The Union Health Ministry has called a delegation of doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to discuss their opposition against the National Medical Commission bill (NMC) following a call by the Association for an indefinite strike from April 2.
The meeting which is slated for early next week is expected to see discussion on why the doctors are rejecting some of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NMC. The NMC bill proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicines—such as homoeopathy and ayurveda—to practice modern system of medicine.
Meanwhile, resident doctors and medical students in the Capital have on Wednesday announced that they will be extending support and joining the IMA strike.
``A dharna will be held in front of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) to oppose the NMC Bill 2017 and the violence against doctors and medical staff in hospitals. Several doctors and medical students will also hold simultaneous rallies in all the districts. All the doctors are planning to boycott clinical work except for emergency cases,’’ said a Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association member.
The proposed strike which will be headed by IMA has support from The Medicos Youth National Action Council formed jointly by all medical students and resident doctors’ associations. IMA leaders will join the district rallies and submit memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister with all District Collectors of the country.
Extending full support from IMA to the youth agitation for immediate withdrawal of the NMC Bill 2017 and enacting the Central Act (to eradicate violence against doctors) the Association warned that ``The doctors will be forced to resort to stronger agitation including strike by all physicians if the demands are not met immediately.’’
The Association has also noted that violence against the doctors should stop immediately.
``The problems faced by the doctors at work place includes violence which is unacceptable. Violence against doctors and health staff shall not be condoned any further which is somehow interlinked with the lack of infrastructure or healthcare facilities provided by the government. People should understand the actual meaning medical negligence which a doctor never intends to perform false surgery and people should never take the laws in their hands. There also should be no criminal prosecution for minor clinical errors,” noted a IMA.
(EOM)
