IMA Opposes New Law, Claims Medicare will Become Expensive

The medical fraternity is up in arms against the state government for its decision to implement in toto the central legislation - Clinical Establishment Act 2010.
IMA Opposes New Law, Claims Medicare will Become Expensive

VIJAYAWADA: The medical fraternity is up in arms against the state government for its decision to implement in toto the central legislation - Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.

The Act was originally brought forth for the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh,  Mizoram, Sikkim and the Union Territories. The remaining states have been given the freedom to implement it or make their own law on the subject.

The state cabinet which met here on Monday decided to implement it as it is by bringing forth an ordinance which the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is opposing, contending that it would lead to several private hospitals closing down.

The IMA is opposing the Act as it seeks to impose controls and restrictions on  small hospitals and single doctor clinics.

The Act makes it mandatory for all clinical establishments to maintain, among others, minimum standards of facilities and services and staff. They would be required to maintain records, give an undertaking that they would provide medical examination and treatment to anyone who is brought to them in an emergency medical condition.

The clinical establishments will have to charge rates for each type of procedures and services they offer as fixed by the Centre in consultation with the state government. They should ensure compliance with standard treatment guidelines, maintain electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR) of every patient.

IMA state president Dr G S Murthy, secretary M Rehman and Vijayawada unit president P M C Naidu, speaking to mediapersons here on Tuesday, urged the government to reconsider its decision.

They contended that the new Act would only benefit the corporate hospitals, sounding a death knell to small private hospitals and nursing homes.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com