Open Int'l University for Complementary Medicine

I created this site for you to view.
http://www.geocities.com/altmedie/

 

Interesting stuff.

While it indicates that a couple of people seem to be personally supportive of the idea, I didn't read anything in there that indicates that the school in question

1. Has any meaningful curriculum
2. Has a noteworthy faculty with legitimate credentials
3. Will be recognized by anyone.

I'm not closing the door to that possibility... I'm a strong supporter of holistic/complementary medicine... but my scam-o-meter is definitely twitching.

 

Why?

Do you want comments on the institution? the documents? (And how did you happen to have these documents?) What do *you* think of this institution and these papers?

I hadn't heard of this institution previously -- I see little in these documents to attest to its value and only one reference to distance learning. Indeed, the last document (dated 1984) states that this entity's affiliate Medicina Alternativa is *not* authorized to grant degrees.

Let's look at the documents and see what we can glean.

First, a 1962 Record of Deed from the Public Registry of Deeds of Kazakhistan Socialist Sovietic Republic which seems to verify the existence of "The Open International University for Complementary Medicines." The line above the signatures is "Alma-Ata, 12th September 1962" (Alma-Ata is the old capital of Kazakhstan; a WHO international health care conferences was held there in 1978.) It is signed by the Chancellor and Record Deed Delegate, and seems to have stamped on it the name/title of "Pandit P???, Dr. Sir ANTON JAYASURIYA" below the written statement "I certify that the above is the official record" and signature.

Next, a letter addressed to "Prof.Dr.Anton Jayasuriya, Dean of Studies, Medicina Alternativa Institute affiliated to The Open University, No. 28, International Buddhist Centre Road, Colombo 6" dated 1978.7.14 from the [illegible signature] Minister of Education of Sri Lanka, saying that he is recommending this institution for classification as a Tax-Free Charity.

Next, a letter addressed to "Dr. Anton Jayasuriya, Assistant Director (Buildings), Ministry of Health and Physician-in-charge, Physical Medicines Dept., Govt. General Hospital, Kalubowila" dated 2nd September 1975 from the Minister of Health. He says that the Medicina Alternativa/The Open International University is approved, that Government funds are not allocated since it is international, and that a foundation stone for a separate building will be laid at a suitable date.

Next, on the letterhead of "President J. R. Jayewardene, 66, Ward Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka" there is the text of the "message of his excellency J. R. Jayewardene to the graduates of Accademia Europa Degli Studi a Distanza on the occasion of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Medicina Alternativa held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Colombo 7 on 11th May 1991." He welcomes the foreign graduates of The Open International University for Complementary Medicines affiliated with the Accademia Europa Degli Studi a Distanza. Basically it's flowery and congratulatory.

Next, a letter from the University Grants Commission dated 16th August, 1984 addressed to "Prof. Dr. Anton Jayasuriya, Secretary General, The acupuncture Foundation of Sri Lanka, Chairman, Medicina Alternativa, 28, International Buddhist Centre Road, Colombo 6." It is a followup to a July 17 letter about "Membership of the Acupuncture Foundation Of Sri Lanka." It quotes the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 to the effect that no individual or entity other than the few specified may grant degrees, then states that membership is not a degree or academic distinction within the meaning of the act, but then notes that a letter from Jayasuriya had stated that the M.D. Degree is being awarded -- *** and informs him that this violates the Act.***

Awarding degrees in violation of the law does not recommend an institution.

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Kristin Evenson Hirst
DistanceLearn.About.com

 

Guess this article says it all...
http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19980316/07550064.html

Cheers,

George

 

The thing that bothers me about the article is that Hoshang Mirza had his two undercover applicants submit "bogus credentials" with thier applications in order to ascertain whether degrees would be awarded. Bogus credentials can be submitted to any university and, if they appear credible, they probably can get good results. I imagine one could get a degree from an RA school in the USA if they forged supporting documents well enough. I don't know if the Open International University for Complementary Medicines is legimate or not. I have questions about that, and I have questions about Mirza's research techniques.

Tom Rogers

 

According to their web site, http://www.altmeduniversity.com/courses/index.html, OIU offers a one year course leading to an M.D. in alternative medicine or, if you prfer, a Ph.D. Interestingly, the fee for the M.D. is $750, and for the Ph.D. $850.

Only "Those persons who have passed any degree course from an authentic institution," are eligible. However, practitioners and research workers with 10 years experience are exempt from the "minimum basic qualification." A 300 page thesis is required.

Once you graduate, they will issue you, at additional cost, a "registered medical practitioner" credential.

I have no idea of any alumni have actually attempted to practice anywhere.

Christopher

 

Oops! Drop the last comma on the link. Use: http://www.altmeduniversity.com/courses/index.html

 

There are two types of these so-called "Open International University."

(1) Open Int’l University for Alternative Medicine in India

(2) Open International University for Complementary Medicine in Sri Lanka.

And we are talking about the one in Sri Lanka.

 

Although they are "located" in different countries, they still have one thing in common: they are diploma mills.

 

8 to 10 years ago, an institution calling itself Wellington University, in New Jersey, wrote to a great many people in the health care industry, from lab technicians to physicians assistants to phlebotomists, offering them opportunity to buy the M.D. from the school in Sri Lanka for $1,000. The authorities in New Jersey put a quick stop to this, and Wellington faded away.