GMCANA LEADERSHIP INDIA VISIT

DECEMBER, 2001

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

As you all know, things have been heating up recently in the area of GMCANA Auditorium project at GMC. This long-awaited ‘dream’ is about to become a reality, thanks to a renewed vital interest on the part of several well - wishers like the members of GMCOSA (Guntur Medical College Old Students Association) in Guntur, and Dr. K. Anjireddy, Director General of Medical & Health Services, Govt. of A.P.

The Govt. allocated Rs.80 Lakhs for this project. GMCANA has committed to raise $225,000 (equal to present day Rs.1.08 Crores). More funds to the tune of Rs.50 Lakhs are promised by the District Collector Mr. Hiralal Samaria and M.P. Sri Y.V. Rao.

As the commission of the Rs.80 Lakhs is time sensitive (due to expire by 3/2002), Dr. Subbarao Uppuluri, President, Dr. Ravikumar Tripuraneni, President elect, Dr. Ramaraja Yalavarthi, Past President and Building committee chairman, Dr. Narasaraju Manthena and Dr. Sudersanarao Akkineni set out to make an emergent trip to India with specific goals in mind.

To confirm and finalize the GMCANA Auditorium project.
To present the GMCANA “Comprehensive proposal for Medical Care & Education improvement initiative” to the A.P. State Leadership and all the stakeholders.

At the outset, let us say that our ten-day whirlwind visit was a grand success.

Here is a gist of umpteen meetings we had with numerous people we met.

12-04-01: HYEDERABAD

We met with Dr. K. Anjireddy and the Engineer from HMHIDC (Health and Medical Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation), authorized by the Govt. of AP to undertake the construction project. We discussed the G.O, the construction process and the time line. We visited a couple of auditoriums they built in Hyderabad, and also the popular Sri Satyasai Auditorium to get some ideas.

We then met the Honorable Health minister, Dr. N. Janardana Reddy in his office. He was very appreciative of the efforts to help our Alma Maters, and endorsed the comprehensive proposal. He immediately accepted our invitation to visit GMC & GGH and grace the GMCANA awards ceremony on 12-13-01.

12-05-01: HYDERABAD

Drs. Subbarao and Ramaraja presented the comprehensive proposal to the physician leadership of APVVP (Andhra Pradesh Vaidya Vidhana Parishath) and received valuable feedback. Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, Coordinator, Lok Satta (and our alumnus) facilitated the meeting with rousing enthusiasm.

12-06-01: GUNTUR

Dr. Md. Fayaz Ahmed, superintendent of GGH gave a tour of the Hospital. We visited the new outpatient Microbiology dept., GMCANA Lab, new Surgical Theaters, Surgical CME Center, Ob-Gyne Department and the proposed site for the new Ob-Gyne block (to be built with donations from Dr. Perni Veeraiah Chowdary family). Dr. Subbarao presented Urological equipment he donated to the Head of Urology Dept, Dr. Suryakumari. It is felt that of all the well functioning equipment at GGH, 80% was donated by GMCANA.

We presented the comprehensive proposal to the Heads of departments in Susruta Hall and received broad support.

At GMC, we saw the library, GMCANA CME center and toured the proposed site for the Auditorium.

A meeting with the leadership of GMCOSA in Guntur was arranged at the Medical Club. A committee to supervise the Auditorium construction was formed with the following members.

1.Dr. Nuthakki Venkateswara Rao (Coordinator), 2. Dr. K.R.R.Mohanarao, 3. Dr. M. Gopalakrishna, 4. Dr. K. Basavapunnaiah, 5. Dr. M. Rama Mohanarao, 6. Dr. V. Bala Bhaskararao, 7. Dr. G. Krishnamurthy, 8. Dr. G. Baburao, 9. Dr. P. Hymavathi, 10. Dr. Md. Fayaz Ahmed, and 11. Mr. BMSS. Kumar, Architect.

12-07-01: GUNTUR

We met with the architect, Mr. Kumar and the local contractors from HMHIDC. We revisited the site, reviewed and modified the building plans, discussed budgets, timelines etc. The architect promised to complete the project in 15 months and make it “the best auditorium in the south”. After going over the new plans and looking at some work done by Mr. Kumar in Guntur, we are very impressed and convinced that the GMCANA auditorium is sure to be a crown jewel at GMC for many generations to come.

