Journal of Hospital Administration

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2019 replaces the old Act but maintains its objective of protecting the consumers. It is more of a consumer-centered Act which emphasizes on the interests and convenience of the consumer as well as on the duties and responsibilities of the goods and service providers. The mistrust between doctors and patients/relatives is increasing day by day. CPA 2019 further strengths the right of the patients as consumer and makes the Medical practitioner more prone to compensation cases. The Medical profession has neither been included but at the same time nor has been excluded from the bill. The government has just taken ‘healthcare’ out of inclusion list, but it has not been included in the exclusion list. So, the Medical Negligence cases are still under the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act by a prevailing judgment of the Honorable Supreme Court. Hence, it is vital that medical professionals be aware of the various aspects of the CPA 2019, especially those that are relevant to their profession.

Keywords: Consumer Protection Act 2019; Consumer Protection Rules, Health care; Doctor; Patient; Consumer; Service provider; Professional liability

In this study six sigma, DMAIC was applied to the IP pharmacy (one of the most revenue generating department of the hospital) in order to reduce the medication turnaround time. Six sigma was found beneficial in reducing the overall average turnaround time from 75.4 minutes to 61.58 minutes(t test 6.72; p<.05), average turnaround time for normal indent was reduced from 79.2 minutes to 65.41 minutes & average turnaround time for the urgent indent was reduced from 43.8 minutes to 30.13 minutes. There was also seen an improvement in the sigma level. Hence it was concluded that six sigma is beneficial management tool that can be used to reduce turnaround times.

Keywords: Six sigma; Hospital; Pharmacy.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is unexpected death due to cardiac causes that occurs within one hour from the start of symptoms and within 24 h of being seen alive. The prevalence of SCD is significant in India, but the awareness for routine health care screening for early diagnosis and prevention of the risk of SCD is still lacking in general population, particularly in the younger age group. Forensic Pathologists has a unique opportunity to study the SCDs in relating to different organic and functional causes. The authors have conducted this study of such Sudden Cardiac Deaths with the aim to study and analyze the demographic profile and associated risk factors. A total of 100 cases were studied. The age range of the cases included in the study was from 19 years to 68 years with average being 44.3 ± 12.4 years. The male: female ratio was found to be 6.14. 50 cases were smokers, 46 had history of alcohol consumption, 29 cases were hypertensive and 15 cases were diabetic. The non-modifiable risk factor like family history of cardiac arrest was seen in 19 % cases. 51% had evidence of prodromal symptoms and 40% deaths occurred at home. The authors conclude that regular follow up of blood pressure, blood sugar level, blood cholesterol level, changing of life style like cessation of smoking, moderate exercise, low carbohydrate and lipid diets, fruits and vegetable consumption, reducing obesity, and controlling the risk factors would be helpful to eliminate the risk of SCD, particularly in males, and will enhance the life expectancy even if primary atherosclerotic changes have started.

Keywords: Sudden Cardiac Death; Coronary Artery Disease; Atherosclerosis; Cardiac Risk Factors