Prevention and management of childhood progressive myopia: National consensus guidelines

Myopia is a major public health problem worldwide, including India, with the global prevalence of myopia increasing rapidly over decades. The clinical and socioeconomic impact of myopia is also expected to rise with rising prevalence. Therefore, the focus has now been shifted to prevent the incidence and progression of myopia. However, there is lack of any standardized guidelines for myopia management. This document aims to generate a national-level expert consensus statement on the management of childhood myopia in the Indian scenario. The expert panel of pediatric ophthalmologists consisted of 63 members who met in a hybrid meeting. A list of topics deliberating discussion in the meeting was provided to the experts in advance and they were instructed to provide their opinions on the matter during the meet. The panel of experts then gave their views on each of the items presented, deliberated on different aspects of childhood myopia, and reached a consensus regarding the practice patterns in the Indian scenario. In case of opposing views or lack of a clear consensus, we undertook further discussion and evaluated literature to help arrive at a consensus. A written document is prepared based on recommendations explaining definition of myopia, refraction techniques, components and methods of workup, initiation of anti-myopia treatment, type and timing of interventions, follow-up schedule, and indications for revised or combination treatment. This article formulates evidence-based guidelines for progressing myopes and pre-myopes and also establishes uniformity in the management of childhood myopia in the country.

Long-term outcomes of single monocular resection–recession in adult sensory strabismus and factors affecting the postoperative drift

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcome of horizontal strabismus surgery in patients having sensory strabismus and to analyze the factors that affect the postoperative drift in these patients over a follow?up of three years. Methods: This was a retrospective case series. Patients aged ?18 years, having low vision (visual acuity ?20/60) in one eye, and undergoing horizontal strabismus surgery (standard recess–resect procedures) in the same eye were recruited. All patients were advised patching of the good eye six weeks prior and continued for six weeks post strabismus surgery. We excluded patients who had paralytic disorders, motility defects, or those with chronic systemic conditions. Patients with a minimum follow?up of three years were recruited. Results: The study included 56 patients whose mean age was 22.9 ± 4.93 years. Exotropia (n = 38; 67.8%) was more common than esotropia (n = 18; 32.1%). Preoperative visual acuity was 1.1 ± 0.85 (range perception of light to 6/18p). The cause of low vision was amblyopia (n = 30; 53.5%) followed by trauma (n = 22; 39.2%). The mean preoperative distance deviation was 57.7 ± 15.5 PD in the primary position (range: 20–65 PD). The success rate of exotropia (78.9%) was more than esotropia (52.9%) at three years. Two patients with esotropia were overcorrected. All patients with exotropia showed an exotropic drift with time. Conclusion: The motor alignment after a single recession– resection procedure was satisfactory at the long?term in our cohort of sensory strabismus. The duration or extent of visual impairment had no relation to the postoperative outcome.

Role of swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography in imaging pediatric cataract

Purpose: To determine the morphology of pediatric cataracts and assess the status of the anterior and posterior capsules preoperatively on swept?source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) and compare the findings to those of intraoperative examination. Secondly, we aimed to obtain biometric measurements on ASOCT and compare them to those obtained on A?scan/optical methods. Methods: This was a prospective and observational study carried out at a tertiary care referral institute. ASOCT scans for anterior segment were obtained preoperatively for all patients, aged <8 years, scheduled for paediatric cataract surgery. The morphology of the lens and capsule and biometry were performed on ASOCT and the same were assessed intraoperatively. The main outcome measures were comparison of ASOCT findings to intraoperative findings. Results: The study included 33 eyes of 29 patients (range 3 months–8 years). The morphological characterization of cataract on ASOCT was accurate in 31/33 (94%) cases. ASOCT accurately identified fibrosis and rupture of the anterior and posterior capsules in 32/33 (97%) cases each. In 30% of eyes, ASOCT gave additional information preoperatively compared to the slit lamp. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation revealed a good agreement between the keratometry values obtained on ASOCT and those obtained preoperatively with a handheld/optical keratometer (ICC = 0.86, P = 0.001). Conclusion: ASOCT is a valuable tool that could provide complete preoperative information of the lens and capsule in pediatric cataract cases. In children as young as 3 months of age, intraoperative risks and surprises could be diminished. The keratometric readings are highly dependent on patient cooperation but show good agreement with the handheld/optical keratometer readings.

