”
“Music has the power to heal and uplift, and this concert series brings that joy to patients, families and health care workers. We’re proud to support Alberta’s talented musicians while enhancing the well-being of everyone at the South Health Campus.”
Stagehand offers a digital platform that connects artists with venues to book and promote live events. The Calgary-based company will provide the platform to manage an open call for artists, selection, contracting, scheduling, payment and data collection.
The pilot project in February included 10 performances at various times and locations at the South Health Campus. The program aligns with the government’s goals for Alberta’s continued economic success by supporting the province’s music industry. This project also helps share Alberta’s cultures, perspectives and stories through music while supporting local musicians.
“Stagehand is proud to bring music back into Calgary’s South Health Campus for a second concert series. Music has an incredible ability to heal, and Stagehand is exploring even more ways to get more music to the people who need it. I would like to thank Alberta’s government and Minister Fir for the continued support, and I look forward to collaborating in the future.”
“Music offers more than just entertainment for patients; it provides a powerful source of joy, comfort and healing, especially for those dealing with pain, undergoing medical procedures, rehabilitation therapies, or facing long hospital stays. By reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and enhancing mood, music fosters a sense of calm and empowerment, helping patients regain control in the midst of their challenges.”
Quick facts
According to West Anthem’s Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Calgary released in May, music contributed $1.7 billion to Alberta’s GDP and supported 20,577 jobs in 2020.
Feedback on the pilot project in February was overwhelmingly positive, with 97 per cent of audiences reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with the performances, and 82 per cent of musicians reporting a positive impact on their mental health.
Related information
Alberta Health Services Upcoming Events – Stagehand (Concert Schedule)
Related news
Good vibrations for Calgary’s South Health Campus | Bonnes vibrations au South Health Campus de Calgary (Jan. 19, 2024)
Music encore at Calgary’s South Health Campus | La musique en rappel au South Health Campus de Calgary (July 16, 2024)
Une série de concerts qui aide à remonter le moral et à guérir les Albertaines et Albertains au South Health Campus de Calgary est de retour pour une deuxième saison.
Après le succès retentissant de la série de concerts pilotes présentée au début de l’année, le gouvernement de l’Alberta a accordé une subvention de 19 000 dollars à l’entreprise Stagehand de Calgary pour qu’elle puisse organiser une deuxième série de concerts au South Health Campus. La deuxième série de concerts s’étendra sur toute l’année et débutera le 26 septembre.
En février 2024, un patient regarde des musiciens de la région jouer dans le cadre du projet pilote de la série musicale du South Health Campus.
Cette subvention renouvelle le projet pilote de février 2024, lorsque le gouvernement de l’Alberta a permis pour la première fois à Stagehand d’inviter des musiciens à se produire devant les patients, le personnel et les visiteurs du South Health Campus.
« Le gouvernement de l’Alberta reconnaît l’impact incroyable de la musique sur la vie des gens et la façon dont elle peut leur donner la force de vaincre leur maladie. C’est pourquoi nous sommes fiers de soutenir cette formidable série de concerts, qui permet d’encourager les artistes locaux tout en remontant le moral des gens au South Health Campus. »
« La musique a le pouvoir de guérir et de remonter le moral des gens, et cette série de concerts apporte cette joie aux patients, aux familles et aux travailleurs de la santé. Nous sommes fiers de soutenir les musiciens talentueux de l’Alberta tout en améliorant le bien-être de toutes et de tous au South Health Campus. »
L’entreprise Stagehand met en relation les artistes et les établissements en proposant une plateforme numérique qui permet de réserver et de promouvoir des événements en direct. Basée à Calgary, l’entreprise fournira la plateforme où pourront être gérés les appels ouverts aux artistes et leur sélection, les contrats, la programmation, le paiement et la collecte de données.
