Message from the President: November 26, 2001

May 2001 News: 

We have recently purchased following essential equipment for GGH/GMC.

1)    Anesthesia monitors: Three state of the art anesthesia monitors (Agilent Viridia color monitor with ECG, Noninvasive BP, temp, Pulse oximetry and Endtidal CO2) the first of its kind in coastal Andhra, and two Agilent  A 3 monitors, with all the features, except ETCO2, and portability and battery back up for transporting ). These have made been possible with highly generous donation from Dr.Narasa Raju garu Mantena, an anesthesiologist, who took so much interest to develop the anesthesia  dept at GGH.

2)    Two infusion pumps for delivery of life saving drugs, and a state of the art Cardiac Defibrillator were donated to Dept of Cardiology at GGH. These were made possible by the donations from Mrs and Dr. Radhakrishna Murthy Kolli of Hunsville, Al and Mrs.& Dr.Maruthivara Prasad Gottimukkala of Norfolk, VA.

3)    Pulmonary Function testing machine along with all the necessary accessories have been donated to Govt.Fever Hospital (Supdt: Dr.Gaddipati Baburao) by very generous donation from Suresh Babu Kurra of Riverdale, NewJesey in memory of his late father Dr.Veeraraghavaiah Kurra of Tenali. With this addition of PFT machine to our previously donated Fiberoptic bronchoscope the Govt Fever Hospital may get recognition for MD (Inf.Diseses) by IMA.

4)    EMG (Electromyogram) and EEG (Electroencephalogram) has been donated (badly needed) to Dept of Neurology (Chief: Dr.Tarakanath Vemuri, MD, DM) by our dynamic Secretary Dr& Mrs. Tejanand Gowtham Mulpuru. Click here for a picture of the Inauguration by Dr.Fayaz Ahmed, Present Supdt of GGH, and Nuthakki Venkateswara Rao on May 14, 2001 and the computerised EEG/EMG Machine in operation.

5)    A new computer and a scanner, in addition to the two computers, have been added to the GMCANA CME center at GMC and Ravikumar Tripuraneni has donated for the additional equipment in addition several educational CD ROMS. He also has donated some essential pulse oximetry probes, Temporary pacemaker generator boxes (Cardiology dept), EKG paper and several disposable equipments to the hospital. If you happen to have any educational CD Roms please send it to him so he may add to the CD rom library. (email:ravi@tripuraneni.com)

6)    ABG (Arterial Blood Gas machine) was donated by our dynamic Dr.Sriharidas Kanuru to the Biochemistry lab at the GGH. It is an excellent addition to the lab and will be of great use to most critically ill patients and patients on ventilator.

7)    Dr & Mrs Sadasivarao Katta of Huntsville, AL has donated several essential equipments including Temporary pacemaker generators to the Cardiologist. He also is planning to organize a ACLS training course to the staff at GGH in future.

8)    Dr.Subbarao Uppuluri, is buying Urology equipment in India for Urological surgery at GGH.  Donations from other urologists are solicited for   this project.  We are also planning to donate/subscribe to one to two journals in each specialty for various departments in GMC and GGH. We also need sponsors for these journal subscriptions.

GMC/GGH Visit by Drs. Ramaraju & Sulochana Yalavarthi Jan 2001

Subject: GMC/GGH VISIT

We had another fruitful visit to our alma maters in Guntur during our recent trip in December 00/ January 01. As always, Dr Nutakki Venkateswara Rao garu has been immensely helpful with his unflappable enthusiasm and energy.

1. Building Project : We met with the MP Sri YV Rao, District Collector Sri Samaria, The Mayor Sri Yesu Ratnam, Chairman of India Tobacco Association Mr. Bommidala Krishna Murthy, the Superintendent Dr K.Nageswara Rao, and some local donors.

There is a significant enthusiasm from all quarters in supporting the Auditorium Project. We explained that our commitment of raising Rs. One Crore for the project is firm, the collector guaranteed "matching grants" soon as we show him the numbers. The MP Sri YV Rao assured his support with "atleast Rs 25 lakhs" from MP funds and will raise more if necessary. They all strongly affirmed that once the project gets started, they will see that it is completed. Every one we talked to seemed very confident that Sri YV Rao & the Collector deliver what they promised.We need to get going on this real quickly by sending a letter to them of our commitment. We will include our requirements and input into the project as we go along. We felt that this a feasible and worthy project. GMCOSA in Guntur, currently headed by Dr Gopala Krishna will pitch in, but GMCOSA in Hyderabad offered no help.