Spectrum of congenital and inherited ocular disorders seen in a genetic clinic: Experience of a developing ocular genetic service

Purpose: Hereditary causes are an important etiological category of childhood blindness. This study reports the real?world experience of a developing ocular genetic service. Methods: The study was carried out from Jan 2020 to Dec 2021 jointly by the Pediatric Genetic Clinic and the Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary care hospital in North?West India. Children presenting to the genetic clinic with congenital or late?onset ocular disorder(s) and any individual (irrespective of age) suffering from an ophthalmic disorder and referred by an ophthalmologist for genetic counseling for himself/herself and/or his/her family member(s) were included. Genetic testing (exome sequencing/panel?based sequencing/chromosomal microarray) was outsourced to third?party laboratories with the cost of the test being borne by the patient. Results: Exactly 8.6% of the registered patients in the genetic clinic had ocular disorders. Maximum number of patients belonged to the category of anterior segment dysgenesis, followed by microphthalmia anophthalmia coloboma spectrum, lens disorders, and inherited retinal disorders in decreasing numbers. The ratio of syndromic ocular to isolated ocular disorders seen was 1.8:1. Genetic testing was accepted by 55.5% of families. The genetic testing was clinically useful for ~35% of the tested cohort, with the opportunity for prenatal diagnosis being the most useful application of genetic testing. Conclusion: Syndromic ocular disorders are seen at a higher frequency compared to isolated ocular disorders in a genetic clinic. Opportunity for prenatal diagnosis is the most useful application of genetic testing in ocular disorders.

Correlation of C-Reactive Protein, Low Total Leucocyte Count and Platelet Count with Blood Culture in Neonates With Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is characterized by systemic signs and symptoms of generalised bacterial infection in the first four weeks of life. Early recognition and diagnosis of neonatal sepsis remains a challenge because of the variable and nonspecific clinical presentation. A combination of haematological and biochemical tests may provide a more rapid diagnosis of sepsis than blood culture which takes at least 24 to 48 hours for the results. Objectives: To study the correlation of parameters of sepsis screen with blood culture in neonates with clinical sepsis and or having significant risk factors for sepsis and To study the outcome of neonatal sepsis was our secondary aim.Material & Methods:The descriptive prospective study with cross sectional design was conducted on 100 neonates admitted with signs and symptoms of sepsis in the nursery ward and NICU of paediatric department of BebeNanki Hospital, GMC, Amritsar. Sepsis screen and blood culture (gold standard for neonatal sepsis diagnosis) and other relevant investigations were sent under strict aseptic conditions and treatment was started. S.CRP levels >1mg/dl, total leukocyte count < 5000 cells/cumm, platelets count < 1.5 lakhs/ µL were taken as positive significant (P <0.005) markers for neonatal sepsis. The data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.Results:Positive CRP (>1mg/dl) were found to be highly significant (p<0.0001), Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Diagnostic accuracy were 93.33%,16.00%,76.92%,44.44% and 74.00% respectively. TLC <5000 were found to be significant (p<0.0001), Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Diagnostic accuracy were 65.33%,44.00%,77.78 %,29.73% and 60.00% respectively. Platelet count < 1.5 lakhs/ µL was found to be significant (p<0.0091), Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Diagnostic accuracy were 68.00%, 16.00%,70.83%,14.29% and 55.00% respectively.Conclusions:In developing countries like India, where blood culture investigations are limited, altered haematological parameters such as CRP, TLC, and Platelets counts can serve as quick, simple, economical methods to diagnose neonatal sepsis. Further studies with larger sample size are required to substantiate the results.

Therapeutic effect of propolis on Staphylococcus aureus induced oxidative stress in kidney of BALB/c mice. A biochemical and histopathological study

Due to emerging drug resistance in pathogenic organisms, most of the second generation antibiotics are not effective in controlling the disease. As a consequence, the dosage and duration of drug intake has increased leading to drug induced toxicity and various side effects. A large number of natural products are being reported to ameliorate the toxicity and oxidative stress caused by antibiotics. Here, we explored the antioxidative potential of honey bee product propolis alone as well as in combination with antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus infected BALB/c mice. For experimental design, mice were divided in to seven groups and decapitated after experimental period. Kidney was excised, homogenized and then used for different biochemical and histopathological estimations. Results observed after treatment with propolis and antibiotics were compared with those of S. aureus infected group. Results showed increase in lipid peroxidation, decrease in reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzymes such as; catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. On the contrary, treatment with propolis, led to reduction in levels of LPO and increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes. Also, histopathology of kidney and all kidney function enzymes were restored to near normal.