Le projet pilote de février a permis de donner dix représentations à des heures et à des endroits différents au South Health Campus. Le programme s’inscrit dans les objectifs du gouvernement qui visent à assurer le succès économique continu de l’Alberta grâce au soutien de l’industrie musicale de la province. Ce projet contribue également à partager, par la musique, les cultures, les perspectives et les récits de l’Alberta, tout en soutenant les musiciens locaux.
« Stagehand est fière de ramener la musique au South Health Campus de Calgary pour une deuxième série de concerts. La musique a une incroyable capacité de guérison, et Stagehand explore encore plus de moyens pour apporter plus de musique aux personnes qui en ont besoin. Je tiens à remercier le gouvernement de l’Alberta et la ministre Fir de leur soutien continu, et je me réjouis à l’idée de continuer à collaborer avec eux. »
« La musique est plus qu’un simple divertissement pour les patients; elle est une puissante source de joie, de réconfort et de guérison, en particulier pour celles et ceux qui souffrent, qui subissent des procédures médicales, des thérapies de réadaptation ou qui doivent effectuer de longs séjours à l’hôpital. En réduisant l’anxiété, en abaissant la tension artérielle et en améliorant l’humeur, la musique favorise un sentiment de calme et d’autonomisation, ce qui aide les patients en difficulté à reprendre le contrôle de leur santé. »
En bref
Selon le rapport intitulé « Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Calgary », publié en mai, la musique a contribué à hauteur de 1,7 milliard de dollars au PIB de l’Alberta, en plus de soutenir 20 577 emplois en 2020.
Les réactions au projet pilote de février ont été extrêmement positives : 97 % des spectateurs se sont déclarés satisfaits ou très satisfaits des spectacles, et 82 % des musiciens ont fait état d’un impact positif sur leur santé mentale.
Renseignements connexes (en anglais seulement)
Alberta Health Services Upcoming Events – Stagehand (horaire des concerts)
Nouvelles connexes
Good vibrations for Calgary’s South Health Campus | Bonnes vibrations au South Health Campus de Calgary (19 janvier 2024)
Music encore at Calgary’s South Health Campus | La musique en rappel au South Health Campus de Calgary (16 juillet 2024)
NEW YORK/BEIRUT, September 26, 2024 — Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) remains committed to providing aid to people in Lebanon as the conflict with Israel continues to escalate and people’s medical and humanitarian needs grow.
“On Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. we woke up to powerful strikes on mountains and valleys, shelling villages from Baalbek to Hermel,” said Maram Sukkariyeh, a health promotion supervisor with MSF. “All we could hear was the sound of ambulance sirens. We saw smoke with each strike, and the bombs were hitting very close to houses. The strikes in northern Bekaa have not stopped for three days now and the sounds of drones and jets never leave us.”
According to Lebanon’s disaster risk management unit, more than 104,000 people have been displaced by the recent conflict—often quickly and without necessities like medications. Many are traumatized from losing homes and loved ones, including MSF’s own staff. In addition to medical support, people are in need of basic supplies like mattresses and hygiene products as the shelters and schools currently housing them were not prepared to accommodate so many people.
The strikes in northern Bekaa have not stopped for three days now and the sounds of drones and jets never leave us.
Maram Sukkariyeh, MSF health promotion supervisor
“People who left their homes need all kinds of support,” Sukkariyeh said. “Everyone is scared and worried and no one knows where to seek safety. With every strike, people are losing their lives, including children. The future is unknown and deciding what to do is very difficult. Everyone seeks safety for their families and children.”
To help fill some of the gaps, MSF teams are distributing supplies, running mobile health clinics, and stepping up mental health efforts. MSF mobile clinics recently visited two locations in Mount Lebanon where displaced people have taken shelter to provide medical and mental health consultations. MSF also donated essential items including mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits to displaced people in eight sites in Saida and Tripoli. Additionally, MSF reopened its clinic in Baalbek-Hermel to provide patients with much-needed medications for chronic conditions. Mental health helplines run by MSF are receiving over 60 calls a day from people experiencing rising mental health needs.
