About 65,277 petitions signed during IMA's Dilli Chalo

About 65,277 petitions signed during IMA's Dilli Chalo

·         6th June declared as the IMA Sangharsh Day

·         A lakh people from the profession connected to the movement

New Delhi, 07 June 2017: The Dilli Chalo movement organized by the IMA on 6th June 2017 as a silent protest against the atrocities faced by the medical fraternity, was a roaring success. The event saw over 10,000 doctors march to the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Further, about 43,767 were connected via the digital platform. The IMA has declared 6th June as the IMA Sangharsh Day and indicated that this will indeed be a memorable day in the history of the Association.

The largest rally and gathering in any non-academic event saw unprecedented participation from all quarters . There were a record 3,767 views in the IMA Website Dilli Chalo and the total webcast views on Facebook went up to 9,000. About 65,277 petitions were also signed on the IMA website and over a lakh people from the medical fraternity got connected to the movement at large.

Thanking one and all, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "We are touched, speechless, and emotional at the same time. Though the impact has been unbelievable, heart of hearts we knew that we can do it and were sure of the strength of Team IMA. The two and a half year effort started with campaigns TEAM IMA followed with Digital IMA, Team Digital IMA, IMA Rise and Shine and Finally IMA 1 Voice. This was followed with graded protest and events (IMA solidarity day, IMA black badge day, IMA protest day etc.). Today, Dilli Chalo has proven our strength as IMA1Voice. Now is the time to strengthen the IMA1Voice movement. All attendees of Dilli Chalo movement should become the IMA brand ambassadors and speak out about IMA all across the country."

The movement has already seen some immediate outcomes including DG Dr Jagdish Prasad's meeting with IMA officials; Health Secretary Shri C K Mishra announcing MOH monthly meetings with IMA officials; Health Minister Shri J P Nadda announcing a high-powered meeting with all senior officials in third week of June to look into all IMA issues; and CM West Bengal and Delhi Health Minister agreeing to many IMA view-points.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "I salute all those who participated for giving me the courage to take this massive initiative forward and for contributing majorly to its success. However, all is not over yet. The real deal starts now and our next slogan would be 'do not force us to go on a nationwide strike'."

IMA thanked all those who contributed to the event directly and indirectly with some people deserving a special mention. Although this clarion call of "enough is enough" has led to a successful protest to raise nationwide awareness, a lot still remains to be addressed regarding the injustice being heaped upon this noble profession. The movement will continue in different forms until swift action is taken to restore the nobility and dignity of the medical profession.

Over 70, 000 doctors participate in the Indian Medical Association’s Dilli Chalo movement

Over 70, 000 doctors participate in the Indian Medical Association’s Dilli Chalo movement Deliberate on key issues ailing the medical community including the increasing incidence of violence against doctors, unfair nature of the PC PNDT Act, need for compensation capping New Delhi, 6 June 2017: In what was perhaps the largest peaceful Satyagraha against the many issues confronting the medical fraternity in the country, doctors, MBBS students, and others associated with the profession participated in huge numbers in the Dilli Chalo movement held today. The movement was a fitting conclusion to the intensive month-long campaign by IMA aimed at raising awareness on and bringing to light the issues faced by the medical profession. IMA is a unified voice and the collective consciousness of the medical profession in the country. The Protest March started at 8:00 AM from Rajghat and reached the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium by 11:00 AM. Earlier, the office bearers paid homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at 6.30 AM. Over 70,000 doctors from all over India participated in the event including representatives of National Medical Associations such as Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Association of Physicians of India (API) and the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) amongst others. Those not present in person joined the movement digitally over a live webcast. Speaking at the deliberations, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "This is one of the toughest times for the medical fraternity. This Satyagraha comes after the realization that enough is enough, and that repeated pleas and appeals by the medical fraternity have materialized into nothing but reassurances. The agitation among doctors has been evident for a long time now. New draconian acts imposing penal provisions on clerical errors and violations of clauses not linked to medical treatment under the PC PNDT Act and West Bengal Clinical Establishment Act are not in the interest of the profession and therefore, the society at large. The need of the hour is collective action and decision which would do justice to this profession." The last few months have seen several other initiatives by the IMA on this front such as STOP NMC Sathyagraha, two National Protest Days against violence on doctors, NO to NEXT strike in medical colleges, and the National Black Day against West Bengal Clinical Establishments Act. Other than this, 3 action committee meetings and 2 meetings of Federation of Medical Associations of India were also conducted. Adding further, Dr Marthanda Pillai, Past President, IMA and Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, President Elect, IMA, in a joint statement, said, “It is imperative for both doctors and patients to understand that their relationship is a sacred one and that the dignity of the profession needs to be upheld. It won’t be wrong to say that justice has been denied to doctors even within the framework of the constitution of India. This movement should not be misconstrued as a strike or an agitation of any kind. Its sole aim is to serve as a wake-up call to the government and take urgent action." Addressing the huge gathering of medical professionals, Dr Vinay Aggarwal (Past President IMA) and Dr R V Asokan, Chairman, Action Committee, added, "This protest is an indication that medical professionals will no longer take any form of injustice. People are indulging in violence against doctors, which is further being condoned by governments and other institutions. Prescription rights of doctors are being trampled upon, which can have disastrous consequences for patients. There is absolutely no end to the injustice being heaped upon the medical fraternity and this noble profession. This movement should be enough to urge the government to take urgent action failing which the agitation is only bound to increase." The Dilli Chalo movement aimed to address the following demands by the medical fraternity. • Criminal prosecution of medical negligence and clerical errors to be an exception • Stringent central act against violence on doctors • Capping the compensation in Consumer Protection Act (CPA) on doctors • Professional autonomy in treatment and prescriptions • Amendments in PC PNDT, Central Clinical Establishment Act (CEA), West Bengal CEA Act • No unscientific mixing of systems of medicine • Empower MBBS graduates • One drug - One company - One price • Implement inter-ministerial committee recommendations in six weeks • Single window accountability • Single window registration of doctors and medical establishments • No to NMC: Amend Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act to maintain professional autonomy • Uniform final MBBS exam instead of ‘NEXT’ • Uniform service conditions for service doctors & faculty • Same work - Same pay - Pay parity - No to adhocism • Fair conduction of NEET exam • IMA member in every government health committee • Central anti-quackery law • Reimbursement of emergency services provided by private sector • 25000 family medicine PG seats • Aided hospitals and retainer ship in general practice • Health budget of 5% of GDP for universal health coverage

