... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Somita Pal | Published : August 20, 2013 12:53 PM IST
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), an umbrella body of medical professionals, is at loggerheads with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) over its alleged attempts to rig the upcoming Medical Council of India (MCI) elections for the formation of a new committee.
The MCI is the apex body for medical education and one that is also responsible for giving permission for the opening of new medical colleges, besides devising guidelines for them, prescribing protocol for doctors and controlling the medical syllabus across the country.
IMA doctors have raised objection against the MUHS policy for electing state representatives to the new committee.
According to a recent MUHS circular, many of those listed as eligible to vote are from non-MBBS background, such as horticulturists, stenographers and personal assistants. 'Only medical faculty members and registered practitioners should vote,' says Dr Ashok Gupta, plastic surgeon from Bombay Hospital and a member of the dissolved MCI committee.
'This practice has been followed until now. It is absurd that non-MBBS persons and dental professionals are voting to elect prospective MCI representatives,' he added.
The IMA alleges that the state government will indirectly choose four out of the five doctors who will represent Maharashtra in the new MCI committee three from 34 medical colleges and a government representative. The IMA says that this will give them the power to manipulate decisions in the MCI.
Dr Anil Pachnekar, the state's IMA president, says, 'The election procedures are on and we can hardly do anything as the election for the state's representatives will be held on August 27. We are seeking legal opinion on this.'
Despite repeated attempts, both the Directorate of Medical Education Research, Dr Pravin Shingare, who is the election officer, and Dr Arun Jamkar, vice-chancellor of MUHS, were unavailable for comment.
Read more: IMA criticizes making one year rural posting compulsory
Content Source: https://dnasyndication.com/
