Doctors call off nation-wide strike; The state to make changes in the NMC Bill

Doctors across the nation who were planning to go on a strike from April 2, against the National Medical Commission bill, have called off their strike providing relief to the patients. With the backing of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Medical Student Network had decided to go on a strike.

The Parliamentary Committee has given instructions to the government to make changes in the National Medical Commission Bill, accepting some demands of the IMA. Therefore, IMA and Medical Student Network called off the strike.

However, IMA is still aggressive about some of their demands. For the rest of their demands, IMA will be meeting health minister on April 2, and if nothing positive comes out of it, they will opt for a strike, confirmed Dr. Shivkumar Utture, member, IMA.

Doctors are opposing the National Commission Bill saying some of its clauses are demeaning to the doctors.

The state agreed to these demands of IMA

1. The Union Cabinet agreed to remove the clause for separate Exit Examination and to have a common final year MBBS examination
2. Amendment to drop the provision for Bridge Course to AYUSH doctors
3. Subsequent registration to practice modern medicine
4. Introduction of a new punitive clause for quacks and unqualified people for practicing modern medicine were welcomed