IMA Created History: Thank You Team IMA

IMA Created History: Thank You Team IMA

Dear All 

IMA call for “Dilli Chalo” was a grand success. Over 10000 doctors marched from Delhi Gate to Indira Gandhi Stadium 

  

1. 10,000 medical professionals physically present today 

2. 43,767 digitally present today (see the screen shot)

3. T-total participation: 53767 today 

4. Petition signed 63457 

An unmatchable record in the history of India  

Kindly watch - Straight from the Heart: From the desk of National President, IMA Dr KK Aggarwal 

"Dilli Chalo" Address by Dr K K Aggarwal, National President IMA 

Video Link: https://youtu.be/isl4AfBR17U 

On website - http://module.ima-india.org/dillichalo/live/

Dr KK Aggarwal 

National President IMA

IMA to flag off the Dilli Chalo movement

IMA to flag off the Dilli Chalo movement • Doctors unified in their stand against the many issues faced by the medical profession • This huge movement is the need of the hour to urge the government to take strong action New Delhi, 02 June 2017: In what will probably be the largest movement against the atrocities faced by the medical profession, the IMA will be organizing the Dilli Chalo movement on 6th June 2017 and has urged the entire medical fraternity to join in large numbers. The Association has already undertaken an intensive month-long campaign to raise awareness on and bring to light the issues faced by the medical profession today. IMA is a unified voice and the collective consciousness of the medical profession in the country. The medical profession is facing one of the toughest times today. Repeated pleas and appeals by the medical fraternity have not materialized into anything except reassurances time and again, to the extent that states are now coming out with draconian acts like the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Act. It is after having decided that enough is enough that the IMA has given this clarion call, Dilli Chalo. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "This is probably one of the toughest phases in the history of medicine. Doctors around the country are agitated and not at mental peace. This is not in the interest of the society. The Protest March will start at 8:00 AM from Rajghat and reach the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium by 11:00 AM. Over 50,000 doctors from all over India will join the movement and a large number will gather in Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Doctors from over 50 cities including all the 30 states will be participating in the deliberations at the stadium and the remaining will be connected digitally over a live webcast." The last few months have seen several other initiatives by the IMA on this front such as STOP NMC Sathyagraha, two National Protest Days against violence on doctors, NO to NEXT strike in medical colleges, and the National Black Day against West Bengal Clinical Establishments Act. Other than this, 3 action committee meetings and 2 meetings of FOMA were also conducted. Adding further, Dr Vijay Malhotra, President, DMA and Dr Satish Tyagi, Secretary General, DMA, in a joint statement, said, "This is a peaceful Satyagraha and not a strike. All doctors will gather at Rajghat and start with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi. Doctors (senior and junior), students, and the entire medical fraternity will participate in the deliberations. There will be three tableaus moving in and around Delhi to create awareness on these issues. The IMA is also initiating a signature campaign on the issues at hand on social media and has urged all doctors to join and collect hundreds of thousands of signatures to demand justice from the government." The Dilli Chalo movement aims to address the following demands by the medical fraternity. • Criminal prosecution of medical negligence and clerical errors • Stringent central act against violence on doctors • Capping the compensation in CPA on doctors • Professional autonomy in treatment and prescriptions • Amendments in PC PNDT, Central CEA, West Bengal CEA Acts • No unscientific mixing of systems of medicine • Empower MBBS graduates • One drug - One company - One price • Implement inter-ministerial committee recommendations in six weeks • Single window accountability • Single window registration of doctors and medical establishments • No to NMC: Amend IMC act to maintain professional autonomy • Uniform final MBBS exam instead of ‘NEXT’ • Uniform service conditions for service doctors & faculty • Same work - Same pay - Pay parity - No to adhocism • Fair conduction of NEET exam • IMA member in every government health committee • Central anti-quackery law • Reimbursement of emergency services provided by private sector • 25000 family medicine PG seats • Aided hospitals and retainer ship in general practice • Health budget of 5 % of GDP for universal health coverage

