The Indian Medical Association's National Secretary, Ashokan, emphasized the need for the government to enhance its role and funding in the healthcare sector.
Coimbatore: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Coimbatore branch witnessed the induction of new office bearers in a ceremony at the association's office on Syrian Church Road. During the event, IMA National Secretary Ashokan stressed the urgent need for increasing the government's contribution to healthcare.
Founded in 1928, the IMA has played a pivotal role in involving doctors in the freedom struggle. Ashokan announced an upcoming important meeting scheduled for January 12, where commitments towards two significant health pledges will be discussed and presented to the government. The pledges include prioritizing healthcare and increasing the government's share in the sector.
Ashokan revealed that while the government allocates funds to healthcare in the annual budget, this allocation needs to be increased. Currently, healthcare accounts for 4% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with government and private hospitals contributing 1.1% and 2.9%, respectively. The IMA is advocating for the government's share to rise to 2.5%.
He further pointed out the need for the government to expand the infrastructure of the health department. There is a call to treat medical errors as civil offenses rather than criminal ones, to protect doctors from disproportionate legal battles. The IMA is lobbying for legislation that shields doctors from criminal proceedings, arguing that actions against doctors often have a detrimental impact on patients.
The IMA also urges the government to establish clear regulations for all hospitals and to remove certain clauses from the existing Medical Establishment Act that are seen as detrimental to healthcare providers. Additionally, the association has made multiple requests regarding insurance policies, advocating for better protection for doctors and declaring hospitals as protected zones to ensure safety.
Ashokan expressed grief over the loss of over 1800 doctors during the pandemic and highlighted the lack of compensation from central and state governments for these casualties.
Founded in 1928, the IMA has played a pivotal role in involving doctors in the freedom struggle. Ashokan announced an upcoming important meeting scheduled for January 12, where commitments towards two significant health pledges will be discussed and presented to the government. The pledges include prioritizing healthcare and increasing the government's share in the sector.
Ashokan revealed that while the government allocates funds to healthcare in the annual budget, this allocation needs to be increased. Currently, healthcare accounts for 4% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with government and private hospitals contributing 1.1% and 2.9%, respectively. The IMA is advocating for the government's share to rise to 2.5%.
He further pointed out the need for the government to expand the infrastructure of the health department. There is a call to treat medical errors as civil offenses rather than criminal ones, to protect doctors from disproportionate legal battles. The IMA is lobbying for legislation that shields doctors from criminal proceedings, arguing that actions against doctors often have a detrimental impact on patients.
The IMA also urges the government to establish clear regulations for all hospitals and to remove certain clauses from the existing Medical Establishment Act that are seen as detrimental to healthcare providers. Additionally, the association has made multiple requests regarding insurance policies, advocating for better protection for doctors and declaring hospitals as protected zones to ensure safety.
Ashokan expressed grief over the loss of over 1800 doctors during the pandemic and highlighted the lack of compensation from central and state governments for these casualties.