IMPHAL, Manipur,June 25: Medical facilities in the state (Manipur) (except for Emergencies) including at both RIMS and JNIMS were severely affected today due to a complete one day token protest/medical strike called by the Indian Medical Association.
Around 125 doctors practicing in the state participated in the protest demonstration held in front of the Medical Directorate, Lamphelpat starting from 9:30am and continuing till 2pm.
The protest was held showing dissent against the policies of the central government regarding the proposed introduction of the National Commission for Human Resources in Health Bill-2011, the Clinical Establishment Act and the Dissolution of the MCI & 3rd consecutive term for its appointed Board of Governors.
Speaking to IFP at the demonstration site, one of the agitating doctors said the medical association had staged an all India sit in protest at the national capital in front of the Jantar Mantar on June 18.
Following which the state units decided to stage similar protest at the state capitals, he said.
He continued that the agitating doctors all over the country will submit their memorandums to all Chief Ministers and Health Ministers, Member of Parliaments, and other political leaders of their respective states.
Elaborating on the issues, he said the introduction of NCHRH Bill-2011 will affect the medical practice as the National Commission for Human Resources in Health, NCHRH so formed will be super arching body on all the councils of medical profession, which clearly means that the powers of Medical Council of India, Dental Council, Pharmachist Council and Nursing Council will be lost and all these will be governed by the proposed Commission.
He continued that the commission will be managed by nominees of the government and not by the elected persons of the medical profession. Action taken by the commission will not be challengeable in any Court of Law, he added
“The Clinical Establishment Act will not let any doctors with limited resources (Single doctor) practice medicine comfortably”.
“Restoration of democratic set up of MCI is very important so that the working and medical education can be controlled by only medical graduates”.
