Police in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident that occurred on Monday and involved a Linden taxi driver allegedly being beaten by Police ranks attached to the Mackenzie Police Station.The incident, alleged to have occurred at the Wisroc-Amelia’s Ward minibus park in Linden, reportedly occurred in full view of the public, and was recorded by bystanders, who posted the incident on social media. According to reports, the incident was sparked after the taxi driver, accosted by ranks for a minor traffic violation, failed to report to the Mackenzie Police Station.In a cell phone video which was posted on social media and was viewed by this publication, the ranks could be seen attempting to arrest the driver by handcuffing him and forcing him into a Police vehicle. A rank was also observed hitting the driver as he was being led to a Police vehicle. By then a large crowd had gathered, and several other ranks were observed on the scene.This driver, who later spoke to this publication at the Mackenzie Police Station, related that he had stopped his car at a corner, and was accosted by Police who had advised him to park further up the road.He explained however, that the only place he could have driven to was inside the park which is located a short distance away, since according to him there was no other space available.The driver went on to state that when he got there, the Police started to write him a ticket for failing to stop 30 feet away from the corner.The driver added that he was then told that another offence was being added after he questioned why the process of writing him a ticket was taking so long. He said he was then told that he was required to proceed to the station, to which he said he refused since according to him he viewed it as a ticketable offence.Following the incident, a number of persons who witnessed the altercation turned up at the Police Station alleging that “Police brutality” was meted out against the driver. “This is a quiet, quiet boy! If you see how he (Police) kick he up!” one person alleged. “They can’t do that to this boy! If they make this boy walk out of here without any satisfaction, we taking a bus and we going Eve Leary, to the Commissioner, because they wrong!” another irate resident stated.‘E’ Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Commander Anthony Vanderhyden has said the matter is being investigated. He said a case file was being prepared to be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward in relation to the incident. The Policemen involved in the incident were on Monday questioned and were also required to give statements, along with the driver and other witnesses.Detectives have also questioned persons who were on the scene. read more

…as “unbelievable” reduction in foreign currency continuesAs Guyana’s foreign currency reserves continue to deplete daily, there are no signs of this changing anytime soon, especially with the $30 billion syndicated bond that was recently secured by the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to assist with revitalisation of the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).This is according to Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who told a news conference on Wednesday that when the spending of the $30 billion bond begins, it will substantially increase the demand for foreign currency and put pressure on the reserves.“What will happen is: it will put enormous…even more pressure on the foreign currency holdings, because you have more Guyana dollars being spent chasing the same supply of currency… In fact, not the same amount, because it is falling; it is declining because sugar earns less foreign currency…because of the drop-in production and exports, and other sectors have not been doing that well, like forestry,” he stated.Jagdeo said that, from all indications, there has been an unbelievable shortage of currency at the Central Bank. The reserves, according to him, have been declining, and there is no have foreign currency to meet their obligations.“So we are going to have some major problems in the near future. And so we areOpposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeogoing to see this evolve a bit more, because you can’t hide it for long. This is not the end of the problem,” he added.He referred to his last budget debate presentation, when he spoke about how much of the National Budget (the economy) is funded from domestic saving rather than foreign inflows.“It’s above 90 per cent. It used to be, in our era, about 50 percent each of national domestic expenditure funded from foreign sources, and 50 percent from domestic savings, and now it’s gone up,” he pointed out.CrackdownGovernment recently announced plans to implement a crackdown after it was found that local businesses were not abiding by Bank of Guyana (BoG) Act 1998 by trading US dollars where businesses are accepting foreign currency for the purpose of settling payments for transactions, instead of Guyana dollars.A statement from the Bank of Guyana (BoG) stated that pursuant to section (20) of the Act, all monetary obligations or transactions in Guyana shall be settled in Guyana dollars. It reminded also that only banks and licensed cambios were authorised to conduct buying and selling of foreign currencies, while noting that penalties were attached for violations, which include fines and imprisonment.But Jagdeo said that despite plans