2. CME: With the involvement of Dr Nayudamma (current Vice Principal), there is hope for increased activities and participation. The Sushrutha Hall and the equipment are excellent and every alumnus visiting Guntur should participate and encourage the PG’s and students. Moving the endowments (CME) from the university to the Principal/ Superintendent may be needed. Monthly CME should be made mandatory to all PG’s and students.

I presented my thoughts on ‘Cardiovascular Dysmetabolic Syndrome’ in Sushrutha Hall on 1/4/01.

3. Library: The computer room is well utilized as well as the Xerox machine. Every department talked about journals and our plan to provide two of the popular journals per dept is well received. Even old issues are welcome.

4. Hospital: Overall, the Hospital is functioning well. It looks clean, orderly and well utilized. Heard a lot of compliments on the handling of a major train accident near Guntur a few months ago. Dr Lakshmi, present RMO is doing a great job. Employee situation is fearsome.

In Cardiology, C-Arm, Image intensifier, crash cart, computerized ECG, and internet facilities are excellent.Dr Murali Baburao is doing a great job as usual, but he is going to retire soon.

EEG & EMG are needed but Dr Tarakanath is trying hard to get a technician for the dept first. ( See above in May news).

LAB with the analyzer is running very well earning Rs 25,000 PM, but needs a full time tech. A much need blood gas analyzer is recently donated by GMCANA.

Surgery department under the leadership of Dr Fayaz Ahmed meets 3-4 times a month and conducts CME activities regularly. The ramp to the new OR needs to be repaired STAT. Dr.Babu Prasad has donated $ 2000 for the fixing the ramp and it is being done now. They are anxious to receive the team of surgeons and Babu Prasad from Springfield later this year.

Pulmonary Dept and ID hospital are very appreciative of the Bronchoscope.

Radiation Oncology dept did not receive the brachy therapy sources from BRIT yet. Sulochana made some calls to Bombay and was assured that they will be shipping them out in six months or as soon as the design flaws are corrected.

5. GMCOSA: Dr T. GopalaRao(1964) was kind enough to arrange a meeting with the leadership in Hyderabad. Dr S. Avulappa (President), Dr K.Ambika Devi(1966) (Vice President), Dr P. Satyanarayana (Secretary), and Dr P. Aravinda Babu (1974) (Treasurer) attended. They are planning to build a hall in Hyderabad and are looking for funds from here. We reiterated our mission statement. They showed no interest in the projects at GMC/GGH.

6. Health Minister: We met Dr T. Aruna, the Health Minister (and our class mate) at her residence and presented our agenda to help the alma maters. She endorsed our ideas regarding a) Tenures of the Principal and Superintendent, b) Management privatization as in Vijayawada, and the states of West Bengal and Kerala. c) Allowing 50/50 Private Practices at GGH.

She assured us of her support, but did not offer any direction at the time.

In summary, GMCANA’s input and help are being appreciated at all levels. There are still many hurdles in achieving our goals. Pushing for the extension of tenures and private practices may yield some results. Dr Murali Baburao will be the next supt. soon and again, for a brief period. We may be able to resolve some of the personnel issues during his term. Dr Nayudamma may become the next principal and he may stay for a couple of years because of his age. That will be a great opportunity to solidify the building project and CME activities.

We have a window of a couple of years with a few dedicated people like Drs Fayaz, Nayudamma, Baburao, Asha, BalaBhaskararao and great political support from MP YV Rao and the collector who chairs the HDS. We should do our best to move the projects along as soon as possible.

Thank You, Regards,

Ramaraju & Sulochana

American Indian doctor honoured      By Piyuli Jain   August 27, 2000

Dr Venna graduated from Guntur Medical College in 1968, trained in internal medicine in Ireland and UK and in neurology at Boston City Hospital in Boston.

CME Program: Single call service to CME at GMC

GMCANA is unveiling a "Single Call Service" for alumni interested in any type of CME activity at GMC. The number to call is 530-246-4420 or send an email to ravi@tripuraneni.com. Our President-Elect and CME Committee Chairman, Dr.Ravikumar Tripuraneni has accepted this responsibility to successfully spearhead the CME activities at GMC. We request the members to call only after purchasing ticket to India and to provide the following information at the time of the single call.

