IMA begins hunger strike over surgery permission to Ayurveda doctors
What's the story
Members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday started a relay hunger strike at over 50 spots across the nation over the permission given to Ayurveda doctors to perform general surgical procedures.
The body had been opposing this move of the government since last year and has asked the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) to roll back the notification.
Here's more.
Statement
Withdraw the impractical, unscientific, and unethical notification: Medical Body
In a statement, the body condemned the CCIM notification that allowed post-graduate practitioners in specified streams of Ayurveda to be trained in surgeries like excisions of benign tumors, amputation of gangrene, and nasal, cataract surgeries.
To note, the CCIM falls under the jurisdiction of AYUSH Ministry.
"IMA demands immediate withdrawal of the said impractical, unscientific, and unethical notification," read the statement.
Strike
Relay hunger strike would end on February 14
The body informed that the relay hunger strike will end on February 14 and that women will lead the countrywide agitation on February 7. IMA claims to have the support of the Dental Association in this drive.
Furthermore, to make people aware of the risk this notification poses, IMA will release posters and banners.
Members were directed to apprise MPs/MLAs about the same.
Details
IMA mulling to take agitation global
IMA also plans to take its protest international by telling associations from different countries about this "unscientific notification." The "global voice of modern medicine" would reflect the feelings of IMA, the statement added.
"The IMA will also give its rationale representations to all state governments. Under the Save People Movement, all NGOs will be updated with the core issues," the statement went on.
Looking back
Body forced to take serious steps as government didn't relent
Earlier, Dr. Jayesh Lele, IMA's Honorary Secretary-General, said IMA was forced to intensify the agitation as "the steps toward implementing 'mixopathy' are not being taken back."
While IMA understands that the huge population of India needs different kinds of medicines, the body doesn't want a single doctor to practice all systems together as it would compromise safety and quality, he had said.
Fears
This decision will also render NEET toothless, opined another official
In December, while speaking against the notification, IMA President Dr. Rajan Sharma had drawn attention to the efforts of NEET aspirants.
"Lakhs of students appear and only 80,000 clear NEET. If Ayurveda students are allowed to do surgeries, NEET will lose its importance," he had said.
IMA has previously organized two nationwide protests on December 8 and December 11 over this decision.