IMA calls for ending violence against doctors

The 217th meeting of IMA Central Working Committee discusses taking united action against pressing issues

 New Delhi, 17 April 2017: Over 300 IMA leaders gathered to deliberate on key issues affecting the medical profession at the 217th Meeting of the Central Working Committee of IMA, the oldest and largest representative organization of doctors of modern scientific medicine. The meeting was held in Kolkata on 15th and 16th April 2017.

The main agenda of the Central Working Committee is to evaluate and discuss issues of National importance affecting the functioning and efficacy of the medical community in the country. Many prominent thought leaders attended the meeting which saw discussions and deliberations on some pressing issues facing the medical fraternity today such as violence against doctors, redundant laws the medical fraternity is being subjected, unjustified compensation for any medical negligence, etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “The medical profession today faces many challenges than ever before and this is the time when the IMA must stand together as a united voice against these. Restoring the nobility, honesty and integrity of the medical profession in India is in our hands and as the key stakeholders in this respect we must act with immediate urgency. The IMA stands for accountability and regulation of practice. We need to oppose quackery at all levels and also pave way for self-regulation”.

The primary issue discussed in the meeting was the increasing violence against doctors. While the IMA is not against accountability, it was discussed that the medical fraternity will have zero tolerance for violence against doctors and medical establishments. Speaking further on this, Dr K K Aggarwal opined, “This meeting has raised some very relevant issues, the primary one being cases of violence against doctors. This is a matter of grave concern, which affects the nobility of the profession. Treatment failures don’t amount to negligence on the part of doctors and a 5% death rate during treatment is unavoidable. The Indian judicial system and the law enforcement agencies need to provide the doctors with protection against such violence failing which the medical community will be unable to practice and fulfill their basic duties without any apprehensions.”

It was also decided that the IMA would appoint health-keeping forces. A need was felt to bring back trust in the medical profession as also strengthen doctor-patient relationships. The leaders also felt that just as government officials and members of parliament have immunity at work, doctors should also get similar provisions. The members present in the meeting hoped that as a result of the discussions in this meeting, the fight for the rights of the medical fraternity in India would gain new ground.