The Tamilnadu branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has moved court against the popular Tamil TV channel, Sun, for airing a programme and opinion poll, which rate the doctors and hospitals in the state.

As per the petition filed by Dr.J.Rangarajan, Honorary Secretary of TN IMA before the VIII Chennai civil court, the programme on 'best doctors in various cities of Tamilnadu and best hospital in various districts in the state' was against professional ethics and code of conduct as per the Indian Medical Association guidelines. The VIII Chennai civil court Assistant Judge Mohideenpitchai, while giving an interim injection, has ordered the channel 'not to give ratings of doctors and hospitals', and has allowed continuing with the programme.

The TV channel has informed the court that they would not air the programme with 'best hospital or doctor rating', but would change the programme into 'popular' hospitals and doctors', it is learnt. The court is yet to give a final verdict, as hearings are on.

Reacting to the development, Dr.C.M.K.Reddy, President, Tamil Nadu Medical Association noted that the programme would cause to create a rift among the medical fraternity. "It is tolerable if you talk about the best facilities available in a hospital, but when you rate the capabilities of the practicing doctors in public, it is unfair and is against all professional ethics", said the doctor.

"It takes many years for a doctor to study and become a doctor. He may have studied abroad and secured many degrees, and may be working with an organisation of big repute. However, that does not necessarily mean he is the best doctor in the city or town. It is not advisable to rate doctors as best or popular as suddenly others in the same profession may feel they are inferior professionals" noted another IMA member with a city hospital.

"Will the channel take responsibility if a patient goes to a 'best hospital' and 'best doctor' and still any eventuality happens?" adds the doctor who feels that the programme could be a conscious effort to promote a section of the doctors and hospitals in the state.