NMC Bill opposed: MCI Odisha unit joins 12-hour ceasework

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Odisha unit joined the 12-hour cease-work stir by the IMA and observed Black Day here today protesting the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill seeking to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.
Wearing black badges and holding banners, over 100 medical students took out a rally from Power House Chhak to Raj Bhawan protesting the  NMC Bill, which was tabled in the Parliament on Friday.

A team of representatives of the MCI State unit woud later meet Governor SC Jamir and submit a memorandum addressed to the President of India.

Healthcare services at outpatient departments (OPDs) of various private hospitals in the state are affected by the protest while emergency services are functioning normally, said a member of the MCI State unit.

The Centre is likely to table the NMC Bill in the Parliament for discussion today. The Bill seeks to replace the MCI and also proposes allowing practitioners of alternative medicines, such as homoeopathy and ayurveda, practise allopathy after completing a bridge course. It  has provisions that chairman and othe members of the body would be nominated by the Government of India.

The MCI termed the Bill as undemocratic and anti-federal in character.