1. Date of CME – please provide alternate dates and times
2. Type of CME – lecture, grandrounds, daylong seminar, surgical demonstration etc. (Topic is recommended to be of relevance to GMC—in addition, another topic of state of the art could also be presented)
3. Target audience – it is recommended to focus on the Postgraduate students as the primary target. Depending on the topic and intended target, the group could be very small or very large.
4. Equipment and other requirements – slide projectors are available; LCD Projector for power point presentations is in the process of being acquired. Susruta Hall at GGH would be the venue for large groups whereas GMCANA CME CENTER or other venues would suffice for smaller groups.

Please remember the goal of the CME activities is to further the cause of education and everything we do should be geared to fulfil that single criterion. The way presentation is made is as important as the content itself and a professional presentation would go a long way in achieving this goal. "Talking Down" is extremely counterproductive. Best results are likely achieved if the activities are seen as exchanges of knowledge. We also anticipate some glitches in the initial stages. We need your input, after you return, so we can improve or modify the program. You will get a letter from GMCANA and GMC and may be able to deduct part of the expenses from your taxes to the extent allowed by law.

The following programs have so far been organized and scheduled :

1. August 20: Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery by Ravikumar Tripuraneni
2. October 9: Newer strategies in management of Diabetes mellitus by Syam Prasad Kilaru
3. October 12: Acute Coronary Syndrome by Chalapathi Rao Gudipati
4. October : Gastrointestinal Pathology. by M.Sambasivarao
5. November 1st week: immunochemistry of Lymphomas and rare tumors by SudhaGopal Pillarisetti.
6. November 20: Clinical relevance of acid base analysis in Critical Care Medicine by Butchi Babu Pydipati
7. December 6-8: Various topics in Anesthesia and B.C.L.S. Course by Veeraiah chowdary Perni
8. December 18: Neonatal Resuscitation by Srihardas Kanuru
9. December 26: Topics to be determined by Venkata Subba Rao Uppuluri and Ramaraja B. Yalavarthi
10. January 1st week2001: Suicide and Depression  by Bhaskararao Tripuraneni.
11. January 16-18th 2001: Monitoring in anesthesia and use of new anesthesia monitors by Narasaraju Mantena

Please participate in this CME venture of GMCANA and help our Alma Mater.

GMC/GGH Visit Aug 2000 

Ravikumar Tripuraneni

I visited both GMC and GGH for about two weeks in August 2000. Things are somewhat different than they were a year ago when I visited in Aug 99. The present Supdt Dr.Kolla Nageswara Rao and the present Principal Dr.Prabhakaran are due to retire again in March- April of 2001. The past principal and Prof of Pathology Dr.Venkataratnam retired recently. He undertook few developmental activities at GMC from developmental funds. They built a new lecture gallery for Pharmacy dept. which was. He bought water coolers etc for the library and face lifted the auditorium upstairs. Our alumni donated several chairs and it is well furnished.  

GMCANA CME center has been a grand success. It is being well utilized. It is open for longer hours than the library and also on Sundays and holidays. Internet and computers are being used constantly. There is a need for lot of educational material including CD Rom journals and textbooks on CD ROM. There is a need for another computer and scanner also as requested in the Suggestions book that was place in the CME center.The Xerox machine is being well utilized and we may move the machine and its funds to CME center to make its functioning better and availability all the time.  

We need to improve some of the basic facilities in preclinical departments that will improve the education of students and PGs and patient care also. The microbiology dept and Anatomy depts need some equipment which improves the quality of culture testing etc.  The Leica teaching microscope with video attachment donated was a boom to the dept of Pathology. It was inaugurated on Aug 20^th by YV Rao local MP. He promised a donation of 5 lakhs for Immunochemical staining facilities later this year to Pathology Dept.  

The hospital sanitation is not the same what it was last year. There were several problems especially with 4^th class employees and the local contractors that were hired to do the cleaning contracts and it is in courts now. I attended the hospital developmental committee meeting on Aug 13^th with Hiralal Somaria the collector in attendance. I requested that two of our coordinating members be included in the committee for which he agreed immediately and it is being processed. From now on hopefully we will have better insight into the HDS activities and some input. Dr.Nuthakki and one other will be able to attend. We now have the help of two more coordinators for us at Guntur, Dr.T.Asha, Asst Prof of Pathology and G. Krishna Murthy, Asst prof of Microbiology.  

Functioning of various equipments that were donated.  