for a crackdown, based on his party’s intelligence, there have been reports about alleged meetings with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and calls from the Central Bank to persons demanding that they have to sell part of their money to the bank or to the Gold Board.With the recent influx of foreign shoppers into Guyana, Chinese businesses have been receiving enormous sales, and have been engaged in trading US dollars. This is something the BoG said it is aware of because it has received complaints in this regard. The BoG has also said this is lending to the issue of foreign currency shortage, and has cautioned these businesses must desist from this practice, as it plans to investigate thoroughly.But former Presidential Advisor and Economist Ramon Gaskin has since advised that the BoG and Government look at persecuting those found culpable instead of issuing basic reminders. He feels that unless businesses and persons are made an example, people would not take the warnings seriously.In March 2018, the Statistical Abstract published by the Bank of Guyana reported that the net international foreign currency reserves at the Central Bank were US$498.5 million, a 16 per cent decrease from 12 months prior, which economists and financial analysts had said it is worrying.They have argued that Guyana’s export sectors are under a clear and present danger as the Finance Ministry continues to under serve them, which has also led to a decline in the international reserves. These international reserves are composed of cash and other assets denominated in mainly US dollars.The foreign currency inflows also from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are set to decrease by a further US$10 million over 2018 as a result of the closure of three more estates. (Samuel Sukhnandan) read more

The Italian was even interpreted as suggesting that the United manager may be suffering from “dementia” after Mourinho had made a reference, 24 hours earlier, to his own behaviour and the fact that he no longer acts “like a clown”.Initially, Mourinho appeared to be backing Conte following the furore caused by his words on Thursday — only then to make the reference to match-fixing.“I was asked about my passion and, you know, I was speaking about myself and then the question to the Chelsea manager was that I said he behaved like a clown,” said Mourinho.“Probably the journalist wanted to say that but didn’t have the courage so he said ‘Mourinho said you behaved like a clown’.“I don’t blame the Chelsea manager at all and I understand his reaction. I was speaking about myself, saying I don’t need to behave like a clown to show passion.”Mourinho referred to his managerial antics earlier in his career and said he had not lost his passion.Chelsea’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (pictured) made comments interpreted as suggesting that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho may be suffering from dementia © AFP / Adrian DENNIS“I celebrated goals running 50 metres, I celebrated goals sliding on my knees, celebrations jumping in the crowd. I’m not free of that, especially if we score a winning goal in a specific moment I am not free to have an out-of-control reaction.“What I was trying to say that I behave bad a few times and this moment I control myself better. It doesn’t mean my passion is not the same. So wrong question and obviously a strong answer and I don’t blame.”The United boss — no stranger to controversy — then changed tack and referenced match-fixing.“What has never happened to me and will never happen is to be suspended for match-fixing. That never happened to me and it will never happen.”– Match-fixing –The surprising reference to “match-fixing” drew a follow-up question as to whether it was directly aimed at Conte.The Chelsea boss was acquitted of sporting fraud charges in 2016. Prosecutors had requested a six-month suspended sentence following accusations he failed to report episodes of match-fixing while in charge at Serie B side Siena in 2011.The former Italy manager — who has always denied any wrongdoing — served a four-month ban in relation to the affair in 2012.But when mention was made of the accusations against Conte, Mourinho said: “Did he? Not me.”Mourinho’s reference to that controversy was just the latest twist in a verbal spat between the managers that seemed to have reached a climax earlier in the day when Conte was quizzed by reporters.The most contentious of Conte’s comments came when he used an Italian expression, “demenza senile” — senile dementia.“I think he (Mourinho) has to see himself in the past, maybe he was speaking about himself in the past, yeah?” said Conte.“Maybe sometimes, someone forgets what they said or his behaviour and sometimes I think there is, I don’t know the name, ‘demenza senile’, when you are a bit…”Conte tapped his temple as he spoke, and was asked to clarify his comment. “It is like amnesia, when you can’t remember things,” he said.Chelsea later tried to distance Conte from claims he had suggested his rival has dementia, saying he simply meant amnesia.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho is no stranger to controversy © AFP / Lindsey PARNABYMANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan 6 – Jose Mourinho intensified his war of words with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in bizarre fashion after his team’s FA Cup victory over Derby on Friday, apparently referencing a match-fixing scandal in Italy.The Manchester United manager was responding to comments made by Conte earlier in the day in which he appeared to make disparaging statements about Mourinho. read more

