IMA says new law hits clinics, calls strike
Nearly 1,000 doctors from Delhi and nearby areas gathered in a demonstration at Jantar Mantar called by the Indian Medical Association. IMA is protesting against implementation of the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (CEA), and introduction of the National Council for Human Resources in Health Bill, 2011 (NCHRH).
The IMA has given a call for nationwide strike on June 25.
The CEA, passed in 2010 by Parliament, was notified in March this year.
IMA is opposing the Act primarily on two grounds. The Act requires that a minimal land of 500 sq ft is required to open a private nursing home.
"If this is to be followed, a doctor will never be able to open a clinic in south Delhi where price of land is very high," said a doctor attending the demonstration.
‘Babus will govern’
Another issue is governing by non-medicos.
According to the Act members of the body governing the nursing homes will be nominated by the Central government, primarily consisting of people with non-medical backgrounds.
“How will bureaucrats and others understand medical issues and govern us," said Dr D R Rai, honorary secretary general, IMA.
They are also opposing the clause which makes it mandatory for all the clinics to attend emergency cases and if a case goes wrong, they are liable to pay Rs 5 lakh.
“The problem is a dentist cannot treat a patient who had a cardiac arrest,” said another doctor.
He added that although there are some welcome clauses like the one which will improve infrastructure in private nursing homes, an amendment is needed on many draconian clauses.
The National Council for Human Resources Health Bill is being opposed in toto.
No power to councils
"We are opposing the bill because it will give overarching powers to one authority, to a body of nominated members who might not be from medical background,” said Dr G K Ramchandrappa, national president, IMA.
Its introduction will dissolve all other bodies managing doctors and allied professions," he added.
At present there are 31 governing bodies like the Medical Council of India, Dental Council and Nursing Council of India.
But the proposed bill, with a standing committee right now, plans to bring all of them under one umbrella.
It will also include those services which have not been regulated till now, like laboratory technicians and other paramedics.
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