1)     EMERGENCY ORS: The roof leak that was noticed was fixed completely and both OR’s are fully functional now after the fixing. There was some improper engineering and/ or construction. Obstetricians are really enjoying the comfortable weather during the nights for emergency operations and are more productive even the next day. The ORs need more monitors and anesthetic equipment. I believe Dr..Babu Prasad is taking the team of surgeons to GGH in January 2001. 

2)     THE BIOCHEMISTRY LAB ANALYZER is being used very well. They performed over 1000 tests in the last few weeks. Dr.Muralibaburao is in charge of the lab and he has taken very active interest and doing an excellent job. They have done over 1000 lab tests in the last few weeks alone and collected over Rs 30000 for the tests which are being charged what it actually costs for the slides. We hired an employee from 2 Pm to 10 PM starting September 1^st in addition to the hospital employee during the day. (8- 2 PM). This may be extended to 24 hours hopefully soon as the need and volume of the tests increase. We are also purchasing a UPS (uninterrupted power supply and other pipettes that would improve the functioning of the machine). PGs are also being trained to use the machine.

3)     500 MA x-ray machine is still functioning very well and being well utilized now. They are taking 40-60 x-rays in addition to specialized procedures. It is the most powerful x-ray machine in the hospital. There are few other less powerful and portable machines.

4)     300 MA Wipro - GE X-ray image intensifier which has been installed few months ago finally started working with full capability on Aug 15^th and  was inaugurated on Aug 16^th by Dr.Harikrishna Reddy our board of trustee member  who was there on that day. It would a boom to Radiology dept. The Professor is on leave and the dept is being run by Assts and Pgs who I believe are doing a good job.  They are now asking for a ultrasound machine with a probe as the volume of cases have gone up considerably.  No money is being collected from any patients for any of the procedures done using the equipment that we donated in Radiology dept. 

5)     OB & Gyn Dept: Ultrasound machine is being well utilized. They are voluntarily collecting about Rs 10 for each test.  That should cover any routine maintenance. I had multiple long discussions with various people regarding the upgrading of the labor rooms project they proposed to us and this issue was discussed in the executive committee meeting. Dr.Veeraiah Choudary was interested in taking up the project. The amount of 5 lakhs they proposed is probably not enough for the construction. We may take up this project when ths Govt comes with matching grants. The Head of the dept Dr.Hymavathi and other prof would like to see few better quality delivery beds (rust proof) that can be changed to various positions (head up or down) which are so essential in laboring patients (Rs 30,000 each) Also they are requesting a continuous fetal heart rate monitor which is good educational tool and also a culdoscope and hysteroscope.

6)     Pediatric equipment is being well utilized especially the nebulizers and incubators which are in great demand. The ventilator was used 3 times since the inception. They are requesting pediatric laryngoscope and blades (Rs 4500) pulse oximeter probes, few incubators among other equipment. I met the Professor and few assts and PGs. I have the list of their needs and we are planning to donate most of them.

7)     FIBEROPTIC BRONCHOSCOPE is being well utilized in the Govt Fever hospital by Dr.Babu Rao the Supdt there. I was fortunate enough to watch one of the bronchoscopy procedures that went very well. It costed 6 lakhs for us. They are asking about 3 lakhs for the PFT machine with interface and they will contribute and buy the computer and other accessories. These two pieces of equipment will enable them to get MD (Inf. Dis) approved by IMC (Indian Medical Council). They have some funds (Rs 12 Lakhs)  left from previous allotment for hospital devevlopment. If we can find a donor/s to donate about 8 lakhs they are willing to build a wing with about 20 beds and name it after the name of the donor and our organization (This wing is badly needed as the previous buildings are developing cracks which are beyond repair because of the poor soil). I feel this may be one we should look into seriously.

8)     CESIUM KITS FOR RADIOTHERAPY DEPTS. The money has been paid about a year ago the equipment have not been delivered. Apparently there was a change of design and the only manufacturer, Govt of India is being aggressively contacted. There is no physicist in the dept for the last 6 months as he applied for leave. Health minister was made aware of the situation. On a side note the telecobalt unit has been recharged recently with a cost Rs 25 lakhs from Govt funds.   

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I met quite a few PGs and stressed them the need for their active participation in CME programs, case discussions, seminars etc. They requested few things including some text books and journals. The journals could be in the form of CD ROMS as there is availability of computers everywhere including in our CME Center, Hospital in few depts. Etc. We are planning to buy some of the books and we could find some more donors for the same.

