Source: Hueiyen News Service
Ludhiana, January 31 2010:
The Union ministry has finally given its nod to the Clinical Establishments (registration and regulation) Bill-2010, which aims at improving quality of health services in India.
The bill would allow categorization of different hospitals, clinics and health establishments depending on the location and services being offered.
Besides, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and even laboratories will get themselves registered and function according to the new regulations.
While the four states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur have already consented to introduce the bill, Punjab is yet to do so.
Talking to The Times of India, Dr Narotam Dewan, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said, "It is a wise decision but there are some points that need to be worked out like hospitals have to get themselves registered.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) is already granting permission to operate clinics, hospitals etc".
"The IMA will hold a meeting in March where it will hold discussions regarding the bill," he added.
Echoing a similar view, Dr Hardeep, government medical officer and secretary of IMA said, "The government needs to consult the medical fraternity on the issue as it should cater to the needs of both doctors and patients" .
Giving his take on the issue, renowned gynaecologist Dr Iqbal Singh said, "It is a great initiative by the Cabinet to regulate health services in the country.
The involvement of private practitioners at the district and state-level
is very important" .