Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the medical fraternity have objected the Central Government's proposal to amend Indian Medical Council Act 1956 by nominating four to five members to Medical Council of India.
"The amendments would destroy the minimum functional autonomy of MCI and cause havoc on the standards of medical education in the country," said Dr. Hozie D. Kapadia, IMA.
"Due to the strong opposition from the medical fraternity, the issue will now be discussed by the Parliament Standing Committee for Health and Family Welfare, before it is put forward to the parliament", said Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, secretary general of IMA. Dr. Aggarwal has written a letter to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh on the issue.
The proposed amendments can grant the Central Government powers to supersede the MCI by nominating members of its own choice. The membership available to the states and the universities in the MCI through elections will be by nomination from the Central Government in case of vacancies. The government will have the power to issue directions to the MCI to carry out its dictates. The government on the recommendations from 2/3rd of the members can oust the elected president or the vice- president for alleged misconduct or incompetence. This provision is also suggested for an elected member.
Such a proposed provision is contrary to the scheme of the act. Once this regulatory body of professionals becomes subjected to control by authorities, it loses its autonomy, feels the medical fraternity.
"The amendments have conveniently ignored certain aspects like re- accreditation of doctors based on continuing medical education. It is desired that all local branches send representation on similar lines to the MP's of their respective constituencies, so that we can communicate our deep concern over the issue", said Dr. Kapadia.
Dr Kapadia further added that in the Rajya Sabha there are representatives of lawyers, writers, actors etc. It should also include independent doctors to voice their genuine professional grievances.