Hierro, who also had a spell with Bolton in the Premier League at the end of his playing career, knows he can have little influence on the way the team is prepared to enter the tournament but will do the best he can with the hand he has been dealt.“It is a nice challenge and an exciting one,” he told reporters at a press conference in Krasnador.“The circumstances are what they are and from now on I accept the responsibility bravely, it can’t be any other way.“We have a group of players who have been together for two years to work towards the World Cup and I have been sporting director, so I understand the motivation is huge.“We cannot alter two years of hard work in the coming days – from now until the Portugal match, we don’t have the ability to change much.“They key is to change as little as possible. We cannot change anything in two days.”Earlier in the day, Spain delayed a press conference at the same venue by well over an hour before Rubiales announced he had dismissed Lopetegui – pointing the finger of blame at Real Madrid, rather than the outgoing coach.“We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the best of luck,” he said.“I don’t want to get into how Real Madrid should go about things. The Spanish team is the team of all Spain.“If it had been up to Julen it wouldn’t have happened in this way and I wouldn’t have found out five minutes beforehand.“The negotiation occurred without the RFEF having any information. (We were told) just five minutes before the press release. We have a way of behaving that needs to be adhered to.“Obviously there was some sort of problem with communication but we can’t be expected to find out about something like this five minutes (before the announcement) and not take the necessary decisions.”On Wednesday evening the federation said Carlos Marchena, Julian Calero and Juan Carlos Martinez Castrejon would offer assistance to Hierro in Russia, with Calero acting as his immediate number two. 2 New Spain manager Fernando Hierro and the head of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales 2 Hierro made 89 appearances for Spain as a player Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales removed Lopetegui from the post just two days before the national team’s Group B opener against Portugal.Rubiales had been riled by being told of Lopetegui’s decision to take the Real job just five minutes before it was made public.Former Spain and Real Madrid captain Hierro, who moves from his role as the team’s director of football, was presented to the press at the Krasnodar Stadium on Wednesday afternoon before getting to work in his new post. Fernando Hierro will be Spain’s manager for the 2018 World Cup after it was announced the former Real Madrid and Bolton man would replace Julen Loptegui.Loptegui was given the chop just one day after it was confirmed he would take over as Real Madrid boss at the climax of Spain’s campaign in Russia. read more

The Raphoe Macra make their cheque presentation.Saturday night last saw a wonderful charity cheque presentation from the Proper Job Macra from Raphoe.The group presented a cheque for a fantastic €13,750.00 to the Irish Cancer Society.The money was raised from a series of events, including a chairty auction in Raphoe livestock mart and a barndance in glenmaquin. All events were held as part of their main event, a cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head. Well done to all involved. MACRA RAPHOE DO A PROPER JOB WITH WONDERFUL CHEQUE PRESENTATION was last modified: August 19th, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:cheque presentationMacraRaphoe read more

MOTORING: Divers Hyundai Garage are bringing back their HUGE scrap-page package for their loyal band of customers. Management at Divers said that with 152 July registrations approaching fast they’ve have decided to offer their customers the choice of TWO HUGE incentives.Any orders placed during the month of June for July 152 reg, potential Hyundai consumers will receive FIVE years FREE servicing package to compliment Ireland’s best warranty Who wouldn’t be interested in:5yrs unlimited mileage warranty (fully manufacturer backed)5yrs AA membership and roadside assist5yrs free vehicle health checks and 5yrs free servicingGavin Flanagan told Donegal Daily, “For those customers who have an older vehicle, they will have the option of availing of up to €4,000 in scrappage instead of the service package.“We have one of the most competitive PCP finance packages on the market at present with extremely competitive rates.“So there has never been a better time to enquire about your Hyundai of choice.“We really do have something for everyone. “Why not call in  TODAY and find out more about our open weekend which is taking place on Saturday and Sunday 6th-7th of June.You may also spot the Hyundai Hub parked in various towns around the county over the next week.The hub will be present at this weekends sheep shearing competition in Burt.Why not Pop in and check for yourself what your cost to change would be by simply entering your car registration and let our iPad tell you wat to expect for your car on a trade in and what your payments are likely to be..Staff will be at hand to answer any queries you may have and assist you through the process. DIVERS HYUNDAI GARAGE BRING BACK HUGE SCRAPPAGE PACKAGE FOR CUSTOMERS was last modified: May 27th, 2015 by Mark ForkerShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:BusinessDivers Garage HyundaiFeaturesnews read more