MSF is gravely concerned about Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon, much of which is taking place in densely populated urban areas. An immediate de-escalation of hostilities is critical to prevent further suffering, injury, and loss of life.
MSF is assessing people’s needs in order to scale up support and will continue to coordinate closely with partners and hospital networks as the situation develops.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
ST. LOUIS – The owner of a nonprofit was indicted Wednesday and accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million in funds intended to feed low-income Missouri children, both before and during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cymone McClellan, 31, of St. Louis, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on four felony counts of wire fraud.
The indictment says McClellan owned and ran a non-profit organization called Sister of Lavender Rose (S.O.L.R.). From about January 2019 to June 2022, McClellan and her nonprofit submitted false and fraudulent meal reimbursement claims to Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). S.O.L.R. submitted reimbursement claims to the Food and Nutrition Programs for Children claiming that she served 860,876 meals to children but only bought enough food and milk to serve fewer than one-quarter of those meals, the indictment says. According to the indictment, McClellan defrauded the State of Missouri out of more than $2 million through her fraudulent reimbursement claims.
The indictment says McClellan attempted to cover up her crime by providing bogus sign-in sheets to DHSS falsely claiming to have taken the attendance of meal recipients at certain food distribution locations. S.O.L.R. submitted management plans to DHSS falsely asserting that state meal reimbursement dollars were spent only in connection with the provision of meals to low-income children, and that the nonprofit did not use meal money to make purchases over $5,000. The indictment says McClellan spent $60,000 on a down payment on a house in Collinsville, Illinois and also bought five vehicles and a house in Florissant, Missouri.
One of the addresses where McClellan informed the State of Missouri that she was purportedly preparing food for low-income children belonged to an adults-only nightclub called Elmo’s Love Lounge, the indictment says.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the real estate, as well as a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, a 2012 Chevrolet Express G3500 van, a 2020 Mercedez-Benz Metris van, a 2012 Ford E350 box truck and a 2018 Lexus RX SUV.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The wire fraud charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today a series of three civil settlements, totaling over $8 million, related to, among other allegations, kickbacks that medical device company Ra Medical Systems, Inc. (Ra Medical), paid to various physicians across the country related to Ra Medical’s DABRA laser.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.
Ra Medical was a medical device company that was formerly headquartered in Carlsbad, California. From 2017-2019, Ra Medical manufactured and sold a device known as the DABRA Laser. The settlement with Ra Medical resolves the following alleged violations of the False Claims Act:
Ra Medical marketed the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomies, a procedure whereby plaque is mechanically removed from occluded blood vessels in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, had not approved the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomy procedures.
Additionally, Ra Medical knowingly marketed the DABRA Laser despite product performance issues causing frequent calibration and overheating problems, which posed a risk to physicians and patients, and prompted a recall in August 2019.
Ra Medical also knowingly offered and paid illegal remuneration to certain physicians to induce them to use the DABRA Laser in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States contends that the illegal remuneration consisted of cash payments and fees paid in connection with purported training events and consulting services. The United States further contends that RMS tracked utilization of its high-volume physician customers using an internal document titled “Who Deserve[] Love,” which was used to identify physicians that RMS should target with offers of improper remuneration. Two of the recipients of the alleged kickback payments were Elias Kassab, M.D. (Kassab), of Dearborn, Michigan, and David Allie, M.D. (Allie), of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that a medical provider’s judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives.
Under the terms of the agreement with Ra Medical, which was entered into pursuant to DOJ’s inability to pay settlement guidelines and was executed in December 2020, Ra Medical paid $2.5 million up front and would pay up to $28 million more if future financial contingencies were met. In January 2023, Ra Medical paid an additional $5 million, after its reverse merger with Catheter Precision, Inc., triggered one of the contingencies.
The settlement with Ra Medical remained under seal while the United States continued its investigation into Kassab and Allie, among others, who were alleged to have received improper kickbacks. In a separate settlement, Kassab and two of his companies agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve the allegations against them. In the third settlement, Allie and his consulting company agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the allegations against them.
