Election 2019

Let us create a wish list for the candidates who approach us for votes in 2019

Being politically relevant is the only path to survival in this country called India. We claim to be the intelligentsia, so let us then decide this time to vote on issues and not based on caste, religion or party affiliations. However to do so we ourselves need to be clear what do we want from our representatives.

1) Central Prevention of violence Act where assault on a doctor or healthcare provider or institution would attract same penal provisions as assault of public officer on duty, be cognizable and attract jail term of minimum 3 years with fine of minimum Rs 5 lacs plus twice the purchase value of goods damaged. Any party involved in violence against medical establishment should loose right to sue for damages in civil / consumer courts.

2) Scrap PCPNDT Act. Enforce laws enacted to protect women’s rights, improve law and order situation, bring in women’s reservation Bill in parliament.

3) Scrap NMC Bill. Amend Indian Medical Council Act to include 1) To look after welfare of those registered under it 2) To increase representation of SMHCE in the MCI

4) Remove Medical Profession from purview of Consumer Protection Act and empower State Medical Council to award financial damages.

5) Include clause to have a mandatory affidavit that the party making complaint against a doctor has not made similar complaint on same issue in another court or quasi judicial forum.

6) Capping of compensation awarded by civil courts to 20 times the total fee charged.

7) Judicial officers (including senior judiciary) / quasi judicial forum members to have mandatory Continuing Medical Education credit hours (10 / year) if they are to hear cases pertaining to medical negligence.

8) Increase posts for MBBS doctors in Primary Health Centres and Urban PHCs from 30000 to 100000.

9) Increase the number of Primary Health centres in the country from current 27000 to 80000.

10) Provide accommodation, transport and security to Medical Officers posted in rural areas / difficult areas or give them allowance in lieu of the same to compensate for lack thereof.

We need to take each candidates views on these issues before we decide to vote for them. There is also no harm in collecting funds to officially donate to political parties willing to support our cause.

Dr Neeraj Nagpal 
Convenor,Medicos Legal Action Group, Managing Director MLAG Indemnity,
Ex President IMA Chandigarh
Director Hope Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Clinic,
1184, Sector 21 B Chandigarh 
09316517176 , 9814013735
0172; 4633735, 2707935, 2706024, 5087794
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