Picture used for representational purpose only
Mangaluru: Indian Medical Association's (IMA) state unit president, Dr Rajashekhar S Bellary, informed that doctors all over the state will symbolically strike work for half a day on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, to draw attention of the government towards some grave problems faced by people in medical profession. He said that because of attacks all over the country on the medical fraternity, a situation in which doctors find it hard to discharge their duties has been created.
He addressed members of the district chapter of IMA during his visit on Saturday September 9 night. "We have become easy target for central government, state government, judiciary, consumer courts, common people etc. Union and state government are showing interest in drafting laws that are detrimental to medical profession. Therefore, we are left with no other alternative but to fight back," he said.
Bellary said that because of the fact that medical profession too has been brought under the ambit of consumer protection act, the very form of relationship between doctors and patients has undergone change. He said that expectations of patients has also gone up in tune with rising cost of treatment. He expressed apprehension at the attacks being launched against hospitals and doctors even in cases where doctors are not at fault.
"The state government is planning to implement public group medical insurance from November 1 onward. There is worry that this will have adverse impact on medical profession. IMA state unit will investigate this proposal in its entirety and take a decision soon," he stated.
IMA district unit president, K Raghavendra Bhat, presided. State general secretary, Dr B Veeranna, vice president, Dr Shivakumar S Kumbar,a city unit treasurer, Dr G K Bhat Sankabittilu, president designate, Dr K R Kamath and others were present. On this occasion, doctor of Bengaluru Manipal Hospital, Dr Devanand, delivered talk on heart transplant, while Dr Mallikarjun Kalashetti spoke about bone marrow transplant, as part of continuing medical education programme.
- DW