We then visited the Fever Hospital with Dr. G. Baburao, the superintendent and discussed the plans for the proposed new block with donations from Dr. Kunamneni Basavapunnaiah in memory of his late wife Dr. Jhansi Lakshmi.

12-09-01: HYDERABAD

Drs. Subbarao, Ravi (who arrived in Hyderabad in the early hours after a 4 hour hassle in the customs regarding the LCD projector he brought to donate to GGH), Ramaraja, Narasaraju and Sudersanarao met with local leaders in Health care in Hyderabad, including Dr. G.N. Rao (LV Prasad Eye Inst.) and DR. P.S. Reddy (Mediciti) to present the comprehensive proposal and received excellent constructive comments.

12-10-01: HYDERABAD

At 12:30PM, we had a very fruitful hour-long meeting with the Honorable CM Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu. After carefully following the power point presentation, he immediately approved converting 25% of beds at GGH to private paying (B & C class) beds as a pilot project before applying it state wide. He asked the Honorable Health Minister to implement the plan ASAP. He also suggested the areas of health education & preventive health where we can work together to help the people of the state at large.

We presented the CM with a check for $50,000 towards the Auditorium project at GMC, and the LCD projector for our Susruta Hall. He had encouraging remarks for our continuing efforts to improve the conditions at our parent institutions.

We had a lengthy discussion with the Honorable HM, Dr. N. Janaradana Reddy and the Vice Chancellor of NTR University of Health Sciences, Prof. G. Sham Sunder regarding the proposals and ways of implementing the same.

12-11-01: HYDERABAD

We had a nice tour of the Indo-American Cancer Institute, developed with significant help from several GMCANA members and other NRIs.

We met with HMHIDC Engineer in Chief, Sri K. Lakshminarayana and architect, Mr. Kumar in Dr. Anjireddy’s office. We discussed in detail all architectural plans, budgeting, building process, supervisory control of our committee including the architect in GNT, and the need for close and continuous communications with GMCANA. They promised to proceed with the construction as soon as the plans are approved, and utilize the funds released by the Govt. first.

12-12-01: GUNTUR

A second meeting of the Heads of the Departments was held in Susruta Hall to exchange views and ideas regarding the comprehensive proposal, the plans approved by the Honorable CM, and ways to go about implementing them. A colonoscope donated by Drs. Sudha & Babu Prasad was presented to the GI Dept. The LCD projector for Susrutha Hall donated by Dr. C. Vemareddy was handed over to the superintendent, Dr. Fayaz Ahmed.

We had a late night meeting with the District Collector, Sri Hiralal Samaria in his office. After listening to the proposals, he endorsed them heartily, and assured us that he will do his best to complete the Auditorium with more funds as needed.

12-13-01: GUNTUR

An excellent review in telugu of our comprehensive proposal appeared in a prominent section of EENADU paper. We heard several positive comments and heartfelt compliments about the depth of content and the extensive nature of the reforms put forth by Dr. Subbarao.

The Honorable HM, Dr. N. Janardana Reddy and Dr. Anjireddy made the trip from Hyderabad in spite of their hectic schedules to attend GMCANA awards ceremony at GMC.

The computer room in Pathology Dept. donated by Dr. Nagarjuna Ponugoti, Computor donated by Dr. Ravikumar Tripuraneni, and Printer & Scanner donated by Dr. B. Sambasivarao & Dr. B. Naveen were inaugurated. After visiting the proposed site for the Auditorium and GMCANA CME center, the Honorable HM presided over the meticulously arranged awards function. Dr. S. Aruna, Ex Health Minister, Sri Hiralal Samaria, the Collector, Dr. Anjireddy, Director General of Medical & Health Services, Dr P. Hymavathi, Principal, and DR N.V.Rao, GMCANA coordinator, congratulated the awardees. Dr. V. Rama Tarakanath professor of Neurology was presented with the Tummala Ramabrahmam Memorial Research Award. Sri Vasireddy Seetapathi & Smt. Gowridevi Memorial awards were conferred on K. Naveen Krishna for scoring the highest marks in EMCET and N. Pavan Kumar for standing first in 1^st M.B., B.S.

The Honorable HM congratulated GMCANA’s commitment and diligence in helping the alma mater and urged the local alumni and the contractors to complete the Auditorium within 15 months. Dr. Ramaraja acted as the MC for the well- attended occasion. Dr. T. Asha, Dr. Renuka, Dr. Padma, Dr. G. Krishnamurthy, Dr. V. Bala Bhaskararao and several other staff members spent several hours in organizing the entire event meticulously.