Dilli Chalo, Rajghat Chalo: An appeal by National President for donations

Dilli Chalo, Rajghat Chalo: An appeal by National President for donations Dear Colleague Greetings from Indian Medical Association! You are aware that IMA has called for ‘Dilli Chalo: Enough is Enough’ movement on the 6th of this month to bring to the forefront the plight of the medical profession in the country. Cases of violence against doctors are on the rise, and often become headlines in the media, both print and TV, which in turn conduct a ‘media trial’ and find a ‘verdict’ against the doctor holding him/her guilty. Doctors are facing public criticism, criminal prosecution and are defamed in social media as themselves being the cause of provocation. Doctors have the right to live with dignity and honor. Professional autonomy to choose drugs, investigations and decide the line of treatment, along with consultation and procedure charges is our right because we have the legal responsibility. We have the right to practice in a violence-free environment. We support and advocate accountability, but not people taking the law into their own hands. We cannot be criminally prosecuted for clerical errors. Doctors in the private sector look after 80% of the healthcare needs of the population, while the government looks after only 20% of the population. Organizing any event can be challenging and organizing such a nationwide movement is a mammoth task indeed. IMA is facing a shortage of funds as well as manpower. If you think that the IMA is on the right track and agree that ‘Enough is enough’, please donate to the ‘cause’…Even a donation of Rs 1/- would be appreciated. You can send in your donations to the following bank account: Name of the Account Holder: Indian Medical Association (Hqrs) Bank Account No: 90671010000018 Name of Bank: Syndicate Bank Bank Address: CR Building, IP Marg, New Delhi – 110002 IFSC Code: SYNB0009067 We have already appealed to the State branches to contribute a sum of Rs 2 lakh for this movement. Local branches and individual members can also contribute. The funds collected would be used only for the movement and for related appeals through various advertising modules. The entire amount collected would be audited and the names of the contributors and the sum donated by them would be posted on the website of the IMA to maintain transparency. No movement can succeed without the participation of the people. We appeal to you to join the movement to make it a memorable success. Be an IMA Satyagrahi… Thanking you & warm regards Dr K K Aggarwal Padma Shri & Dr BC Roy National Awardee National President, IMA Vice President, CMAAO

IMA votes for a uniform MBBS exam

IMA votes for a uniform MBBS exam NEXT 2.0 to be launched alongside the Dilli Chalo movement in protest against the exam New Delhi, 27 May 2017: In continuation of its intensive month-long campaign against various issues faced by the medical fraternity, the IMA has urged the government for a uniform MBBS examination instead of NEXT. The introduction of NEXT has already been mooted as the centre turning a blind eye to some harsh realities in medical education such as inadequate infrastructure in medical colleges, insufficient academic facilities, and faculty shortage. The test was introduced as a substitute to three tests, including NEET for postgraduate admissions, recruitment for central health services, and the foreign graduate medical examination. The introduction of NEXT is likely to create discrimination between Indian Medical Graduates (IMG) and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG). IMA is of the opinion that the MCI is empowered enough to check the standards of final MBBS exam by each medical university/college. The need for another exam when the students have already cleared the final MBBS exam is unclear. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "MBBS doctors are the need of the hour. They need to be cultivated and empowered. They should be involved under retainership in all national health programmes. More than 25,000 postgraduate seats need to be introduced in family medicine. There must be a simpler way for them to get PG after completing their MBBS. It does not make sense for them to appear in another exam (NEXT) to get license to practice." NEXT was stopped on track by the all-India strike by medical students on 1 February. IMA is now launching No to NEXT 2.0 on 6th June 2017. As part of this, all medical students and colleges in the country will go on strike and conduct protest meetings. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "There is no doubt that the medical profession is facing some of the toughest times so far. It is imperative for both doctors and patients to understand that this relationship is a sacred one and that the dignity of the profession should be maintained. Justice has been denied to us and this movement is a call against that." The Dilli Chalo movement being organized by IMA on 6th June 2017 is an attempt to bring forth the atrocities faced by the medical fraternity and the IMA members will join the movement in entirety. The march will be undertaken by over a lakh doctors in the country, both digitally and physically, and followed by deliberations on issues ailing the medical profession.