“The United States will not allow doctors to hold out their hands expecting to be paid to use and promote a device,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “The millions of people who depend on our federal healthcare programs deserve and expect medical decisions untainted by kickbacks, and this settlement reflects our commitment to pursuing not just the companies that pay illegal kickbacks, but also the physicians who willingly extract and accept them.”
“The payment of kickbacks to induce referrals can undermine the trust in our nation’s providers and result in costly reductions to our federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.”
“Healthcare services are being unlawfully influenced by medical providers engaging in criminal kickback schemes, significantly impacting programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Our office is fully committed to investigating and holding accountable those individuals and organizations involved in illegal profit-driven practices that harm our medical system.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of healthcare fraud.”
The civil settlements resolve the claims brought by Robert Gruber, under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Gruber v. Ra Medical Systems, Inc., et al., No. 19-12044 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive a combined $1,722,000 from the three settlements. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonny Zajac of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
ST. LOUIS – A Texas businessman has been indicted in St. Louis and accused of fraudulently seeking more than $4.5 million from Medicare for COVID test kits and obtaining more than $1.9 million.
Rashid Naqvi, 51, of the Houston area, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on September 4 on four counts of wire fraud conspiracy and one count each of obstruction of a federal audit and conspiracy.
He appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.
The indictment accuses Naqvi of fraudulently obtaining $1,974,479 from Medicare from March 2023 through September 2024 by billing for numerous COVID-19 test kits that were sent to patients who had never requested them. Many of the patients were dead, the indictment says. Naqvi obtained victims’ Medicare Numbers and identifiers without their knowledge or consent by paying a total of $488,435 in illegal kickbacks to co-conspirators, the indictment says. It says Naqvi used two laboratories that he owned to submit the false claims to Medicare, Elite Diagnostics Inc. in Missouri and Astro Diagnostics Inc. in the Southern District of Texas.
The indictment says Naqvi attempted to conceal his scheme by disguising kickback payments as payments for COVID test kits, creating a sham contract with one of the companies supplying the information and submitting false documents to Medicare investigators during an audit. He continued submitting false claims to Medicare even after patients called to tell him that they did not request or want the test kits, the indictment says. Naqvi sought a total of $4,579,850 from Medicare.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Obstruction of a federal audit and conspiracy are each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Today’s indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding Medicare and ensuring that its resources are used appropriately,” said Linda T. Hanley, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “There are serious consequences for individuals who seek to manipulate federal health care programs by exploiting enrollees’ personal information and participating in illegal kickbacks. HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who undermine the integrity of our health care system.”
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today a series of three civil settlements, totaling over $8 million, related to, among other allegations, kickbacks that medical device company Ra Medical Systems, Inc. (Ra Medical), paid to various physicians across the country related to Ra Medical’s DABRA laser.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.
Ra Medical was a medical device company that was formerly headquartered in Carlsbad, California. From 2017-2019, Ra Medical manufactured and sold a device known as the DABRA Laser. The settlement with Ra Medical resolves the following alleged violations of the False Claims Act:
Ra Medical marketed the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomies, a procedure whereby plaque is mechanically removed from occluded blood vessels in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, had not approved the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomy procedures.
Additionally, Ra Medical knowingly marketed the DABRA Laser despite product performance issues causing frequent calibration and overheating problems, which posed a risk to physicians and patients, and prompted a recall in August 2019.
Ra Medical also knowingly offered and paid illegal remuneration to certain physicians to induce them to use the DABRA Laser in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States contends that the illegal remuneration consisted of cash payments and fees paid in connection with purported training events and consulting services. The United States further contends that RMS tracked utilization of its high-volume physician customers using an internal document titled “Who Deserve[] Love,” which was used to identify physicians that RMS should target with offers of improper remuneration. Two of the recipients of the alleged kickback payments were Elias Kassab, M.D. (Kassab), of Dearborn, Michigan, and David Allie, M.D. (Allie), of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that a medical provider’s judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives.