Posterior optic capture of intraocular lens in difficult cases of pediatric cataract

We describe the technique of posterior optic capture without anterior vitrectomy in two difficult cases of pediatric cataract. We demonstrate how a three?piece foldable intraocular lens can be maneuvered behind the posterior capsule after an improvised posterior capsulotomy. This technique provided excellent intraocular lens (IOL) stability with the absence of lens epithelial cell proliferation in infants with altered posterior capsule morphology

Potential Biotechnological Applications of Cyanobacterial Exopolysaccharides

Abstract The cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are considered as one of the important group of biopolymers having significant ecological, industrial, and biotechnological importance. Cyanobacteria are regarded as a very abundant source of structurally diverse, high molecular weight polysaccharides having variable composition and roles according to the organisms and the environmental conditions in which they are produced. Due to their structural complexity, versatility and valuable biological properties, they are now emerging as high-value compounds. They are possessing exceptional properties and thus are being widely explored for various applications like in food and pharmaceutical industries, in bioremediation for removal of heavy metals, for soil conditioning, as biopolymers, bioadhesives, and bioflocculants. However, poor understanding of their complex structural properties, lack of concrete information regarding the genes encoding the proteins involved in the EPS biosynthetic pathways, their process of production and about the associated factors controlling their structural stability, strongly limits their commercialization and applications in the various fields of biotechnology. Owing to the above context, the present review is aimed to organize the available information on applications of cyanobacterial EPSs in the field of biotechnology and to identify the research gaps for improved industrial utilization and commercialization of these biomaterials.

A comparative study to determine the role of pre and post-operative antibiotic therapy versus only pre-operative antibiotic therapy in patients of non-perforated acute appendicitis

Background: If properly used in appendicitis, antibiotics can reduce the rate of infection by 50%. The use of post-operative antibiotics for preventing infective complications in non-perforated cases is still controversial.Methods: A randomised prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi with patients who presented acute appendicitis. A minimum number of 30 patients each in group A (pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics) and group B (only pre-operative antibiotics) were evaluated for 18 months, from January 2018 to June 2019.Results: The mean age of group A is 29.9±15.16 years and in group B is 25.97±9.470 years (p value=0.122, insignificant). There was male preponderance. The seroma formation in both the groups was 10.00% and no patients developed intra-abdominal abscess. The incidence of local site oedema was 10% in both the groups A and B and their p value is insignificant. In both the groups A and B, 10% of the people developed pus discharge from the stitch line and the p value is insignificant. In group A, 6.67% of the patients and in group B 10.00% of the patients developed stitch line inflammatory changes and the p value insignificant. In group A, 13.3% and in group B, 10.00% of the patients developed fever and their p value is 1. The mean length of hospital in case 1.23±0.5 days (group A) and is 1.17±0.45 days (group B) (p value=0.508).Conclusions: Hence we can conclude that a well-chosen and adequately-timed pre-operative antibiotics are adequate in preventing post-operative complications and post-operative antibiotics do not affect the same.

Large anterior abdominal wall fibrosarcoma in a known case of recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare soft tissue sarcoma of low to intermediate malignant potential. Incidence is estimated to be 0.8 to 4.5 cases per million persons per year. The tumor is highly aggressive locally and is known to recur. Punch biopsy or excisional biopsy (in case of small tumors) are diagnostic. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in determining the size and extent of the tumor’s treatment is primarily surgical, with a wide local excision with at 2 cm margin. However, local recurrence after apparently adequate surgical excision is common. Mohs micrographic surgery has been recommended as it enables maximum preservation of tissue. When surgery is insufficient, imatinib mesylate is shown as a safe and effective treatment in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), especially in cases of locally advanced or metastatic disease. Here, we report a case of a giant fibrosarcoma on the anterior abdominal wall, measuring 27×18×9 cm, which occurred in a recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Diagnosis was done by histopathological examination (HPE) of the previously excised tumor and CT was done. The tumor was excised with a 3 cm margin and extensive reconstruction of the anterior abdominal wall defect was done using synthetic mesh, myocutaneous flaps and split skin grafting. Keeping in view the recurrent nature of our case, large tumor size, DFSP-fibrosarcomatous (FS) transformation and close negative margins in the HPE of the postoperative specimen, the patient was planned for adjuvant radiotherapy.