It seems to me that most trade conferences have settled into a consistent rhythm—pre-conference classes and committee meetings, a trade show that lasts several days with a show floor and short seminars that attendees move between, and one or two big speeches that resemble tent revivals. I recently attended the International Builders Show, AKA IBS (which Leah Thayer pointed out also stands for irritable bowel syndrome), in Orlando, Florida. IBS used to be enormous—you could spend days walking the show floor and not see everything. Unfortunately for NAHB—but fortunately for attendees—the housing industry downturn has led to a much smaller and more manageable show.The good, the bad, the ugly, and a few just plain silly productsI spent a good portion of my three days in Orlando on the show floor, checking out both new and old products, and ran across a few that I think deserve mention. Just for fun, I’ll start with the silly stuff, some of which falls into the bad and ugly categories. Among the usual collection of windows, insulation, and other building products, I ran across a couple of very strange booths. My favorite goofy item was the plastic Tiki Hut structure on display. Close behind that was the booth full of enormous bronze sculptures. Other choice items were two different vinyl siding companies with “log” patterns, and plantation shutters with tiny little solar panels on each louver.On the good side, I ran across a product from Tech-Wood—a wood-polypropylene composite, available in lap siding and railing patterns, that looks promising. I was also impressed by the dedication to healthy housing shown by Push Design, a North Carolina company that specializes in natural building materials and techniques, including hemp insulation imported from England. I liked the Huber Engineered Woods booth, full of cool demonstrations of Zip System products’ performance. Zip System is apparently very well tested, although I still have some concerns about quality control in the field, as I do with most moisture management products. Ultra-Aire exhibited a line of whole house dehumidifiers with outside air intakes and MERV 8 filters. All units are ENERGY STAR rated and look promising, particularly for high-performance homes in humid climates. Cosella-Dorken continues to expand its Delta line of moisture management products, including new weather barriers and flashing tapes.Lightly attended seminarsI sat in on several seminars, most of which were sparsely attended. It may have been wishful thinking, but most of the sessions were held in rooms that were often more than 75% empty. Peter Pfeiffer and John Freer gave a solid talk on Effective Green Building and Design, providing both the architect’s and the contractor’s views on how to accomplish high-performance homes. Another presentation by Steve Bertasso about cost-effective green practices in affordable housing was basic, but mostly accurate. I appreciated the fact that he gave a pretty reasonable estimate of the cost of certification rather than throw out a lowball figure like many people do. Another good presentation about green scopes of work by Foster Lyons was eerily familiar to one I give about trade contractor management, but I guess great minds just think alike.The best presentations had the fewest presenters. One of the big problems I have with most conferences is the inconsistent quality of the seminars. There is too much beginner-level information, too much repetition, and—since few speakers are paid for their time, let alone their expenses—the quality is inconsistent.The verdictAs much as NAHB doesn’t like it, I think a smaller show is a better one. The show floor, while large, was still manageable, and people who came for a day had enough time to see just about everything. I think the seminar structure needs a major reworking to include fewer concurrent sessions and eliminate duplication. I would like to see more advanced sessions, and sets of sessions that combine into specific subject tracks that build on each other to provide a solid block of information. If I was in charge (and let’s be thankful I’m not), I would have fewer live seminars, have them all streaming live on the web as well as available for later viewing, keep the show floor size down, and move it to a better city—one that doesn’t require taxis and buses to get everywhere. It’s time for trade shows to rethink their structure and look for alternative ways to deliver their message, provide benefit for attendees, and make money. read more