12-15-01: RETURN TO USA

We feel that we have been fortunate to be able to meet with so many influential people in such a short time and accomplish most of the things we set out to do. We gratefully appreciate the tremendous help extended to us by Dr. Anjireddy in Hyderabad, and Drs. Nuthakki, G. Krishnamurthy, V. Bala Bhaskararao, P. Hymavathi & Fayaz Ahmed in Guntur, without whose help, we could not have achieved a fraction of what we were able to do in the limited time. We owe a great deal of thanks to Dr. Nagarjuna Ponugoti, our tenacious treasurer, who did a lot of work in getting the donation checks to us in time for presentation in India.

We earnestly hope to seize the opportunity to mobilize the broad support and capture the momentum to improve Health care & Medical education in the state in general and Guntur in particular.

So far we have collected close to $200,000 towards the Auditorium project, thanks to several generous donors without whom, we could not have come this far. As the construction process begins, we need to raise another $50,000 to meet our commitments and the usual escalation of costs. Please send your tax-deductible donations to the treasurer immediately. Contributions over $1000 will be recognized in an appropriate location in the Auditorium upon completion.

As always, we count on your ongoing support in reaching our goals to help our motherland. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us with your comments, criticism or suggestions.

Sincerely,

Subbarao Uppuluri Ravi Tripuraneni Ramaraja Yalavarthi

President President Elect Chairman, Building Committee

& Past President

Message from the President: November 26, 2001

Greetings. We have some good news to share with you. At last, the Auditorium project is on the threshold of successful implementation. Inaddition to the obvious news of the enclosed G.O., we have secured permission for calling the building 'GMCANA AUDITORIUM'. We will have input into the design process. There will also be acknowledgement of all donors. We anticipate display of all donors with $1000 or more donation in a prominent fashion in the building itself.

We have currently $176,000 in the Building account and our commitment is for $225,000. We did not want to ask for funds unless and until the project is an absolute 'go' and hence this last minute appeal. We are leaving to Indiaon 2nd of December. We need to take a cashier's check in the amount of $225,000.

Dr.Ramakrishna Rao Pinnamaneni, Dr.Sudarshana Rao Akkineni, Dr.Ramaraja Yalavarthi (our Building Committee Chairperson and Past President), Ravikumar Tripuraneni (our President-Elect whom everybody knows) and myself will be in India in the first two weeks of December to see the project through. Our other major initiative is to present our 'Comprehensive Proposal' (presented to and approved by our General Body at Philadelphia annual meeting) to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 10th of December. It is anticipated that completion of the Auditorium will give us substantial presence and leverage in trying to push for reforms in Medical Education and medical care in Teaching Hospitals in Andhra Pradesh in addition to more substantial projects in Guntur .

As all of you know, we did best when Dr.Anji Reddy was the Superintendent of GGH. The good news is that he is now the 'Director General of Medical and Health Services', a newly created post to supervise DMS, DME and APVVP -- in other words, he is 'the health care czar' in A.P. He is also personally responsible for the enclosed G.O. And with him at the helm, we have every reason to believe the Auditorium is a reality in a very short time.

I request all members to contribute "liberally and immediately" to finish this project. I, on behalf of the Executive Committee, thank every one of you personally for your commitment to GMC.

Sincerely,

Venkata Subba Rao Uppuluri
President, GMCANA

p.s.: Please send your donations directly to our Treasurer in the name of GMCANA to,

Dr.Nagarjuna Ponugoti,M.D.,
261 E.Trailwood Dr .,
Terre Haute , IN47802.

From: "kallam anjireddy" <reddykanji@rediffmail.com>
Subject: Re: FW: Auditorium and Comprehensive Proposal Date: 23 Nov 2001 16:07:59 -0000

Iam herewith sending you the operational part of G.O. regarding our auditorium.

G.O.NO. 448 DATED 23-11-2001 .

4. The Govt. after careful examination of the above proposal of Director General of Medical& Health Services hereby accord permission to Managing director APHMHIDC TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF 2.25 LAKH DOLLARS offered by GMC ANA for construction of the multipurpose Auditorium including seminar and conference hall in the premises of Guntur Medical College,Guntur with the amount donated by GMC ANA and also with the amount of RS.80 lakhs already allocated for the said purpose.

