Ayurveda,Unani doctors to strike work today

Only a few weeks ago,doctors from the Indian Medical Association had protested against the implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act,2010 and National Commission for Human Resources for Health Bill,2011 as proposed by the Union Health Ministry.

“We are also opposed to the Bachelor in Rural Medicine (BRMS) course proposed by the health ministry.

Our main demand,however,is to oppose the government’s move that disallows us to prescribe allopathic drugs. In most of the talukas,there are no MBBS doctors and it is only ayurvedic practitioners who come to the aid of patients,” said Gawari.

“The Maharashtra government had issued circulars in 1991 and 1996 allowing us to prescribe allopathic drugs,” said Gawari. The doctors have also opposed the Clinical Establishment Act that calls for a central body to supervise smaller state councils. This will dilute the power of state authorities and reduce accessibility of proper healthcare for patients,he said.

The doctors will also protest against the violence meted out to doctors in Uttar Pradesh recently.

Clinics to remain closed in Pimpri today

As many as 800 doctors associated with National Integrated Medical Association,Pimpri-Chinchwad,will stay off work on Tuesday,said unit president Dr Suhas Jadhav. He said they were protesting against the Clinical Establishment Act,Lucknow incident and some government policies. Dr Jadhav said NIMA expects the doctors to stay off work. “We will also take out a rally,” he said.

Chemists to down shutters from July 18 to July 20

The Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association at a meeting held on Sunday decided to follow a “work to rule” strategy and remain open only till 6 pm from July 11-17. They also decided to observe bandh from July 18 to 20 to protest against the alleged harassment chemists face from FDA officials while dispensing medicines prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners.

Mahendra Pitaliya,chief convenor of the Pune District Chemists and Druggists Association said there are as many as 5,000 retail chemists in the city. “A chemist has to take care of the patient by providing them medicines during an emergency. We are aware that there are not enough doctors in the rural areas and honour those prescriptions that are given by other practitioners. Patients will unnecessarily suffer if we are not allowed to sell medicines prescribed by ayurvedic or other practitioners,” said Pitaliya. The association has appealed to the public to cooperate with chemists during the strike.