Co-authored by Zeeshan Ali
March 11, 2018. New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association Dwarka organized a cycle rally to protest the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill. The rally started from Dwarka Sports Complex at 7 am and saw the participation of different doctors from the national capital.
Medical professionals have been protesting against the bill for a while now. The rally was organized to generate awareness among the people about the adverse consequences of the bill.
Dr Vikas Gupta, a laparoscopic surgeon said, “The main problem is that the ayurvedic doctors are being allowed to engage in allopathic practice after a ‘bridge course’ of 6 months which is simply not comparable to a study of four-and-a-half years.”
Sanjay Verma, a Dwarka-based doctor was of the view that if this bill gets passed, the public will not be able to differentiate between a doctor and a quack, so it would affect the quality of healthcare.
The event was joined not only joined by the doctors but also service professionals like Shantanu who are aware of the conflict between the NMC and the existing IMA, through his friends in the medical profession.
He added, “The NMC bill required a much more effective communication, and it’s not just for doctors but ultimately for patients, so that they could be treated in a dignified manner.”
Dr Mukesh Verma, Secretary IMA Dwarka who was the organizer of the rally said, “Passing of the NMC Bill will be a new low in the Indian healthcare system and in no way a substitute for a low number of healthcare professionals in the rural areas.”
He also told that a shanti yatra is being planned in the coming days, to make their voice heard peacefully so that a suitable action is taken.
Mr Anil Oraw, Regional Director for Ministry of Tourism(North India), was also present at the event to promote cycling and said, “Cycling is a very good way of connecting people and is also a medium to create health awareness among the public.”