IMA releases health manifesto; asks political parties to prioritise health sector

Indian Medical Association, on Sunday, released its health manifesto, ahead of Lok Sabha polls, asking all the political parties to prioritise health and making suggestions on the areas that require urgent government attention. The association has also offered its services as a think tank group to the government at at the national and state-level, to help bring healthcare at the forefront.

"After exhaustive discussions and deliberations with multiple stakeholders and experts, IMA has prepared a document of health issues which need urgent attention of the government and political parties, including universal health coverage through government funding, increased public expenditure in healthcare, private public partnership facilitated by not-for-profit institutions, and no criminalisation of medical profession," are some of the points listed in the manifesto.

The association has demanded an increase in the GDP share in healthcare from 1.2 to 5 percent. Prioritising primary and preventive health, social determinants of health, medical education and research for fund distribution. It has also asked for a mechanism to ensure utilisation and outcome, and the fund allotment has to be as per the percentage of patients seeking treatment in any particular system.

"The issue of shortage of MBBS doctors in rural, tribal, and hilly areas can be addressed through incentive-based approach with improved administration and infrastructure. An appropriate mechanism can be established to address medical manpower shortage in some states. Also, One drug, one price policy should be followed i.e., the government should regulate the price and quality of drugs, implants, equipment, and consumables," stated the manifesto.

The manifesto also talks about the single window clearance for laws and regulations for healthcare establishments. It has also demanded better policies to ensure viability and smooth functioning of small healthcare establishments which help as the backbone in providing secondary healthcare.

CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY EXPERTS

1. GDP share in health care.
2. Universal health coverage- to all irrespective of a socioeconomic group or geographical location.
3. Primary health care and rural health care.
4. Co-ordinated approach for improving Social determinants of health.
5. Medical Education- capping of fees of private medical colleges to make them affordable.
6. Medical research- Medical grants commission to be set up for funding medical education.
7. Shortage of Medical Manpower
8. Reducing the Out of Pocket Health Expenditure for the common man
9. Safe environment for doctors
10. Steps to improve health care delivery.
11. Ensure scientifically and authorized healthcare to people.
12. Protection of Small & Medium Nursing Homes.
13. Exemption of the medical profession from the Consumer Protection Act.
14. Involvement of stakeholders.
15. Social justice and elderly care