Visakhapatnam: NEET examination is a blow to the medical students as this common examination affects the autonomy of medical universities, according to the newly elected president of the Andhra Pradesh chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) and retired professor of Neuro Surgery at King George Hospital – Andhra Medical College N Subrahmanyam.
Addressing the sixth annual conference of IMA State chapter held on virtual platform on Saturday, he noted that the unchecked fee structure for the private medical colleges was another curse to the medical students and children of lower economic status cannot dream of becoming a doctor. The National Medical Education Policy was likely to create chaos in medical education to the future generations of students and doctors, he felt.
Dr Subrahmanyam said that IMA would maintain cordial relations with the Government and certain long standing pending issues which were unresolved were brought to the notice of the Ministers and the MPs. He appealed for empanelment of smaller hospitals in Arogyasri as the Government was meeting the expenses above Rs 1000. Only the bigger hospitals are empanelled while smaller hospitals are affected, he said.
He also requested for issuing fire safety clearances for hospital buildings of less than 15 metres.
Regarding cases of assault on doctors, he said that the IMA was fighting for a stringent Act to punish people indulging in violence on doctors and hospitals and called for necessary amendments in the CPS towards this.
“The Medical and Health reforms committee of Government of Andhra Pradesh has recommended provision of adequate budget for the medical and health establishments. IMA demands a phased increase of budget up to 5% of the total budget for this. By providing adequate facilities and salary, doctors are willing to serve in rural areas,” he stated.
Dr Subrahmanyam also sought a ban on fake and spurious drugs, and said those selling these drugs should be strictly punished.
On the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act which was passed last year, he said that the IMA strongly felt that certain sections of NMC are against the medical profession and also the health of the public.
Section 32 encouraged quackery in the guise of community healthcare providers. Paramedical personnel like pharmacists, nurses, and radiographers, after undergoing 6 months training, are allowed to give treatment for various ailments which is likely to cause severe complications to the suffering public he pointed out.
Also, Section 50 plans to mix all systems of medicine like Homeo, Ayurveda, Unani, and producing khichdi doctors and was objectionable while Section 51 allows crosspathy which allows one system of medicine to practice other systems and was illegal, he noted.
During the breakout of Covid-19 pandemic, the IMA doctors were doing their best in treating the patients in various hospitals, even risking their lives. “We lost many doctors in Covid management. It is unfortunate that the promises made by the Government are not fulfilled for these healthcare workers. Doctors and healthcare workers recruited on contract basis for Covid work were not paid salaries for many months. For proper Covid control, public awareness is important and we request Government agencies, particularly the police department, to take stringent measures. Usage of proper mask, maintaining safe distance and handwash will take a long way in controlling Covid,” he said.
Minister for Medical Health and Family welfare Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Dr S Appala Raju, and others attended the meeting.
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