Doctors to go on an indefinite strike opposing privatising of the medical sector

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is all set to start an indefinite strike from April 2 The strike will be held if the government does not make necessary changes to the NMC Bill The doctors have objected AYUSH doctors practising modern medicine

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is all set to start an indefinite strike from April 2, if the Central government does not make necessary changes, which aim at privatising the medical sector.

At least 25,000 doctors took part in the meeting held by the IMA in New Delhi and demanded that controversial clauses be removed from the National Medical Commission Bill.

The doctors have objected to the clause, which will provide a chance for the AYUSH (Ayurveda and Homeopathy) doctors to practice modern medicine (Allopathy) when needed, just with a short-term course. The doctors have expressed concern over the fact that this will give way for the quacks to get into medicine and legalise their practice.

IMA Honorary Secretary, RN Tondon, has alleged that the NMC Bill is in favour of the private players. And that this will increase the chances of corruption.

Another factor the doctors are opposing is the re-forming of the IMA with the Medical Council of India. They have alleged that the new body is just a superficial change in terms of name and not the rules, which need to be changed.

If there is no response for this from the government, the doctors will go on an indefinite strike, and this might affect the medical services.