Nayudamma garu started the Academy of medical Sciences which is conducting monthly meetings and have interesting academic discussions among staff and Pg’s and students.and they are doing an excellent job. GMCANA is contemplating to donate an LCD projector and a digital camera for their use and other academic presentations. I gave a talk in that forum and I encourage all of you and any of our other alumni to take some material and present them in CME meetings at GGH that we can arrange easily. Please let me know ahead of time when you can be available at Guntur. The previous lecture gallery at GGH has been renovated extensively and now named Susruta Hall with all facilities.

Medical transcripts: After we deposited the fixed deposit of $5000 they have not used any interest to mail the transcripts. The college is officially charging Rs 300 for all the requests for transcripts for college development. We are planning to computerizing all the medical transcripts data in CME center so atleast most of the data will be permanently available in a non-destructible form. Principal has agreed to the suggestion and I requested the Principal to send us a list of the transcript requests from overseas. 

After getting some interest in developing Nephrology dept and neurology dept for dialysis machines, EEG and EMG I enquired in various depts. The only qualified nephrologist is resigning the job to go into private practice. They also need qualified technicians to run the machines. Also the hospital is not in a position to supply the disposables and there should be large funds in fixed deposit with the interest on it to be used for the disposables to have effective dialysis program. The neurology dept also requested the Govt. to employ an EEG/ EMG technician but of no avail. We may have to get some commitment from the administration (Supdt and Prof of respective depts that they would be able to use and maintain them equipment effectively.  

GMCANA Awards ceremony was held in the college auditorium in the college on August 20th.  Dr.Aruna health minister, Sri YV Rao, Guntur MP attended the function. Tummala Ramarahmam research award was presented to Dr.R.Muralibaburao and Sri Vasireddi Seethapathi and Gowridevi awards were presented to the students. The pictures of the Donors were also unveiled.  Dr.Anji Reddy garu was honored. In my address I stressed the need for stable leadership, importance of the CME programs, our support for the auditorium project and request for matching grants from the state and local old students association. Dr.Aruna promised that she would try her best to honor our requests and get matching funds for the auditorium. She was very happy about our involvement in mother institutions and request that other medical college alumni also get involved in developing their mother institutions. She is showing lot of interest in proper functioning and development of GMC/GGH.

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Call for Nominations for the new Office bearers:

Dr.Chowdary Jampala, Past President and Chairman of the Nominating Committee is hereby calling for nominations for the following positions ( For the term 2000-2002):

President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, 7 Executive Committee members and 5 Trustees for The Board.

Please contact Dr.Chowdary (email:cjampala@dayton.net) with proposed nominations for consideration of the Nomination Committee. You may also propose candidates at the time of General Body meeting who, if duly seconded, will contest against the slate approved by the Nomination Committee.

There are no official qualifications needed for any of the positions except being a member in Good standing. However a few of the following are requested to be considered as qualifications:

1. Commitment to GMCANA interests and its mission statement

2. Ability and interest in communicating with other members through email on a regular  basis.

3. Interest in fundraising in addition to personal donations to GMCANA

4. Organizational ability/experience

5. Interest in visiting GMC to assess needs, evaluate GMCANA activities and propose 
    recommendations for future activities. 

Amendment to By-Laws, proposed:

GMCANA members who donate $10,000 or more to GMCANA endowment funds shall be Permanent members of the Endowment Committee.

Rationale: This applies only to Endowment fund donations – i.e. funds the interest on which is spent for specified activities annually. By its very nature, this necessitates long term commitment in fulfilling the desires of the original donor. The potential donors also need assurance that the funds will be spent as intended in perpetuity. While this amendment does not give direct control of their donated funds to the original donors (it cannot, to be able to qualify as tax deductible donation), it does provide a mechanism for their input into the process and for all the donors as a group to have a say in carrying out their original intentions.

The permanent membership also applies only to the Endowment Committee which reports to the Executive Committee of GMCANA.

GMCANA is pleased to announce the first recipients of the merit scholarships (Sri Vasireddy Seethapathi and Smt.Gowri Devi Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund) :

       1.K.Raja Rajeswari -- highest combined score in Ist M.B.B.S. (Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry)
        2.Vinjamuri Srinivasa Rao -- highest EAMCET score 1999-2000 admitting class at GMC.

The awards will be presented to them shortly.

