Expressnews
On the eve of the Indian Medical Association Coimbatore branch 100th year office bearers Installation function on 8th January 2024 Indian Medical Association National President graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
During a chat with press National president Dr. RV Asokan said , the Indian Medical Association (hqrs) will be releasing the Health Manefesto on Jan 12 th to press its demands for the health sector of the country well in advance of the forth coming general elections. .
Highlighting the IMA’s commitment to public health, Dr. Asokan emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocation to thehealth sector. Currently, the central and state governments allocate a mere 1.1% of the gdp to healthcare, a figure that the IMA aims is for a raise to at least 2.5%.of GDP. . The medical policy, scheduled for publication on January 12, will be presented to political leaders, outlining various essential aspects for implementation. The IMA aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare agenda in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking about the challenges faced by the medical profession, Dr. Asokan underscored the urgent need to address legal loopholes affecting doctors. He advocated for amendments, aiming to create a more supportive legal framework for the profession.
One of the key proposals in the policy is the declaration of hospitals as protected zone. Regarding health insurance all the hospitals irrespective of rural or urban should be allowed to handle Health insurance patients both by government and private insurance companies to bridge gaps in the health coverage and also protecting the right of the patients to take treatment at their door steps and with their preferred doctors.
IMA was established on December 28th in 1928 with 1800 branches across 28 states, and in Coimbatore the Coimbatore medical association started in 1924 got merged with IMA and is now celebrating 100th year in 2024.
