IMA President Challenges Doctor Shortage Myth, Advocates for Change

The national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, addressed misconceptions about the shortage of doctors in India during a national conference held in Chandigarh on Saturday. He emphasized that the notion of a doctor shortage is unfounded, citing that over 1.1 lakh medical graduates enter the workforce each year. Despite this influx, many young doctors struggle to find suitable employment, often earning as little as Rs 40,000 monthly.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Bhanushali criticized the government’s approach to medical education, arguing that the focus should be on enhancing existing medical institutions rather than establishing new colleges, which he believes can compromise educational quality. He expressed the IMA’s readiness to supply doctors to rural areas if necessary, reinforcing that the issue lies not in the number of graduates but in the lack of viable job opportunities.

Mixopathy and Its Risks

Dr. Bhanushali also highlighted the controversial practice of ‘mixopathy,’ which involves combining allopathic medicine with alternative systems like Ayurveda and homeopathy. He firmly asserted that such integration poses clinical risks and undermines the integrity of both fields. “The IMA insists that systems like Ayurveda must be maintained in their original, pure form,” he stated, warning against the dangers posed by practitioners who prescribe modern medicines without adequate training.

He pointed out that a significant majority of Ayurveda practitioners, particularly BAMS graduates, often prescribe modern treatments without understanding their indications or potential side effects. This lack of proper training can lead to serious complications when patients require allopathic care later.

Critique of Government Healthcare Policies

Addressing broader healthcare policies, Dr. Bhanushali criticized the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the overall healthcare spending in India, which he noted stands at around 1.5% of the country’s GDP. He argued that government funds should be allocated to improve healthcare infrastructure rather than relying solely on schemes that have not proven effective.

According to Dr. Bhanushali, approximately 80% of healthcare services are provided by the private sector, leading to overcrowded public hospitals. He stated that many patients are left with no choice but to seek care in smaller nursing homes due to the inadequacy of government facilities.

He also raised concerns over the government’s insistence on including doctors in the Ayushman panel while payments for services rendered remain outstanding. “The government is determined to implement Ayushman in every hospital without proper allocation of funds,” he said, emphasizing the need for a more structured approach to healthcare financing.

The IMA’s stance reflects the pressing need for reforms in the healthcare sector, aiming to ensure that the increasing number of medical graduates can find meaningful employment and contribute positively to public health in India. Dr. Bhanushali’s remarks underscore the urgency for a strategic shift in policy to address the challenges faced by both doctors and patients alike.