IMA Urges Authorities to Address Contemporary Healthcare Needs in Press Conference
Ghaziabad: In a press conference organized at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) building in Rajnagar, Ghaziabad, Dr. Vishwa Bandhu Jindal, the Secretary of IMA Uttar Pradesh State, along with the presence of Dr. Vaani Puri, Dr. Rajiv Goyal (ENT), Dr. Navneet Kumar, and Dr. Rajiv Goyal, the President of IMA Ghaziabad Chapter, articulated a comprehensive set of demands aimed at addressing the pressing healthcare needs of the current era.
Dr. Jindal, while addressing the gathering of journalists, highlighted the imperative need for the government to prioritize the requirements of doctors in contemporary times. He emphasized that during the election period, all political candidates would be made aware of these demands.
During the press conference, Dr. Jindal presented a 12-point demand list to the government. Among these demands, he emphasized the need for a revision in the renewal process of small and medium-sized hospitals and clinics, suggesting that instead of annual renewal, renewal should occur every five years to simplify the process. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of enacting robust central laws to protect doctors against violence and incorporating amendments into the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 to include all forms of violence against healthcare professionals and hospitals.
The IMA also demanded the establishment of designated safe zones within hospitals and healthcare institutions. They argued that medical practice should be shielded from legal repercussions unless there is clear evidence of malicious intent. Furthermore, they called for the exemption of doctors from Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provisions, asserting that medical negligence should be addressed through civil law rather than criminal prosecution.
The association urged the government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) burden on healthcare-related items, particularly on patient beds, life-saving equipment, medicines, and oxygen, emphasizing that levying taxes on these essential items is unjust. Additionally, they called for a reduction in GST on health insurance products and services.
Moreover, the IMA raised concerns about the current licensing examination system for Indian medical graduates (IMGs), labeling it as discriminatory and urging for its abolition. They argued that the current system undermines the merit-based selection process and called for the reinstatement of the Next Exit Exam (NEET) for MBBS graduates.
In conclusion, the IMA emphasized the importance of increasing the number of medical officers nationwide in proportion to the population and advocated for the employment of MBBS graduates in sub-centers and wellness centers. They called for an end to the practice of ad hoc and contractual recruitment of doctors in the National Health Mission and central ministries.
The press conference concluded with a call to action for the government to address these critical issues promptly to ensure the well-being of both healthcare professionals and patients across the nation.