How Intelligent Data Addresses the Chasm in Cloud One of the most common questions I hear about Google’s new Chromecast gadget is, “What can I watch on it?” That’s a fair question, considering that Google only mentioned a few streaming resources—primarily YouTube and Netflix—at its press event last week.That’s because only four services (see below) currently support the Google Cast technology that lets you beam streaming video straight to your TV from the Web, using a phone or tablet as a remote control. But you don’t have to rely on streaming providers to adopt Google Cast. You can also stream to Chromecast from the Chrome browser on a PC or Mac, thanks to a process Google calls tab casting.That expands your immediate horizons quite a bit. And app developers big and small are also looking to jump on the Chromecast bandwagon, which would further open things up. Related Posts adriana lee Casting from a computer is a stop-gap measure—some fill-in functionality to keep you going until more streaming companies support Chromecast directly. By the looks of it, a lot of them are interested in doing just that.That’s to Google’s credit. When it unveiled Chromecast, it also debuted a Google Cast software developer kit. With this SDK, app makers can easily build in Chromecast support for new and existing mobile and Web apps, says the tech giant, in less than 200 lines of code. If Google isn’t exaggerating things, that’s pretty simple.To recap, Google managed to release cheap streaming devices that are in high demand, and it appears to have paved the way for developers to climb onto the Chromecast bandwagon. So even if you’re disappointed by what Chromecast offers at this moment, the odds seem good that more streams will be flowing your way before much longer.Images by Madeleine Weiss for ReadWrite Tags:#cloud#connected TV#media#streaming Your current options, however, vary depending on your tech setup and other factors, so read on to see the breakdown of what you can watch, and how, using Chromecast.Streaming Resources That Support ChromecastGoogle devised a creative method of streaming that, upon demand, enables Chromecast to pull in the requested media directly from the Web. For services that support this, the TV streaming action starts by tapping a “cast” button or link that sits directly in those websites and/or mobile apps.Out of the box, the Chromecast works with a small group of “starter” services:Netflix – mobile app and websiteYouTube – mobile app and websiteGoogle Play Movies & TV – mobile app (Android only)Google Play Music – mobile app (Android only)Since these streams flow in from the Internet, there’s no major battery or performance hit for the originating smartphone, tablet or laptop. And those devices can control the playback, pause and volume rather easily. (See also: 10 Things You Need To Know About Google’s New Chromecast)Google doesn’t offer iOS apps for its own Play services, and oddly enough I couldn’t find a “cast” option on their websites. I did, however, manage to stream them from my laptop via tab casting.Resources That Work Via Tab Casting Tab casting, a beta feature, essentially lets the Chromecast mirror one of your Chrome browser tabs. This allows you to play local files, shared online playlists and other streaming media websites.Via tab casting, in fact, you can watch (or listen to) a whole bunch of stuff, including:Amazon Instant Video; ABC; AOL; CBSCrackle; Fox; Google Plus photos/slideshowsHBO Go; Justin.tv; NBCMLB.TV; Pandora; Plex; Post TVQello; Rdio; Revision 3; SlackerSongza; Spotify; Vimeo Top Reasons to Go With Managed WordPress Hosting Cloud Hosting for WordPress: Why Everyone is Mo… See also: The Chromecast App Drought Breaks, Sort of, As Hulu Signs OnAnd much, much more. Coincidentally (or not), many of these streaming services are looking at Chromecast integration similar to what Netflix and YouTube offer. Google spotlighted Pandora, and HBO is looking into Chromecast support. Meanwhile, Plex, Redbox Instant and Vimeo, among others, are hinting (often broadly) at their interest as well. See also: 5 Cool Chromecast Hacks And WorkaroundsWhile all that Chromecast integration gets underway, what you need to know about tab casting is that it works on most streaming sites, excepting videos that use the Silverlight and Quicktime plugins. I tried Apple’s Quicktime-based online movie trailers, for instance, and the audio stubbornly stayed on the computer. It simply refused to pipe to the TV. [T]ab casting only works on tabs from Chrome’s desktop browser (for now); no mobile version on any platform can cast tabs.There are other catches as well. Tab casting works best if the source computer has decent processing power and works off a solid Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, lags and stutters will likely plague the stream. In addition, tab casting only works on tabs from Chrome’s desktop browser (for now); no mobile version on any platform can cast tabs.Tab-casted streams aren’t controllable via mobile devices either. You have to go back to the original computer to stop, pause or scrub the playback, and without benefit of a dedicated TV-oriented interface. File types can also make a big difference. Here’s what Google listed under “Supported Media Types”: All Google Cast devices at a minimum support the following media types:Video codecs: H.264 High Profile Level 4.1, 4.2 and 5, VP8 Audio decoding: HE-AAC, LC-AAC, CELT/OPUS, MP3 Containers: MP4/CENC, WebM, MPEG-DASH, SmoothStreaming Level 1 DRM support: Widevine, Playready Subtitles: TTML – Timed Text Markup Language WebVTT – Web Video Text TracksIf you’re not well-versed in audio or video codecs, here’s a general rule of thumb: In most cases, media that plays fine in a Chrome browser tab can be sent to and played by Chromecast. But also know that in some cases, audio playback could suffer somewhat. See also: Have Chromecast, Will Travel … Er, Maybe NotIf you have local files that Chrome won’t open, and can only play it in a separate standalone computer program, you could play it and cast your entire desktop to the TV. But this an act of desperation. Screen casting doesn’t pipe audio to Chromecast, and the stream can be buggy, especially if you don’t have a powerful computer. Still, if you’re so inclined, it’s something you can play around with. To try it, open the Chrome browser on your desktop, hit the “cast” extensions button, click the small arrow to release a drop-down menu, and choose “Cast entire screen (experimental).”More Will Come Streaming In Soon Serverless Backups: Viable Data Protection for … read more

