IMA's meeting with Nadda inconclusive

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday said their meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill 2017 was inconclusive even as it reiterated its warning of an indefinite strike.

"The agenda to discuss NMC Bill 2017 was declined for time being since the bill was kept before the Lok Sabha," the IMA said in a statement about the meeting they had with Nadda and other senior officials a day before.

IMA President Dr Ravi Wankhedkar told the Minister that the NMC Bill 2017 in the present form is unacceptable and that it would take direct action if the desired changes are not made.

"If NMC is forced upon the fraternity, IMA will declare complete withdrawal of services by all modern medicine doctors throughout the country immediately," said Wankhedkar reiterating the IMA's stand.

The three-hour long meeting concluded with Health Minister Nadda promising to look into IMA's long-pending demands with a time frame on all the recommendations of the inter ministerial committee, said the national association of doctors of modern medicine.

The IMA is against allowing AYUSH doctors to prescribe allopathic medicines. Other demands include amendment in Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, capping of compensation in Consumer Protection Act, enacting central law against hospital violence and amendments in Clinical Establishment Act.

Wankhedkar demanded government regulated fee for 85 per cent of the private medical seats as meritorious students from lower socio-economic strata would not be able to pursue medical education if the present 50 per cent quota of the private management is allowed.

He, however, thanked the government for dropping separate licentiate exam, agreeing to the IMA suggestion of common final year examination and for the punitive clause against quackery.

--IANS

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