The Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has been holding marches nationwide since February 25 to deprecate the current form of the National Medical Commission Bill, will hold a ‘mahapanchayat’ on March 25. It will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here.
The IMA has strongly opposed the draft Bill that seeks to replace the Medical Council of India with a new body, claiming it will cripple the medical profession.
“The Bill has the potential to adversely alter the course of medical education and healthcare delivery in India and do irrevocable damage,” IMA’s general secretary Dr. R. N. Tandon said.
Cutting across party lines, several MPs have also voiced their concern over the Bill, which has now been referred to the standing committee.
“Vehemently opposing the Bill, the IMA has already started a march across India and will converge before the Doctors’ Mahapanchayat in New Delhi. Over 20,000 medical fraternities are expected at the venue,” IMA’s national president Dr. Ravi Wankhedkar said.
The IMA is also organising a cycle rally on Sunday across India with an aim to sensitise the masses about the issue.
A provision in the Bill states that the government can fix fee for only 40% of the seats in private medical colleges. A move strongly opposed by the doctors.
