IMA strike call against NMC Bill may hit private OPDs today

TIL Desk/National/Pune/ The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly objected to the draft National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill 2017, which was presented in the Lok Sabha on December 29 and will be discussed on January 2.

“It has come to the notice that the Indian Medical Association (IMA) would be on one day strike on 2.1.2018…. Since the strike may involve a large number of medical professionals, and it is anticipated that there would be inconvenience to patient care services in hospitals… it is requested that all necessary measures may be taken to ensure that patient health care and patient services are run smoothly,” said the Centre’s advisory.

The IMA has announced a nationwide strike between 6 am and 6 pm on January 2 as protest against the Bill, former president of IMA Dr Avinash Bhondwe said. As the strike has the potential to adversely affect the functioning of government hospitals, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory, asking the facilities to ensure smooth running of services.