Antiviral activity of ethanolic extract of Nilavembu Kudineer against dengue and chikungunya virus through in vitro evaluation

BackgroundCurrently, no vaccines or modern drugs are available for dengue and chikungunya and only symptomatic relief is provided to the patients. Siddha medicine, a traditional form of indigenous medical system uses specific polyherbal formulations for the treatment of such infections with considerable success. One such polyherbal formulation for the treatment of chikungunya and dengue is Nilavembu kudineer (NVK). The mechanistic details of this drug as an antiviral for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) is poorly understood.ObjectivesThe current study was undertaken to study the efficacy of NVK as an antiviral formulation against CHIKV and DENV.Materials and methodsCytotoxicity assays (MTT) were performed to determine the role of NVK as an antiviral during chikungunya and dengue infections in the following conditions-i). post infection, ii). during active infections and iii) protective, not allowing virus infection.ResultsIt was observed that NVK provides protection against CHIKV and DENV-2 during active infection as well can help to prevent virus infection in the cells and it mainly depends on the cellular availability of drugs for maximum protection against both the infections.ConclusionOur study establishes that extraction protocols are important to ensure maximum efficacy of NVK along with the time of addition of the drug during CHIKV and DENV infections in the cells. This study provides insights to the possible mode of action of NVK in in vitro condition during CHIKV and DENV infection.

Mucormycosis presenting as gastric perforation peritonitis in a malnourished young adult: a rare case report

Mucormycosis is a rare infection which is largely diagnosed in immune-compromised patients. The infection can cause pulmonary, rhinocerebral, skin and soft tissue, central nervous system, gastrointestinal and disseminated disease, with gastrointestinal involvement being the rarest presentation. Outcome and mortality of zygomycosis varies with the underlying condition and site of infection, it is however very high in general. Diagnosis is usually delayed and delay in initiation of amphotericin B treatment leads to poor outcome. We report rare case of a malnourished young adult who presented with gastric perforation peritonitis due to mucormycosis infection.

A comparative prospective randomised controlled study for mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue versus prolene sutures in patients undergoing Lichtenstein hernioplasty

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed procedures by general surgeons. Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for a family of fast acting adhesives. The aim of the present study done in Department of General Surgery, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi was to compare the newer emerging technique of mesh fixation.Methods: A total of sixty patients were included in the present study and were allotted in case and control group randomly by sealed envelope technique. In case (study) group, all the patients underwent mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue and in control group, by prolene 3-0 sutures.Results: Most frequency in age group 31-40 yrs, males:females ratio >1 and right sided inguinal hernia was more common. Bi-lateral hernia was common in elderly. Indirect: direct ratio 4.5:1. Operating time period for the patients of the case (study) group is less than control group. P value of post-operative pain in immediate post-operative period (day 1 and 2) and POD 30, 60 and 90 was not of clinical significance whereas the p-value on 6,120,150 and 180 post op day was of clinical significance. In our study, there was a case of incidental observation: a) reaction due to use of cyanoacrylate glue, b) rejection of mesh for which mesh had to be removed.Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference between mesh fixation with cyanoacrylate glue and mesh fixation by prolene suture techniques in immediate post-operative pain. Statistically significant difference favoring mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue technique was seen with respect to operating time and post-operative groin pain with increasing post-operative duration.

