Panaji (Goa): 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, says Indian Medical Association Goa Branch Head Dr Medha Salkar.
This is what she has said in a press note released here:
Goa has not remained untouched by these sour turn of events and a senior IMA member in South Goa was assaulted in May 2017. The proactive leadership of our Honourable Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar and the immediate implementation of the The Goa Medicare Service Personnel and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2013 saw to it that the perpetrators were held accountable to the law of the land.
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. There is an urgent need to have a proper grievance mechanism for the patients’ to bring their complaints to. The IMA GOA STATE is proud to announce the setting up of a MEDICAL GRIEVANCE CELL with the following honorary members.
1. Chairperson Shri Pramod Kamat, Retired Judge
2. Advocate Winny Coutinho , Ex Public Prosecutor
3. Ms Jyoti Dhond,Senior Journalist
4. Ashfaq Sheikh, Executive Director Life Line NGO
5. Rajendra Kerkar, Social Activist
6. President,IMA Goa State
7. Secretary, IMA Goa State
As is obvious from the constitution; this is a committee dominated by Non Medical persons of high integrity with social standing and chaired by a retired judge. The IMA members are represented only by two functionaries who will primarily play a facilitators role.
The public can have full faith that all their complaints will be heard patiently and appropriate steps will be taken as per the recommendation of the MEDICAL GRIEVANCE CELL.