IMA to organize Dilli Chalo movement

IMA to organize Dilli Chalo movement Over a lakh doctors to join the movement digitally and physically to bring to light atrocities faced by the medical fraternity New Delhi, 22 May 2017: The National IMA is organizing the Dilli Chalo Movement on 6th June 2017 to bring forth the atrocities faced by the medical fraternity and has urged all its members to join the movement in entirety. The Protest March will start at 8:00 AM from Rajghat and reach the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium by 11:00 AM. The march, which will be joined by over a lakh doctors in the country, both digitally and physically, will be followed by deliberations on issues ailing the medical profession. The last few months have seen several other initiatives by the IMA on this front such as STOP NMC Sathyagraha, two National Protest Days against violence on doctors, NO to NEXT strike in medical colleges, and the National Black Day against West Bengal Clinical Establishments Act. Other than this, 3 action committee meetings and 2 meetings of FOMA were also conducted. The IMA is undertaking targeted intensive lobbying in the month of May. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "The medical profession is facing the most difficult time of the era. Both doctors and patients have to understand that the 'Doctor–Patient' relationship is a sacred one and that the dignity of the profession should be maintained. It won't be wrong to say that justice has been denied to doctors even within the framework of the constitution of India. People are indulging in violence against doctors which is further being condoned by governments and other institutions. Prescription rights of doctors are being trampled upon which can have disastrous consequences for patients. There is absolutely no end to the injustice being heaped upon the medical fraternity and this noble profession. It is after having decided that enough is enough that the IMA has given this clarion call, Dilli Chalo." IMA is also initiating a signature campaign on the issues at hand on social media and has urged all doctors to join and collect hundreds of thousands of signatures to demand justice from the government. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "NEXT was stopped on track by the all-India strike by medical students on 1 February. IMA is now launching No to NEXT 2.0 on 6th June 2017. As part of this, all medical students and colleges in the country will go on strike and conduct protest meetings. The Pen Down Satyagraha will see all doctors across India, in all sectors, not giving any prescriptions for one hour between 10 am and 11 am in solidarity with the Dilli Chalo movement to save professional autonomy." The Dilli Chalo movement aims to address the following demands by the medical fraternity: • Implementation of the Inter-ministerial committee meeting report within six weeks • Stringent Central Act against violence on medical professionals • Single-window accountability with no criminal charges on doctors without intent to harm a patient • Single-window registration of doctors and medical establishments • Preserving professional autonomy by amending Indian Medical Council Act instead of bringing national medical commission • Uniform final MBBS exam instead of 'NEXT' • Pan-India uniform service conditions for medical doctors and other health care providers • Amendments in PC PNDT, Central CEA, and West Bengal CEA Acts • IMA member in every government health committee • No commercial rates on medical doctors providing subsidy • Anti-quackery laws (no one other than qualified MBBS or BDS can prescribe scheduled modern medicine drugs) • Protection of professional autonomy (no interference in freedom to choose quality affordable drugs, investigations, and treatment) • No variation in market prize for generic-generic, trade-generic, and brand-generic drugs • Reimbursement of all emergent services in private sector for people who cannot afford treatment • Health budget of 2.5% in the coming year • Promotion of family medicine in India with 25,000 PG seats in family medicine

