‘Decriminalising medical negligence, increased government investment in healthcare critical’

Dr. Dilip P. Bhanushali, National President of IMA, aims to strengthen the medical fraternity and advocate for doctors' rights.

Dr. Dilip P. Bhanushali, a Hyderabad-based general physician, assumed office as the National President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday. In an exclusive conversation with The Hindu, Dr. Bhanushali shared his vision for the upcoming year, addressing pressing issues within the medical fraternity and outlining his plans to strengthen the IMA’s role as a unifying force for modern medicine practitioners.

Decriminalising medical negligence and advocating for increased government investment in healthcare are critical. Doctors should not work under the constant threat of criminal charges for honest mistakes. Simultaneously, we need greater public healthcare funding to ensure better outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.

The medical profession today faces numerous challenges, and addressing them requires prioritisation, focus, and perseverance. My aim is to tackle these obstacles with grit and determination while uniting the fraternity. A priority is increasing the IMA’s membership strength and ensuring active participation from existing members.

The safety and dignity of doctors are non-negotiable. Incidents like that of the RG Kar Medical College episode remind us of the urgent need for a strong Central Act to serve as both a deterrent and a means to deliver justice swiftly. Additionally, we will advocate for a review of the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA), which in its current form severely impacts clinics, nursing homes, and small hospitals.

We need effective communication with patients and their families to dispel public misconceptions and foster understanding. Outreach programmes will play a significant role in sensitising people to our genuine concerns. Sharing genuine success stories can also help bridge the gap and highlight the sacrifices doctors make every day.

The IMA is a robust platform for doctors of modern medicine, but we need to unlock its true potential. While expanding membership is essential, activating current members and involving them in various capacities is equally vital. Policies and decisions must effectively percolate down to states, branches, and primary members. It’s disheartening that many branch office bearers remain unaware of major IMA decisions. We must stratagise to ensure everyone operates with a shared understanding, enabling us to dispel myths and clarify misconceptions effectively.

Listening to diverse opinions, accepting constructive criticism, and maintaining transparency are integral to my approach. This is a voluntary organisation, and our purpose is to contribute towards the betterment of the profession.