Under the terms of the agreement with Ra Medical, which was entered into pursuant to DOJ’s inability to pay settlement guidelines and was executed in December 2020, Ra Medical paid $2.5 million up front and would pay up to $28 million more if future financial contingencies were met. In January 2023, Ra Medical paid an additional $5 million, after its reverse merger with Catheter Precision, Inc., triggered one of the contingencies.
The settlement with Ra Medical remained under seal while the United States continued its investigation into Kassab and Allie, among others, who were alleged to have received improper kickbacks. In a separate settlement, Kassab and two of his companies agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve the allegations against them. In the third settlement, Allie and his consulting company agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the allegations against them.
“The United States will not allow doctors to hold out their hands expecting to be paid to use and promote a device,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “The millions of people who depend on our federal healthcare programs deserve and expect medical decisions untainted by kickbacks, and this settlement reflects our commitment to pursuing not just the companies that pay illegal kickbacks, but also the physicians who willingly extract and accept them.”
“The payment of kickbacks to induce referrals can undermine the trust in our nation’s providers and result in costly reductions to our federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.”
“Healthcare services are being unlawfully influenced by medical providers engaging in criminal kickback schemes, significantly impacting programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Our office is fully committed to investigating and holding accountable those individuals and organizations involved in illegal profit-driven practices that harm our medical system.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of healthcare fraud.”
The civil settlements resolve the claims brought by Robert Gruber, under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Gruber v. Ra Medical Systems, Inc., et al., No. 19-12044 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive a combined $1,722,000 from the three settlements. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonny Zajac of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Owner, Operator, and Corporate Entity Charged with Travel Act violations, Money Laundering, and Maintaining a Drug Premises
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshal Service, in coordination with the Phoenix Police Department, executed search and seizure warrants at the Royal Inn hotel, located at 2510 West Palo Verde Drive in Phoenix. Federal agents seized control of the hotel and shut down its operations due to widespread prostitution and drug trafficking activities that have gone unabated by its owners and operators.
Also today, the United States District Court unsealed a 44-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2024, against the Royal Inn’s owner, operator, and corporate entity, among others. Specifically:
Varsha Patel, 56, of Chino Hills, California, the owner of Royal Inn, was charged with two counts of Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering, one count of Maintaining a Drug Premises, and 34 counts of Promotional Money Laundering. Varsha Patel was also charged with multiple counts of Making False Statements to Obtain a Small Business Administration Loan.
Sarang Hospitality LLC, aka Royal Inn, the Arizona corporation through which the hotel does business, was similarly charged with two counts of Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering, one count of Maintaining a Drug Premises, and 34 counts of Promotional Money Laundering.
Nilam Patel, 54, of Phoenix, the live-in operator and day-to-day manager of the Royal Inn, was also charged with two counts of Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering, one count of Maintaining a Drug Premises, and 34 counts of Promotional Money Laundering.
Four other individuals were charged with Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine for drug dealing at the Royal Inn: Anthony Curtis, 42, of Buckeye; Otis Childers, 31, of Phoenix; Chauntelle Mills, 24, of Phoenix; and Leonardo Guerrero, 49, of Phoenix.
The indictment alleges that defendants Varsha Patel, Nilam Patel, and Sarang Hospitality LLC, operated the Royal Inn by primarily renting rooms to individuals engaging in prostitution and drug dealing. From 2017 through September 2024, these defendants used the funds they obtained from the Royal Inn room rentals to maintain and promote the Royal Inn’s operations; pay the mortgage on personal property located in Chino Hills, California; fund certificates of deposit; purchase life insurance policies; and pay for their own personal expenses.