You have no control over whether the CEO you have been working with on a deal leaves the company to start a new venture of their own the week they were supposed to sign your contract. Nor do you have any control over the fact that the rest of the CEO’s team decides to wait for the new CEO to make the final decision. You may have done everything right up to this point and still end up with a deal that is at risk.Your main contact is the CEO of the Problem you have been working on together, and she is taking your proposal to the Board of Directors for final approval, expecting that the signature is a formality. Neither of you have any idea that one of the board members has a personal and professional relationship with your competitor and that he is going to ask her to meet with them before the Board makes a decision.The company that you have been working on for just over three years is growing fast and capturing market share. They’re getting a lot of attention, including yours. The deal that you have been working on will help them accelerate their growth even more, and everyone believes it is the right next step. Your contacts were just notified that the company is being purchased and that they should not make any significant decisions or spend money now.Then, there is this: “We’ve had a change in priorities. We aren’t going to do anything here this year.”This list could on for a long time. There are innumerable variations of “deal killers” that, despite your very best efforts, can derail your deal—and your goals. Because this is true, the best thing you can do to prevent missing your goals is to hedge, to have enough deals that the loss of one deal doesn’t prevent you from reaching them. The bigger the deal you are working on, the greater your need to hedge.There is part of selling that is opportunity capture, doing the work to win new opportunities. This is the part most salespeople love. There is another part, however, that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves, nor does it command enough time and energy, and that is opportunity creation. This is the part that starts with prospecting.Because there are downside risks that are unavoidable, protecting yourself from the hand of fate requires the hedge that is creating enough opportunities to offset your risks. Get the Free eBook! Learn how to sell without a sales manager. Download my free eBook! You need to make sales. You need help now. We’ve got you covered. This eBook will help you Seize Your Sales Destiny, with or without a manager. Download Now read more

A woman who went into labour while she was on her way to hospital lost her newborn child allegedly due to lack of stretchers late on Monday night. An “out-of-order” elevator at Aurangabad’s Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) further forced her to climb the stairs to reach the labour room.The furore over the alleged negligence prompted the State Health Ministry on Wednesday to order a probe. “It is an unfortunate incident and we are gathering details about what transpired. I have ordered a probe and if the authorities are found guilty, they will be investigated against,” said State Health Minister Eknath Shinde.According to reports, the woman, a resident of neighbouring Jalna district, was with her mother in Aurangabad city when she started experiencing labour pains. Her relatives said there were no ward boys or stretchers at GMCH when they reached the hospital. The lift also was not working, forcing her to climb the stairs to reach the labour room on the third floor. Her relatives allege that she delivered the child while climbing the stairs and that the baby slipped, fell on the floor, and died. However, GMCH Medical Superintendent Kailash Jine, while acknowledging the shortage of stretchers, said it could not be confirmed whether the baby indeed slipped on the floor and died due to injuries.Meanwhile, the incident drew sharp condemnation from the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress.“This is extremely shocking…the sheer ineptness of the GMCH has resulted in a traumatic experience for the lady and her family. Unless the government takes stern action against the hospital, the Congress will agitate on the streets,” said Abdul Sattar, Congress MLA from Sillod in Aurangabad.“It appears that the State Government’s medical provision system is on a ventilator,” said NCP spokeperson Chitra Wagh.Ms. Wagh said that the GCMH was notorious for its decrepit instrumentation and lack of amenities and that this incident had merely underscored its dysfunctional state once again.“The hospital is frequently short of medicines due to lack of governmental funds while its two CT scan machines are out of order. At least 30 of its 84 ventilators are not serviceable,” Ms. Wagh said, hitting out at the inefficiency of the ruling BJP government and its health schemes for the poor. read more