Punjab IMA flays govt’s move to enforce Clinical Establishment Act
Punjab IMA flays govt’s move to enforce Clinical Establishment Act
Ferozepur, June 16, 2020: The Indian Medical Association – IMA, Punjab is up in arms against the issuance of ordinance regarding Clinical Establishment Act. Accusing the state government of adoping callous attitude towards the private doctors and hospitals, the IMA Punjab has termed the step as totally unwanted during the ongoing war against the Covid-19, when the need of the hour is to put concerted and consistent efforts to combat the pandemic.
Today, a deputation of doctors led by Dr.Naresh Khanna, President, IMA Punjab, Ferozepur Unit, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner in the name of Chief Minister, Punjab, strongly condemning the imposition of the Punjab CEA 2020 by Ordinance. The stance taken by the state government was condemnable as the private health sector had been standing shoulder to shoulder with the government in fighting Covid.
He said, the doctors will observe a compete medical bandh on June 23 to oppose the implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act, which is to come to force from July 1.
Despite assurances given during the high level meetings with the government, the suggestions of the IMA had been ignored with great impunity, and the Ordinance has been brought in haste just to dviae public attention from its failures to manage the fight against pandemic. he rued.
Divulging more details, Dr.Khanna said, the Act will have adverse impacts as it will increase treatment cost manifolds as hospitals will have to invest in skilled man power and infrastructure hugely.
Adding, Dr.Khanna said, the doctor patient relations will erode further, the Act will unleash Inspector and Babu Raj on to private healthcare and open doors for corrupt practices. He further said, while no improvement in health care facilities is expected as none has happened in States where it is in operation.
Moreover, the STP/ETP installation by small to medium hospitals is not feasible due to financial space constrains so these set ups should be exempted as it is also difficult now in Covid times to do so, he added.
The IMA Punjab, while resolving to continue its moral responsibility to cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19, has urged the CM Capt Amarinder Singh to immediately to roll back the Punjab CEA 2020 and massive fee hike in medical education, exempt small to medium hospitals from STP/ETPs and extend last date for others, regularize hospitals on as and where basis as promised by the ruling party.
Giving a warning to withdraw the ill-advised, ill-timed draconian step of the statement government, otherwise, President, IMA Punjab Ferozepur Unit said, the doctors the doctors under the aegis of IMA would be forced for complete shutdown of health services in Punjab on June 23.
