The News – 11 Nov 2014

Overview

  • Australians are being asked to pause for a second minute of silence on Remembrance Day to honour those veterans who have taken their own lives after returning from battle.
  • Complaints of “the most serious unprofessional conduct” regarding Philip Nitschke have been referred to a Northern Territory tribunal in a move that could see the voluntary euthanasia advocate stripped of his medical registration.
  • Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has appointed a yoga minister in a major revamp of his government, in a bid to promote the ancient practice.


Stories Discussed

News on Health Professional Radio. Today is the 11th November 2014. Read by Rebecca Foster.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-10/rememberance-day-second-minute-of-silence/5878754

Australians are being asked to pause for a second minute of silence on Remembrance Day to honour those veterans who have taken their own lives after returning from battle.

The support group Soldier On said 103 serving Defence personnel have killed themselves since 2001, nearly triple Australia’s combat toll in Afghanistan.

John Bale, a 30-year-old veteran with two Afghanistan deployments under his belt, founded Soldier On to help other returning soldiers.

He said he wanted Australians to pause … for a second minute of silence.

“Australians should pause] to remember those who have come back and unfortunately succumbed to their wounds,” he said.

“Especially in such a important time in our history … the centenary of ANZAC.”

Soldier On said more resources are needed to help veterans face their second war – the emotional and psychological one they battle when they arrive home.

There have been seven suicides already this year, not including veterans.

But anecdotally the toll is far higher.

The DVA and ADF are often quick to comment that suicide is not the military’s problem but rather society’s as a whole.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-10/misconduct-complaints-against-nitschke-referred-to-tribunal/5880414

Complaints of “the most serious unprofessional conduct” regarding Philip Nitschke have been referred to a Northern Territory tribunal in a move that could see the voluntary euthanasia advocate stripped of his medical registration.

The Medical Board of Australia said it had referred Dr Nitschke to the Northern Territory’s Health Professional Review Tribunal on 12 counts, including “allegations of professional misconduct and unprofessional conduct”.

The board said it had received “a number” of complaints against Dr Nitschke, who is already suspended from practising as a medical practitioner.

An appeal against that suspension has begun in Darwin.

The allegations from the board mean a tribunal hearing will be held “in due course” and ultimately decide if Dr Nitschke will be permitted to continue practising as a doctor.

Dr Nitschke has questioned why the complaints were not made public a long time ago.

Speaking in Darwin, he said he had no idea what the allegations related to as the board had not contacted him or his lawyer.

Dr Nitschke has been accused of moving into uncharted territory by agreeing to assist Mr Brayley despite knowing he was not terminally ill.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-10/india-prime-minister-repositions-his-cabinet-with-the-addit/5880402

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has appointed a yoga minister in a major revamp of his government, in a bid to promote the ancient practice.

Yoga-loving Mr Modi beefed up his right-wing government on Sunday by appointing 21 new ministers, with the aim of speeding up reforms to revive the faltering economy.

Among the portfolios designated was that of AAYUSH, whose minister will be charged with promoting the traditional medicines and practices of Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy.

Hindu nationalist Mr Modi, a vegetarian who practises yoga daily, asked the United Nations in September to consider an international yoga day.

During his visit to the United States, Mr Modi also discussed the ancient Indian discipline with president Barack Obama during their dinner at the White House.

“Congratulations to all colleagues who have taken oath today. Looking forward to working with them to accelerate India’s development journey,” Mr Modi said in a tweet late Sunday.

Mr Modi added four new ministers to his cabinet, and 17 junior ministers for a 66-member strong government including the prime minister.

AAYUSH was previously part of the health minister’s responsibility, but has become a separate portfolio after the reshuffle, with former tourism minister Shripad Yesso Naik taking charge.

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