IMA: Allocate 5% of GDP for healthcare

Jalandhar, October 5

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) today demanded that at least five per cent of the GDP should be spent on healthcare services in the country.

“As per recommendations of the inter-ministerial committee, the healthcare allocation should receive a fillip, stringent measures be taken against violence against doctors and steps taken to prevent corporatisation of the medical sector,” IMA president Ravi Wankhedkar said here.

The IMA also demanded that the Centre should initiate a “Treat in India” initiative, as per which healthcare in remote and rural areas is boosted and treatment within the country promoted.

Wankhedkar said the IMA’s units were willing to help to make the initiative a success.

The IMA recently held a meeting with the inter-ministerial committee of nine ministries, including the Union Health Minister, regarding its demands. — TNS