Panaji (Goa): The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa Unit has set up Medical Grievance Cell, giving a platform for the patients to put forth their complaints.

“The year 2017 has been a tumultuous year for the Medical Profession starting with the assault of on duty Young Doctors in various parts of the country to the allegations of medical negligence and vandalism of various Hospitals,” IMA Goa president Dr Medha Salkar said in the press statement.

She said that Goa has not remained untouched by these sour turn of events as a senior IMA member in South Goa was assaulted in May.

“The Medical Profession has been amongst the most honourable of professions with a majority members practising with impeccable record of honesty and integrity. Even so there are instances where the patient or relatives feels that the level of care provided is not appropriate. Due to lack of a proper mechanism to bring their grievances to, they sometimes unwisely resort to unruly behaviour or take the matter to police proceedings,” Dr Salkar said.

Stating that there is urgent need to have a proper grievance mechanism for the patients’ to bring their complaints to IMA announced setting up Medical Grievance Cell under the chairmanship of (retired) justice Pramod Kamat.

The other members include former public prosecutor Adv Winny Coutinho, journalist Jyoti Dhond, social activist Rajendra Kerkar, executive director lifeline NGO Ashfaq Sheikh, IMA Goa president and Secretary.