New Delhi: Ashok Gehlot government introduced Right to Health Act in the Assembly on March 21 while describing it as a flagship & path-breaking law but the same has met with strong resentment & protests from the doctors & medical fraternity.
On March 27, both government & private hospital doctors joined hands to demonstrate against recently legislated Right to Health Act and demanded its withdrawal with immediate effect. They were also joined by thousands of Paramedics & Health professionals.
The doctors rally was aimed at pressurizing the state government to roll back what they called a ‘draconian law’ .
Private hospital doctors also threatened to snap ties with government schemes and said they will no longer be part of any healthcare scheme by the state.
Doctors from the Govt and Private sectors from all districts of Rajasthan gathered in Jaipur to protest the #RTH bill. Over 50000 medical and paramedical personnel attended the rally. @aajtak @narendramodi @mansukhmandviya @ashokgehlot51 @Jansatta pic.twitter.com/Ek0P7M9GN1
— Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) March 27, 2023
The rally passed started at Sawai Man Singh hospital in Jaipur & passed through various parts of the city. The doctors stir came on back of Indian Medical Association (IMA)’s strong denunciation of the Right to Health Act. The medical body also called for nationwide black day against the government’s contentious law.
What the new law is about & why is it in crosshairs?
The Right to Health Bill hopes to extend ‘free’ medical treatment to every resident of the state, even ‘free’ emergency services in critical times. For availing the emergency services, the patients wouldn’t need to make payment in advance.
The state govt is receiving lot of backlash over the move but Health Minister Parasadi Lal Meena on Monday made it clear that it will take it back.
Why doctors up in arms against Bill?
Doctors across the state are protesting against the recently enacted Act as it facilitates people getting treatment without making any pre-payment at any health institution in the state. The law also says that hospitals can’t deny treatment to any person, for lack of money.
Private hospitals along with many healthcare professionals are up in arms against some clauses which don’t clarify on ‘medical emergency’ and demanded answers from govt over who will pay for their expenses.
National President Dr. Sharad Agarwal briefing the Media about #RTH_Bill Imposed by the Government of Rajasthan on private doctors pic.twitter.com/XH0sINV11k
— Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) March 27, 2023
While speaking to reporters yesterday, the IMA president Dr Sharad Pawar said yesterday, “The state government has the responsibility to fulfill that. Since they are unable to fulfill their responsibility, they are putting it on the doctors, without clarifying who will pay the expenses.”