5.The managing director APHMHIDC. is requested to take further action in the matter accordingly in consultation with Director General of Medical and Health services/director of medical education, Hyderabad .

SD/ XXXXXX
SPL.CHIEF SECRETERY TO GOVERNMNT.

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

New York: Dr Nagagopal Venna was honored with the Teacher of the Year award presented jointly by the Neurology Department of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston at a program held on June 16.

This is his second consecutive year in receiving the award. Last year, he received the award from the Neurology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. ``Both hospitals are major teaching hospitals for Harvard Medical School'' Dr Venna told India Abroad. ``The hospitals have recently merged their neurology programme''.

Dr Venna is the director of Ambulatory Neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital since July 1999. He is responsible for running the neurology clinic. Around 50 neurologists work in the clinic, he added. Earlier, from 1979 to 1997 he was the director of Clinical Neurology at Boston City Hospital. Since 1997, Dr Venna has been training and teaching physicians to become neurologists at the Neurology department of Massachusetts General Hospital as part of their neurology training program.

A resident of Brookline, Massachusetts, Dr Venna has been awarded for his outstanding contribution as a teacher to the medical field, said the release.

Apart from teaching and training of neurologists, he is interested in a broad range of neurological diseases with special expertise in the brain disorders of AIDS. In 1997 he started a special clinic for patients have neurological problems caused by AIDS at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

`The problem is not common, but it's huge'', he said.

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.

Dr Venna is also the recipient of the Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching at Boston University in 1988. He was recognized by his peers to be included in the `Best Doctors in America' publication in 1996 and 1999.

India Abroad News Service

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.

Date of CME – please provide alternate dates and times
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)
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.
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.

The Wipro G.E.300 MA X-ray plant with image intensifier is installed in the Radiology Dept and waiting inauguration soon. The Fiber optic Bronchoscope was received and installed on May 31^st 2000 in the Government Fever Hospital, Guntur (previously called ID Hospital) where Dr.Babu Rao is the superintendent. He and other thoracic physicians will be using it along with training PGs and students who will be rotating through the hospital. There is a great need for the Bronchoscope and it will be used extensively. We area lso trying to procure a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test ) Machine. We will send you utility report on the all the equipments soon. The teaching microscope with camera attachment for the department of pathology, Guntur Medial College, donated by our president Dr.Kancherla Aruna Prasad, will be received in a month as it is being imported from New jersey, U.S.A. Dr. Ravi Latha (1969) has donated $5000 for buying the badly needed equipment to Physiotherapy Department, GGH, Guntur in addition to the expert advice regarding the various equipment and their proper usage. Rs.2,00,000/- worth of equipment was already shipped and will be installed and put to good use soon.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT: As many of you may know Dr.Anji Reddy's term was extended partly because of our efforts. However he was called upon to serve as commissioner of Andhra Pradesh Vaidya Vidhan Parishad Which is incharge of all District and Taluq hospitals in the state. We wish him luck in his new challenge. We welcome Dr.Venkataswamy, Professor of Anesthesiology as the new Supdt of Govt.General Hospital, Guntur. Dr.VenkataRatnam, Professor of Pathology continues as Principal of Guntur Medical College.

Long awaited dream of Tripuraneni brotheres came true early this month when the Gattineni Ramaswamy Choudary and Mahalakshmi memorial GMCANA CME (continnuing Medical education) center was opened in premises of the Guntur Medical College on February 2nd, 2000. Click here for a picture of inauguration.

The CMEcenter was formally opened by DrJay Riseman from Central Illinois Medical volunteers. They were visiting GGH and GMC along with Drs.Sudha Prasad and Babu Prasad (alumni of GMC) and Dr.RangaReddy past president of AAPI on a preliminary trip for looking into bringing several latest surgical equipment and teach new operating techniques at GGH in January 2001. They visited the GGH and looked into the various facilities and had discusssions with hospital Superintendent and others, They also met chief minister in Hyderabad before coming back. They were planning to return to Guntur in January of 2001 along with surgical equipment and other equipment. Dr.Babu and Sudha Prasad coordinated their trip in addition to donating about 18 lakhs of rupees for the state of the art three operating rooms at GGH. If any of the alumni are interested in sending any useful medical equipment like pulse oximeters, ECG, BP monitors, endoscopes or similar equipments including disposables please contact and send them to Dr.Babu prasad (tel: 217-546-2152 ) who is organizing to ship them around July 2000. His address is 3109 Falcon Point, Springfield, IL-62707. It will be much easier to ship them as essential health items which will be exempted from taxation in India.

