SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 21: The Jharkhand chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called an emergency meeting of its executive committee on June 29 in Giridih to discuss the long-pending implementation of the Medical Protection Act (MPA) and amendments to the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA).
According to a notice jointly issued by IMA state president Dr. A.K. Singh, secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, and treasurer Dr. B.P. Kashyap, all executive committee members, as well as the presidents and secretaries of all district branches, have been asked to attend the meeting. Important resolutions regarding the future course of action are expected to be passed.
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Push for Implementation of Health Laws
State secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh highlighted that both the MPA and CEA amendments have been pending for years in Jharkhand. “The executive committee, along with district branch representatives, will decide on a strategy to push for these demands, keeping in mind the interests of poor patients in the state,” he said.
The meeting will also cover other key issues, including the status of the Housing Board of India (HBI) Jharkhand chapter, the IMA National Social Security Scheme (NSSS), the IMA Academy of Medical Specialties (AMS), IMA Mission Pink Health (MPH), and the IMA Women’s Wing.
Healthcare Challenges and PMJAY Dues
The IMA secretary pointed out that doctors across Jharkhand are facing various challenges in delivering healthcare services due to systemic issues. One of the major concerns is the delay in payments under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which has severely impacted the functioning of nursing homes and the care of patients.
“This delay in clearing dues has emerged as a major issue. It will also be taken up for discussion at the Giridih meeting,” he added.
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Attendance by Senior IMA Functionaries
Several key IMA leaders are expected to attend the meeting, including Dr. Bharti Kashyap, president of the Women’s Wing; Dr. A. Chakraborty, president of AMS; Dr. B.P. Kashyap, president of NSSS; and Dr. Shambhu Prasad, chairman of HBI Jharkhand.
The last executive meeting was held in Dhanbad on March 2. State IMA officials also confirmed that the upcoming meeting will address the delay in district branch elections.
Except for Bokaro, no other districts where elections are due have conducted polls in the past three months, despite IMA’s directive.