Enough is Enough: Dilli Chalo on 6th June

Enough is Enough: Dilli Chalo on 6th June Dear Colleague IMA has declared “Dilli Chalo” movement on the 6th of June to bring to the attention of the nation regarding atrocities faced by the medical profession. The charter of demands is as follows. Kindly go through these and suggest more and also suggest modifications in the existing ones. We want to cover all segments of the medical profession (specialities, service doctors, residents, junior doctors, students, practitioners, consultants etc.). How come the government and the celebrities are watching violence against doctors without any empathetic response? Make violence against health care providers a non-bailable act with minimum 14 years imprisonment How come, gradually and now consistently, modern medicine doctors are increasingly being tried as criminals? We are not against accountability but not to be tried under criminal provisions. We want a single window accountability under the council or under a central tribunal. Why is the health ministry sitting on the minutes of the inter-ministerial committee - regarding violence, amendments in PCPNDT act, Clinical Establishment Act, capping of compensation and cross pathy? We want time bound implementation in six weeks. Why should we be the victims of the limitations of the government? If the government cannot provide free primary and emergent care to all, why are they not engaging the service of doctors in the private sector to provide the same at government rates? Are AYUSH not qualified doctors in their respective field and are they not qualified to treat common illnesses, then why force them to leave AYUSH practice and treat patients with modern medicine drugs? Is this allowed in other professions? Is this not cheating and injustice to the patients? We respect AYUSH doctors and their pathies. Let AYUSH practitioners develop their own pathy and grow in their respective pathies and not indulge in crosspathy. Recently, the government banned 344 fixed dose combinations drugs on the plea that two drugs when combined becomes a new drug. Then why are some state governments allowing AYUSH to co-write allopathy modern drugs? Let the public be given the best of their system of medicine. Any mix has to be as per a clinical trial registry. Are we not short of doctors? Are our MBBS doctors before starting practice not giving enough exams conducted by recognized universities? IMA wants to uphold the highest standards in UG and PG medical education. We are against the proliferation and establishment of poor quality medical colleges. The limitations of the government are already being faced by the doctors, then why introduced another exam in the name of EXIT? Would anyone like an elected government to be run by a nominated panel of retired Supreme Court judges or similar eminent people? Then why is the government thinking of replacing it with 20-member nominated body instead of amending the Indian Medical Council Act? Can the same be done to the Bar Council of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India? Do all the doctors not have the right to be treated equally in all states? Doctors are already facing the wrath of the limitations of the government, then why does the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission provide extra separate provisions of fine, compensation and jail up to three years, thereby treating WB doctors like criminals ab-initio? Are we not supposed to provide easily approachable services e.g. tackle cardiac arrest within five minutes? Then why are we restricted from opening clinics in the vicinity of residences of citizens? This is the most needed facility available to any citizen. Are we not responsible for the treatment provided to our patients? IMA is committed to upholding the rights of the people to get good, reliable and competent medical care. Then how can the government take away our right to choose the drugs and the company? Will the chemist be responsible for any death that occurs? Will the government pass a legislation and ask the voters to vote and which button to be decided by the clerk helping the polling booth? Then how can the government allow a chemist to decide which drug is best for the patient and a lab technician to authorize a laboratory report? If the quality and cost of manufacturing of generic- generic, trade-generic and brand-generic is the same, then why is the government allowing them to be sold at three different prices by the same company? We want one drug, one company, one price policy. Every citizen in the country has a right to receive quality and safe medical treatment. Then why push the poorer to treatment from unsafe and unqualified people? We want 25000 extra seats for post MBBS 'Family Medicine' course to provide comprehensive primary and emergent care to the public. An ideal GP clinic can be a combination of a doctor, a nurse and a pharmacist. When Arabian countries provide income tax free pay to look after their patients in rural areas along with higher pays, why can’t Indian government do the same? Doctors posted in challenging and difficult distinct areas should be given income tax-free pay higher than that given in metro cities. Are doctors not entitled for equal work- equal pay? Then why the difference in working conditions and pay scales of residents, service doctors across the country? All doctors in the country should be treated at par. How can you allow doctors to work for years under contract without making them permanent? Doctors working in bad service conditions because of limitations of the government is injustice and should be resolved immediately pan India. Reporting the name of the victim of sexual assault is a punishable offence in POCSO and IPC. We want a central law that any allegation against a doctor be not reported by the media until the doctor is convicted. How come increasingly Judicial powers are been given to administrators in various acts. Are we not going back to a Jury system? A doctor should have powers to challenge any regulatory decision in lower courts and not directly in high courts. Why are the government IEC advertisements not that effective? Why can’t they involve Indian Medical Association (IMA) and eminent doctors in their advertisements? If the government is dependent on private sector and is asking all of us to provide free OPDs in government sector on 9th of every month then why not give IMA a room at Nirman Bhavan (similar to that has been allotted to WHO) and work together. This is the minimum they can do. This step will lead to result-oriented coordination between Government and Doctors. Public-Private Partnership is the need of the hour to uphold and develop health sector in India. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI