Doctors, students set to strike against NMC bill

New Delhi: Healthcare services in hospitals across the country are likely to be affected for some hours on Monday as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called a nationwide ‘token’ strike of resident doctors and medical students against some recommendations in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.

The strike would be held for two hours between 12 noon and 2 pm. In the national capital, resident and junior doctors and medical students will hold a peaceful protest in front of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS).

The IMA had earlier said that the Cabinet has agreed to four out of their ten demands. However, it added that the bill still does not address the issues of the DNB (Diplomat of National Board) and the practical difficulties with common medical entrance test, NEET (national eligibility cum entrance test), and foreign graduates.

“Although the Cabinet-approved draft of the NMC Bill has marginally increased the state representation and control of the government over 50 per cent of the fee levied, IMA feels that these are cosmetic in nature. The bill still remains anti-poor, anti-federal, non representative, and undemocratic,” said RN Tandon, the secretary general of IMA. Removing the clause for separate exit examination and to have a common final year MBBS examination; amendment to drop the provision of bridge course for AYUSH doctors and subsequent registration to practice modern medicine; and introduction of a new punitive clause for quacks and unqualified persons for practising modern medicine were welcomed by the IMA.