Graduates of the Texila American University have been warned against “professional malpractices” by Acting President Moses Nagamootoo on Wednesday.Nagamootoo was at the time addressing the University’s second graduation ceremony at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Nagamootoo, in his remarks said “We are not allowed to indulge in professional malpractices. We are not allowed to be negligent. We could, but it is too costly for practitioners and institutions.”

He explained that as medical practitioners Rules of Engagement, by Oath, by codes of conduct and the like are constraints but it is important to be aware of the role of the media. “You must be aware that the media have become all intrusive and also more helpful in what we do and more particularly, how we do what we do.”
“The biggest court awards for damages flow from malpractice and negligence. In the old days, we had journalists following ambulances after accidents. They were the ambulance chasers. Today, they raid morgues to find out why and how patients died which is why in some places, doctors practice what they call “defensive medicine,” said the acting president. He urged the graduates not to hold back. “You must not curtail your skills. Do what you are educated and trained to do with diligence, with competence with confidence!”
Speaking of the need to develop the human mind, Nagamootoo said Money, Might and Mind are usually on the front burner but it is the mind that “holds inexhaustible, renewable power.” “Knowledge today is becoming accessible by all. We too can enrich our mind, renew our knowledge-base, make a difference in who we are and what we are capable of doing. The mind is a democratic source of power. We are ALL endowed with it,” he said.
With respect to money and might, the acting president said some believe that money is limited and does not guarantee sustainable success, while others feel that “might is everything”. Nagamootoo congratulated the graduating class of 2015 that comprised of Guyanese and foreign citizens and urged them to “remain in Guyana, to live out your vows and sacred commitment to duty and service.
“Today came about as a result of dedication and sacrifice on the part of the students and their families, on the one hand, and on the other, dogged perseverance and steadfast commitment to academic excellence by the University’s leadership and staff,” he said. He commended those graduates who would have come to live in Guyana for a number of years just to complete their respective courses but singled out the Nigerian students who he said “took the initiative to form an Association and to organize several cultural activities, thereby not only keeping close to heart their rich culture and traditions, but also sharing them with, Guyanese with whom they share ancestry.”
Public -Private Partnership
The acting president noted that the establishment of a private Medical University here is “further evidence of open partnership in both the health and education sectors.”
“While it is easy to say that private-public partnership is here to stay, I am aware that, TAU in past years faced problems associated with Government bureaucracy and red-tapes and non-responsiveness to requests for concessions to expand. Yet it moved from a school of only 7 students to an enrollment of 450 from over 38 countries, all of whom live and study in Guyana. Of these, I am told, 120 are Guyanese nationals, who benefit from a 50% concession and who, in time, would certainly join the ranks of the medical profession in Guyana.”
The University, Nagamootoo said represents the “first education-tourism initiative” in Guyana and with its new campus, can accommodate over 1600 students. “This will certainly give a boost both to Guyana’s economy and the country’s reputation in the international community as a health-educational center, and I applaud this bold and innovative venture.” The Government of Guyana he added recognizes the benefits of such investments. “It would allow for the expansion of quality medical education and research, at a time when our own Medical Faculty at the University of Guyana has been allowed to decline in academic standards that are necessary for recognition as an institution for medical education.” Texila American University he said is filling a void for certifiable medical education.
Honorary Doctorate Degrees
Meanwhile, founder of the Texila American University, Saaju Bhaskar has extended an offer to both President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (acting president) to be conferred Honorary Degrees from the Central University of Nicaragua. “It may please you, Mr Saaju Bhaskar, as Founder of TAU, to know that His Excellency has assured that he would, at a convenient date, accept your offer of conferral of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Central University of Nicaragua, your partner university,” said Nagamotoo who extended best wishes on behalf of President Granger who is currently attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Malta.
The acting president expressed gratitude for the recognition of his academic, literary and professional journey over the past 50 years. “I am emotionally overwhelmed by this magnanimous gesture, for which I thank you. However, I am unable, at this time to accept your offer, and that you keep same “on-hold” as I hope to return when you commission your new University Campus in Providence,” he said.
Nagamootoo explained that during his public life he has never asked nor expected accolades or rewards for his work. “However, without asking, I have had more than my fair share of attacks, which is part of the political terrain. I have declined offers of National Awards in the past as I had felt that others were better endowed than me for such honour.”