A study of etiological profile of acute confusional state

Background: ACS (Acute confusional states) are on the rise taking the shape of an epidemic. These states are common among the elderly, but young individuals are also not spared. Prompt diagnosis and management of these states can decrease the associated morbidity and mortality.Methods: In this prospective observational study, etiological profile of ACS was evaluated in a total 100 patients, selected over a period of one year, after they fulfilled the CAM (Confusion Assessment Method) criteria.Results: Among 100 patients of ACS, mean age was 54.77�.50 years, males were 66% and 34% were females. The most common diagnosis provisionally made on the basis of history and clinical examination was metabolic encephalopathy in 37% patients, meningoencephalitis (24%), CVA (Cerebrovascular accident) (18%), seizures (9%), sepsis (6%), poisoning (6%). Whereas the final diagnosis made after subjecting the patients to relevant investigations, was metabolic encephalopathy in 37% of patients, meningoencephalitis (20%), CVA (18%), sepsis (12%), unprovoked seizures (6%), poisoning (6%) and undetermined in 1%. The final diagnosis matched the provisional diagnosis in most of the patients except sepsis as a provisional diagnosis was underdiagnosed. The mean duration of hospital stay was 7.6�67days and the hospital stay was most commonly complicated by aspiration pneumonia and acute kidney injury.Conclusions: This study emphasizes that the ACS is an emergency medical situation, where prompt identification, workup and treatment should be done parallelly and urgently to prevent the morbidity and mortality.

A seven year experience in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign diseases in a single unit of tertiary care centre: a retrospective case study

Background: Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed worldwide by surgeons with varied training. It is the experience and the skills by which a surgeon performs, the indication of surgery and the extent of surgery which determines the outcome and the complication rates.Method: This study is a retrospective study performed from January 2012 to December 2018 when a total of 170 patients underwent total thyroidectomy via kocher’s incision for benign diseases with clinically in hypothyroid state at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi in a single unit of a tertiary care hospital.Results: The male: female ratio was 1:7.09 with average age of patients being 40years. The overall complication rate was 18.82% (32 patients). Postoperative transient hypocalcaemia being the most common complication. There was no case of permanent hypocalcaemia. There was no injury to any nerve (recurrent or superior laryngeal). Transient recurrent laryngeal paresis was noted in 4(2.35%) which resolved with conservative management. Complications like wound infection, sympathetic chain injury were not noted. The characteristic feature of this study was five cases of giant secondary retrosternal goitre which had average weight of greater than 500 grams which were operated using kocher’s incision. The average weight of other 165 patients was 70grams +/- 12 grams. There were no major post-operative complications except for post-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and seroma formation which was evacuated after 3 weeks of surgery.Conclusion: Hence, from this it is concluded that it is the surgical experience and skills of the surgeon which make total thyroidectomy a safe procedure providing permanent cure with a low post-operative morbidity risk even with large sized retrosternal thyroid glands which can be operated via neck incision.

Respiratory Hazards to Occupational Exposure of Poultry Dust in Poultry Farm Workers in Northern India

Background: Occupational exposure of farmers are known to cause many respiratory illness and manifestgreater rates of asthma and respiratory symptoms than other workers. The poultry farm workers are exposedto organic dust, endotoxins and hazardous gases. Longer the duration of exposure to the dust, greater thehealth hazard. Therefore, the objective of this study was to record and compare the various pulmonaryfunction parameters in poultry farm workers on the basis of duration of exposure to poultry dust. Methods:The study was conducted on 66 poultry farm workers after taking written informed consent. Pulmonaryfunction tests was performed using Autospirometer (Helios 701: Chandigarh). The workers were groupedaccording to duration of exposure into five sub groups (Group A upto 5 years, Group B >5-10 years, GroupC >10-15 years, Group D >15-20, Group E >20 years exposure). Data was analyzed using one way ANOVAand post-hoc by Bonferroni test. Results: We found that the pulmonary functions started deterioratinggradually in poultry farm workers after 5-10 years of exposure (Group B) to poultry dust with maximumdecrease on exposure to more than 20 years (Group E). There was statistically significant decrease in FVC,FEV0.5, FEV1, FEV3 with normal FEV1/FVC suggesting restrictive ventilatory changes in poultry workers.There was significant decrease in FEF25-75% and FEF0.2-1.2, PEFR suggesting early small and largeairway obstruction respectively. Conclusion: Poultry dust adversely affects the respiratory function and thisimpairment is associated with duration of exposure to poultry dust. The present study intends to raise publicawareness about occupational exposure to poultry dust in poultry farm workers.

