Medical students and resident doctors of several hospitals in Delhi and all across the country will observe a “token strike” on Monday over some of their demands regarding the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill that are not being accepted by the Government. The token strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) would be held for two hours from 12 am to 2 pm. Due to the stir the healthcare services at multiple hospitals in the national Capital are likely to be affected briefly.
In Delhi, resident and junior doctors and medical students will hold a peaceful protest in front of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS).Besides, protests will be held across the country and a large number of doctors and medical students are set to hold rallies in many districts.
The Bill still remains “anti-poor, anti-federal, anti-democratic and lacks national character”, alleged IMA. The Cabinet has apparently agreed to four of the 10 demands put up by the IMA in connection with the Bill, said IMA.
Although some of the major changes approved by the Government is welcomed by IMA but still doctors are not contended. Recently, following the protest from doctors led by IMA the government removed the clause for separate Exit Examination for MBBS students, dropped the provision of bridge course for AYUSH doctors and subsequent registration to practice modern medicine etc.
The IMA said that Bill does not address the issues of Diplomat of National Board (DNB) and practical difficulties with common medical entrance test NEET and foreign graduates.
“Although, the Cabinet-approved draft of NMC Bill has marginally increased the state representation and control of the government over 50 percent of the fee levied, IMA feels that these are cosmetic in nature and the Bill still remains anti-poor, anti-federal, non representative and undemocratic,” said Secretary General of IMA ,R N Tandon.
He expressed concern about the unaddressed major issues such as token presence of elected members, sub-optimal representation to state governments and health universities and the lack of autonomy of the National Medical Commission itself.
The Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved that the final MBBS examination would be held as a common examination throughout the country, and would serve as an an exit test, to be called the National Exit Test (NEXT). The Cabinet on March 28 approved amendments to the NMC Bill including removing the contentious provision of “bridge course”, which would have allowed practitioners of alternative medicines to pursue allopathy.
The IMA has also decided to come out with a health policy for the benefit of the community and fraternity and to support those parties and candidates, who accept it.
The doctors' body has also decided to come out with a health policy for the benefit of the community and fraternity and to support those parties and candidates, who accept it. At the meeting of the State Working Committee of IMA Karnataka State Branch on April 8 at Raichur, the national president will launch this policy, it said.