The computer room was inaugurated by Dr.Aruna, Health minister of AP and GMC alumnus also. Click here for a picture of computer room. Several previous principals, professors, present and past, local practitioners and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The need for CME center was felt as the current library had inadequate facilities and space. Additional seating of 60 seating was provided in the CME center. It was located in Regional Health Laboratory Building next to old Anatomy lecture Hall. It was renovated and refurbished with spacious wooden desks and chairs. It was well lighted and ventilated and mosquito proofed. Computer room was air-conditioned and equipped with two of the state of the art computers with multimedia capabilities and internet connection for Medline search. Several software and Medical CD ROMs of medical topics and journals video cassettes of interest in various medical fields were provided. Students, Post graduates and Staff and local practitioners welcomed the CME center addition to the college. GMCANA Office also will be located in the CME center with an employee of our own who will be coordinating our projects at GMC/GGH.

This has been Secretary Ravikumar Tripuraneni who donated $10,000 for the project in addition to sending all the necessary medical CD ROMS, software, videocassettes etc. .

We are requesting alumni to send any CDs of medical interest including various journals or videocassettes etc to our Secretary [Ravikumar Tripuraneni (tel: 530-246-4420) at 3644 SunbirdCourt, Redding,CA_96001] so he can send them to the CME center for use by students, PGs and Staff. It seems quite a few of the students and PGs are well acquainted with the use of computers in Guntur.

Motivation: Dr.N.Venkateswara Rao, Coordinator of GMCANA consulted Dr.Anji Reddy, Superintendent, GGH, during December 1998 regarding the offer of modern operation theatre with the financial assistance of Dr.Babu Rajendra Prasad & Dr.Sudha Prasad through GMCANA. After further discussions, it was planned to have an Emergency Operation Theatre which is a longfelt need of this hospital. This will provide ideal conditions to Surgeons and Obstetricians to perform even complicated emergency operations to the benefit of poor patients coming to Government General Hospital. Finances: It was decided after discussing with the district administration that all the civil work will be financed by the funds provided by Dr.Babu Prasad and the equipment and other facilities will be provided from government sources. Dr.Babu Prasad and Dr.Sudha Prasad donated Rs.15.00 lacs to the construction work. Equipment worth Rs.8.00 lacs was purchased through MP LADS funds allotted by Sri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao(Rs.4.00 lacs) and Sri Yadlapati Venkata Rao(Rs.4.00 lacs). Further facilities like Oxygen pipeline, some electrical works, surgical instruments, OT linen etc., are provided from State Government funds to a tune of nearly Rs.2.00 lacs.

Execution: supervision of R&B engineers and architect S.Rajeswara Rao. The equipment was purchased by the hospital authorities. Ground breaking ceremony was performed by Sri Shashank Goel, I.A.S., District Collector and Chairman of Hospital Development Society on 4th April, 1999 and the entire work was completed in the 1st week of November inspite of numerous hurdles. Please click here for a picture of the OR during construction.

Facilities Provided: 1. Ideally located nearer the surgical wards, labor wards and x-ray department and provided with a fully covered ramp facility for easy transport of the patients. 2. Spacious, well ventilated, elegantly tiled 3 operation rooms (one for surgery, one for gynecology one for septic cases). 3. Sterilization room with large horizontal sterilizer and bowl sterilizer. 4. Washing room for soiled linen 5. Well planned, furnished rooms for surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and employees 6. Air conditioned with split air conditioners 7. 24 hours water supply with separate overhead tank 8. Generator facility in case of power breakdown 9. Central Oxygen, nitrous oxide pipeline with vacuum suction 10. 3 Modern operation tables, ceiling lights, pulse oximeter, monitor, defibrillator, suction, diathermy and refrigerator 11. New surgical instruments and OT linen 12. Boyle's apparatus with all necessary anesthetic equipment.

Dr.Babu Prasad has arranged to take a team of surgeons from Prairie Surgical associates (Central Illinois Medical volunteers next week to GGH Guntur to look into the feasibility of taking state of the art medical equipment to GGH and train physicians and nurses and leave the equipment costing over $100,000 there. They will be visiting in the first week of February, 2000.