The indictment further alleges that Varsha Patel, Nilam Patel, and Sarang Hospitality LLC were aware that most activities at the Royal Inn were illegal acts of prostitution, drug dealing, and drug using. Over the course of several years, Phoenix Police Department officials repeatedly informed these three defendants of the drug dealing and prostitution activities on the property, of the hundreds of calls for service local police received, and of the need to abate the criminal activities taking place. Despite having been served with multiple abatement letters, these defendants continued to operate the Royal Inn to intentionally facilitate and profit from the criminal activities occurring on the premises. This included: renting rooms to persons who overtly engaged in prostitution, and to persons who distributed illegal drugs; directing the sex workers to attract sex buyers off the property, and to walk separate from the sex buyer while going to the room; directing the sex workers, pimps, and drug dealers to park off the property; alerting sex workers, pimps, and drug dealers of law enforcement presence; failing to request a credit card, together with a government-issued identification, in order to rent a room; failing to evict persons engaged in prostitution and drug dealing, thereby allowing lengthy stays at the Royal Inn without detection; and failing to call the police when criminal activities were occurring.
A conviction for Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Maintaining a Drug Premises carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A conviction for Promotional Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A conviction for Making False Statements to Obtain a Small Business Administration Loan carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person or entity is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. A criminal defendant is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshal Service, and Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gayle Helart and Patrick Chapman, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-01529-PHX-SPL RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-127_Patel
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni Pueblo man was charged by criminal complaint with federal firearms violations following a drive-by shooting that occurred on the Pueblo of Zuni Indian Reservation.
Devin Wyaco, 33, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 19, 2024, John Doe and his girlfriend were riding their bikes in Zuni, New Mexico when they noticed a white sedan with tinted windows drive past them, going in the same direction as them. The sedan then did a U-turn and stopped before driving back towards them. As the vehicle passed them, one shot was fired from the passenger side, striking John Doe in his abdomen.
John Doe was transported via ambulance first to Zuni Hospital, then to University of New Mexico Hospital. When he was later interviewed by investigators, John Doe identified the vehicle as belonging to Wyaco’s girlfriend.
Investigators executed a federal search warrant on Wyaco’s girlfriend’s residence. There, they spoke to Wyaco’s girlfriend, who stated she had been in the vehicle with Wyaco at the time of the shooting. Wyaco’s girlfriend told investigators that he had fled and was still in possession of the firearm.
If convicted, Wyaco faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Save the Children staff walking with a girl in a school used as a shelther, South Lebanon [Imad Achkar / Save the Children]
BEIRUT, 26 September 2024 – About 140,000 children have been forced from their homes in southern Lebanon in the past four days, with many arriving at shelters showing signs of severe distress, according to Save the Children staff.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of Israeli airstrikes on Sunday in the latest escalation in cross-border violence, with numbers expected to increase in the coming days.
This brings the total number forced from their homes in Lebanon in nearly a year of cross-border violence to 500,000, or nearly 10% of the population, including 175,000 children. According to media reports, about 60,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes in northern Israel.
Latest figures from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health report nearly 600 people have been killed in Lebanon this week, including 50 children, while nearly 1,800 have been injured.
Save the Children has this week distributed mattresses, blankets, pillows, water and other essential items to nearly 5,000 people in 30 shelters across the country, including in the north, the south, the Bekaa area and Mount Lebanon.
Save the Children staff have reported growing concern over the psychological impact on children, many of whom are showing signs of severe distress due to the displacement and constant shelling.
Mahmoud, a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Promotion Technician described the chaotic scenes he witnessed at one of the shelters supported by Save the Children in Beirut. He said:
“I’ve seen many in tears, completely devastated. One woman was carrying her child along with several bags. Another woman’s child fell from her arms. The situation was tragic, and simply heartbreaking. People are still arriving, there are families sitting on the floor, waiting to be organised between different rooms.
There was also an incredible mobilisation by the community, with volunteers showing up to support, bringing pillows, bags, anything they could to help others.”
All schools in Lebanon have been closed, impacting all of the country’s 1.5 million children, with Lebanon’s already critical mental health crisis worsening as the hostilities continue to escalate.
Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Children’s Country Director in Lebanon said:
“Children are telling us that it feels like danger is everywhere, and they can never be safe. Every loud sound makes them jump now. Many children’s lives, rights and futures have already been turned upside down and now their capacity to cope with this escalating crisis has been eroded.
“It is still possible to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, but we must act now. We urge all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions and for international actors to pressure all parties to comply with international humanitarian law. This must happen now to prevent further suffering for children and their families.”
Save the Children has been working in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, in response to the escalating cross-border situation, we’ve been scaling up our response in southern Lebanon, supporting children and families displaced by the violence. This includes displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children and families. Since October 2023, we’ve supported 60,000 people, including 25,000 children with cash, blankets, mattresses and pillows, food parcels, water bottles and kits containing essential hygiene items.
Note to Editors:
At least 500,000 people have fled their homes as a result of the increasing insecurities in recent months, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the week of September 23, around 400,000 people were displaced in a matter of days, including an estimated 140,000 children.
Manitoba Government on Track to Hire 1,000 Net New Health-Care Workers
One year into its first term and six months into its first provincial budget, the Manitoba government is over halfway to its goal of hiring 1,000 net new health-care workers, Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today at Grace Hospital.
“Manitobans told us clearly they want more nurses, doctors and health-care professionals working in our province,” said Kinew. “We made an ambitious promise to add 1,000 net new people into our system and today we’re proud to say we’re more than halfway to that goal. Setting big goals like this is exactly what government is for. When we work together, we can get things done that aren’t possible on our own.”
The premier noted the staff means Manitoba is making progress on the government’s commitment to hire hundreds of specific professions over the four-year term. From April 1 to Aug. 31, 873 net new health-care workers have been added, of which 116 are physicians, 304 are nurses, 290 are health-care aides and 87 are allied health. Staff has come into the system across the province, with increases in staffing in every region and at CancerCare Manitoba.
“Every new health-care worker in our province takes us one step closer to repairing the damage done by the previous government,” said Asagwara. “With staff at our side, we can make progress on shortening wait times and delivering the best quality care. “We’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to adding more staff into the system and we’re going to keep going so we can start to turn the corner on some of the most important priorities in health care. To every person who decided to pursue a career in health care, or came back to the system, thank you.”
The plan laid out steps taken to recruit new health-care workers, entice staff back into the system from private health care, expand opportunities for new graduates and reset the relationship with health-care staff after years of disrespect under the previous government, noted the premier.
The government has:
taken steps to change the culture in health care including sending letters to every new graduate, holding five listening tour town halls and working to hire every new graduate into the system;
improved safety measures for staff at major hospitals;
increased seats in training programs for medicine, physician assistants, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nursing;
increased the number of training spots for internationally educated medical graduates;
launched a new Healthcare Retention and Recruitment Office focused on helping internationally educated health-care professionals find jobs or training in Manitoba;
changed the requirements to make it easier for nurses to return to practice; and
increased flexibility for nurses joining the provincial float pool.
“Growing up watching my mom work as a nurse for over 36 years guided me to this profession that I am so fortunate to be a part of,” said Tiana Wyryha, a newly graduated nurse working in Children’s Emergency, Health Sciences Centre. “I’m so glad to work in Manitoba’s health-care system because Manitoba is my home and I strive to give back to those within my community.”
“Manitoba has given a lot to me. I grew up here and attended the University of Manitoba for undergrad, med school and residency,” said Dr. Matthew Buchok, psychiatrist, Health Sciences Centre. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay and practice in Manitoba and have a positive impact on our community.”
The premier noted the numbers are a result of the government’s investments in retaining, recruiting and training more health-care workers including adding new training seats, streamlining licensing for internationally educated health-care workers and emphasizing community recruitment. The premier and minister have also sent a letter to every recent graduate to welcome them to Manitoba’s health-care system.