Comparative Study between Ropivacaine and Ropivacaine Plus Fentanyl for Spinal Anesthesia

Introduction: Spinal anesthesia is preferred over general anesthesia due to the ease of administration, minimal systemiceffects, and reduced post-operative morbidity. A number of anesthetic agents and adjuvants have been tried over the years, toachieve optimal effects. This study compares the efficacy of ropivacaine versus ropivacaine plus fentanyl as spinal anesthetics.Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 100 American Society of Anaesthesiologists Grades I and II patients,having no comorbidities and scheduled for surgery of up to 200 min. They were randomly divided into two Groups: Group I(Ropivacaine) and Group II (Ropivacaine and Fentanyl). Intraoperative and post-operative vitals, analgesic parameters, andside effects were monitored.Results: The onset of both sensory and motor blockade was faster, and the duration of the blockade was longer with theaddition of fentanyl to ropivacaine. Ropivacaine is a safe drug in terms of cardiorespiratory stability and other side effects. Theaddition of fentanyl did not alter the beneficial side effect profile of ropivacaine.Conclusion: Ropivacaine is a safe anesthetic in terms of cardiorespiratory stability and side effects. The addition of fentanyl toropivacaine significantly potentiates the block, both sensory and motor, without altering the beneficial effects of cardiorespiratorystability and side effect profile.

Management Of Comminuted Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures By Means Of Interlocking Nails

Introduction:This study assesses the outcome of interlocking tibia nail in comminuted fractures of tibial diaphysis. Objectives: To study the functional outcomes of interlocking tibia nail in comminuted tibial diaphyseal fractures, with respect to time to bony union, mobility achieved, complications of the procedure and secondary procedures. Material and Methods: The present prospective study included 25 patients of comminuted fracture shaft of tibia admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics at MMIMSR, Mullana and at Civil Hospital, Rajpura who were managed with interlocking tibia nail. Results:All 25 cases united with interlocking nailing. 1 case needed additional exchange nailing and bone grafting. 3 cases had a malunion but had an acceptable functional outcome. Conclusions: Due to the simple surgical technique, good healing rate and minimum complications, it is recommended that interlocking tibia nail should be used in comminuted fractures of tibial diaphysis

Development and Introduction of Module on Medical Ethics in Patient Care To 2nd Professional MBBS Students

Background: There is complete absence of teaching of ethicsas a part of medical curriculum. There is now an urgent need toteach ethics to medical graduates in India because ofincreasing incidence of disconnect between doctors andpatients leading to allegations like unethical treatment practicesby doctors and use of force by patients and relatives againstdoctors. Medical Council of India (MCI) has also realized theurgency to impart the training of ethics to medical graduates inIndia as described in its Vision-2015 document.Aim and Objectives: To develop a module on “Medical Ethicsin patient care” and to assess its feasibility.Methodology: The study was conducted in the Department ofPharmacology, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital,Punjab from the period of March 2017 to December, 2017 afterIEC approval. The topics to be covered in the module forteaching “Medical ethics in patient care” were finalized throughFocus Group Discussions (FGDs) with the core faculty and themembers of Medical Education Unit (MEU). A module forteaching Medical ethics in patient care was developed. Modulewas of 10 hours’ duration and involved interactive lectures,PowerPoint presentations, case-based learning as the mostcommon teaching-learning methods. Along with the module,pre-post-test questionnaire to assess the improvement in theknowledge of students was developed and validated.Feedback questionnaires, based on 5-point-Likert scale, weredeveloped and validated to know the students’ perceptionregarding the teaching of medical ethics and faculty’sperception on the effectiveness of the module. A pilot run of themodule was conducted on 15 students of 2nd Prof MBBS todetermine the feasibility of the module. Pre-post-testquestionnaires were administered to the students and thefeedback taken from the students and the participating faculty.Findings: A module on medical ethics on patient care wasdeveloped and validated. There was significant improvement inknowledge of the students as evident from their pre and posttest scores (10.47 to 25.47). The improvement in knowledge ofvarious aspects of medical ethics was also calculated. Therewas a statistically significant improvement in knowledge in allsessions. The observations of the qualitative data analyzedfrom the feedback given by the students revealed that theyfound it useful and relevant and would implement theknowledge gained.Conclusions: The feedback of the students and the facultywas very positive and encouraging. The development of thismodule would help in teaching the 2nd Prof students in medicalethics, which would be helpful to them in clinics and life-long.The seed of medical ethics would help grow a tree of gooddoctor-patient relationship which would ultimately help to growhealth of the society.