Chandigarh: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is drafting a ‘health manifesto’ to be submitted to local leaders for implementation. The key points the manifesto intends to highlight include: lodging of FIR to be made obligatory when doctors are mistreated and not allowing ayurvedic doctors to practice allopathy even after completing a bridge course. The manifesto will also seek increase in the health expenditure by at least 2.5% of the GDP.

Dr Neeraj Kumar, president of IMA, Chandigarh branch, stated that they are in good numbers, and thus decided to come up with the manifesto.

The manifesto will emphasize on relevant issues that have been raised in the past, but have not been resolved yet. This includes the National Medical Bill, which proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicine to practice modern medicine on completion of a ‘bridge course’.

Additionally, not many private doctors are a part of the panel of the universal health coverage, as the rates are too low. Kumar said that Ayushman Bharat scheme rates must be raised so that private hospitals can opt for it. He added that immediate registration of FIR against those who attack doctors is strongly needed.

IMA Chandigarh launched a campaign on Friday to drive people to vote during the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The campaign was launched in the presence of deputy commissioner-cum-additional chief electoral officer Mandip Singh Brar.

During the upcoming elections, the city doctors have decided to use their influence and goodwill to urge people to vote, said Kumar.

Stickers have been designed that will be posted on patient files and prescription slips. Posters encouraging voting will be displayed in clinics and hospitals. Doctors and hospitals will also post messages on their websites. IMA intends to hold an awareness session for its members and their families to show the functioning and proper usage of EVM machines. (TNN)