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Doctors Slam Plan to Train Unregistered Medical Practitioners
2 Sep
Summary
- IMA Punjab criticizes state's plan to train unregistered medical practitioners.
- Doctors warn training could compromise patient safety and ethics.
- IMA suggests strengthening public healthcare with qualified doctors.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Punjab, has voiced strong opposition to the state government's proposal to train unregistered medical practitioners (URMPs). The government had planned to collect data on these practitioners for a proposed training program aimed at integrating them into the formal healthcare system.
IMA-Punjab president Dr. RS Sethi stated that a brief training course is insufficient to equip individuals with the necessary skills for medical practice and warned of potential compromises to patient safety and medical ethics. The association emphasized that diagnosis, clinical judgment, and emergency management require years of structured education.
Instead of creating a parallel category of minimally trained practitioners, the IMA advocates for strengthening the rural public healthcare system. They recommend increasing the availability of qualified MBBS doctors, improving infrastructure in primary and community health centers, and filling vacant positions to ensure better access to healthcare.