I visited GMC and GGH during my recent visit to India (AUG 2- 18) and met several people and was pleased to see several improvements and rejuvenation of our mother institutions.

The general atmosphere is more congenial than ever before. Dr. Anji reddy is the Superintendent of GGH (Click here for picture of Dr.Anji Reddy) and will be so until April 2000 or so. He has undertaken major developments at the hospital. The whole casualty is being renovated so also several acute care units including acute surgical, pediatric, cardiothoracic, and neuro intensive care units. He is committed to developing the hospital. Even the GGH looks cleaner thanks to the private contract they have given to clean and collect the waste. He is very appreciative of our efforts to help patient care and teaching at GGH. Dr.Jayaram (Click here for a picture of Dr.Jayaram) is presently the principal and he will retire in few months. He is also very thankful for our help and suggestions.

I gave a lecture also at GGH Lecture gallery on Aug 12^th with slides titled "GMCANA at GMC and GGH". I presented the same lecture presented at recent TANA meeting. Several professors, staff, PGs, students and local physicians attended it. Everybody is aware of GMCANA and appreciative of our efforts and now feel that they can approach us with their needs.

1. Xray machine: The x-ray machine has been a boon to patients, students especially PGs who would have not been able to learn anything without it. They have done over 400 specialized procedures including IVP’s Myelograms and Barium contrast studies. (about 30-40 x-rays per day. They are requesting an Image intensifier which can be attached to the present machine which costs about 12-14 lakhs and it cuts down the radiation exposure by 80% to those doing the procedures. They are also requesting ultrasound scan machine with color doppler and another 500 MA machine for out patient dept.
   
2. Biochemistry lab: It was inaugurated on Aug 13^th by Dr.Anji Reddy at which time both myself and Gowtham our treasurer were present. It is an excellent machine and is very easy to use. It can do most of the badly needed Laboratory tests in less than 5 minutes. Hospital has provided A/c room freezer and other essential things and is providing cartridges to do the tests. They are planning to charge the cost for those who can afford. We deposited totally 8 lakhs already the interest of which will be used for the maintenance of the equipment including disposables for the needy. It needs to be run 24 hours a day. Presently it is being manned 9-2 PM only and Dr. Anji reddy garu promised me that he will hire techs to run it the rest of the time. Click here for a picture
   
3. OR project : It is progressing very fast. Over 10 lakhs has been already spent and they are asking for another 6 lakhs to finish the project (air conditioning, electrification etc) and it has been donated by Dr.Babu prasad. It will be a boon to the surgery dept and Anesthesia dept and the hospital. Click here for picture.
   
4. Ultra sound scanner with vaginal probe has been already ordered and on its way. Rs 5 lakhs have been received for the project ($12,000). Ob & Gyn dept have been conducting the annual seminars regularly and they are having delays getting money from University. Dr.Jayaram and others request that money be transferred to GMC Andhra bank under our name and the interest can be disbursed by the principal directly to the concerned dept.  Click here for a picture at Ob & Gyn Dept.
   
5. Diathermy unit is (30,000 Rs) being well utilized in the operating room.
   
6. Pediatrics: Ventilators, pulse oximeter, infant ventilators suction apparatus and other essential items are being ordered and we need to send the money from our Grandparents corner fund which is being collected Dr.Sriharidas.
   
7. Medical transcripts: The $ 5100 has been deposited and they have not used the money yet. I discussed both with Principal and staff regarding computerizing all the data and they finally agreed. They have data recorded on a single paper from 1971 batch onward and it can be put in a Microsoft Access file. With the computers we buy for the CME center we may hire somebody to get the data entered and save it.
   
8. Library: We bought books worth over Rs.25000 while we were there and presented them to the Library. I also took some videotapes and accessories to the audiovisual center. I met several postgraduates separately in GGH (Click here for a picture with PGs)and asked them how we could help. Radiology, Medicine and Pediatrics dept gave me a list of books and few journals they would like to receive and be kept in the depts at GGH separately as Sectional Libraries Dr.Nutakki garu is very instrumental in helping and coordinating our various activities over at GMC and GGH. Click here for a a picture of Library.
   
