Mumbai: Condemning the idea of bridge courses and mid-level practitioners, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded an answer from the Indian Government for not generating enough posting in the wellness centres for Undergraduate medical professionals.
Dr Santanu Sen, president, IMA claims there is no shortage of doctors in the country and nearly 63,250 students cleared the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) courses from 494 medical colleges of India. However, there are only 23,729 post graduate seats. However, the fact remains, the government does not have the capacity to absorb rest of them.
“Every year the unemployment among young medical graduates is a cause of great concern. Give the graduate doctors the first priority instead of giving to dentists, physicians, optometrists, pharmacists and others,” said Dr Sen. Dr Sen said every allied profession to medicine have a unique identity and serves a specific purpose.
Dentists, nurses, optometrists and pharmacists have a specific role and they should contribute in the respective fields only. “These ad hoc postings are unacceptable and it is just exploitation of young graduates. Prevent this mess, because by making the mid-level medical practitioners undergo a six months bridge course is basically throwing winds to the safety of the patients.
It can endanger their lives,” stated Dr Sen. In a statement to press, the IMA condemned the idea of bridge courses and mid-level practitioners. They have threatened to go on strike or take other action if such practices are allowed. NITI Aayog, along with the Health Ministry, is mulling a proposal to allow dentists to practice family medicine or mainstream medicine.
The idea of a bridge course is under consideration of the officials, which will create mid-level health providers. Dr A Mathanda Pillai, chairman, IMA action committee said there would be a nationwide agitation if the idea of mid-level practitioners and bridge course are implemented. “We would like to emphasize that fragmented approach to Health Care should be eschewed and social determinants of Health should be addressed,” said Dr Pillai.