9. CME center: We identified the location after thorough research and found the three rooms adjacent to the old Anatomy lecture gallery in Regional laboratory would serve all our needs. One room will be used for Computers which will be air-conditioned. Atleast one of the computers will have an internet access. The other two rooms will be used for the reading room for sixty students(40+20). Our Library is filled to capacity and there is hardly any space for additional students. We are planning state of the art cubicles which accommodate 4 people at each cubicle. Two to three computers and other audiovisual equipment will be added. Principal and also district collector and PWD dept gave the blanket waiver for remodelling. I am donating $10,000 for the project, which will be the seed money. It needs lot of further support with CD ROMS, video-audiocassettes, journals, slides etc on a continuous basis. We need to man the computer room with an employee of ours atleast for some time. We could use the same room as our office and communicate with our employee through email, fax phone etc. This would be well needed office where we have a physical presence at GMC. Several computers may need to be added as the utility increase and the need arise. Dr.Balabhaskara Rao ,our coordinator, with an architectural engineer are designing and implementing the project.
   
10. Radiotherapy badly needs two cesium units worth 2 lakhs of rupees. With it they can treat several cancer patients a week and it would be of immense value to the community. Dr.Sulochana Yalavarthi has taken up this project and the money has already been sent and the equipment has been ordered.
    
11. GMCANA Building/auditorium project. I met Dr. K.RajaramamohanRao and several other local prominent physicians in Medical club to encourage them to take some interest in similar activities at GMC and GGH. Dr.Nutakki Venkateswara Rao, Dr.K.Basavapunnaiah, Dr.C.Krishnarjuna Rao, Dr.Maddini Gopalakrishna, Dr.Anji Reddy, Dr.Jayaram, Dr.Rammohanaarao (Prof of Ortho), Dr.Tarakanath (Prof of Neurology), Dr.Amaranath (local Orthopod), Dr.V.Balabhskara Rao (our coordinator). Dr.K.Kaladhar , Dr.K.Prasannakumar attended. They were very happy to see our enthusiasm and planning to start/ revive the GMC old students association in Guntur. All of them unanimously asked me to communicate to all the alumni to revive the building project that was contemplated by us in the past. They assure us of the fullest cooperation. Perhaps the executive and building committee should look into the feasibility of the project now that the conditions are more favorable. Click here for a picture of Meeting wit h local physicians at Medical club
    
12. a) OTHER WISH LIST: Pathology dept is badly in need of a teaching microscope and it may cost around $2000. They are also asking to help with conducting the CME programs.

b) Nephrology dept is requesting a dialysis machine and other necessary equipment the costs of which need to be determined (about $40,000) or so.

c) Cardiology dept is asking for about $3000 for pressure oxygen gauges treadmill papers and ECG papers and a computer. The Cardiology dept is doing very well under the leadership of Dr.Muralibabu Rao who is very dynamic. He has collected monies from local charities and MP funds and bought several equipments like C- arm with image intensifier (18 lakhs of rupees), Computerized treadmill, Color doppler etc. He is very helpful in various activities that we are undertaking. Click here for a picture with Dr. Muralibabu Rao.

d) Dr. Babu Rao Chest physician and Supdt of Govt.Fever hospital is requesting a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope and a PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) machine which would be of immense value for teaching and also patient care.

e) A blood gas machine would be of immense value for the whole hospital to take care of the critically ill patients now that several acute care units are being developed.

f) Pediatric dept requested few minor necessities for their conference room and also reqesting some books.

g) Neurology dept is badly in need of an EEG machine and EMG/ NVC/Evoked potential machine.

CME sponsored by GMCANA: I discussed this again with Principal, Supdt and PGs etc and there is enough interest and Dr.Muralibabu Rao garu is willing to coordinate the programs. Visiting lectures from here can be coordinated with him and they can organize CME programs as proposed by Dr.Sriharidas garu. We may consider refurbishing and renovating the GGH Lecture gallery where most meetings are held. Click here for a picture with Principal.

I attended hospital development committee, which is being held on first Saturday of every month. Collector (Mr.Sashikanth Goel, IAS) chairs the meeting. It was very well organized. All projects being undertaken are reviewed and people were given responsibilities for various projects. Members from local charities also participated. Our association name was brought up several times and everybody sincerely appreciated our help and support. Click here for  the picture

I contacted Dr. P.Satyanarayana GMC alumni from (1954 batch) at Hyderabad. He is coordinating GMC old students association there, Apparently there are more than 250 members and they meet often. They have frequent news letter also.

A noticeboard is set aside for GMCANA at Library where information about our activities has been posted. (News and events section from our web pages) which will help to show our presence and all our activities.

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