IMA expresses concern over impact of Kerala Clinical Establishments Act on small hospitals

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed strong concern over the impact of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018 on small hospitals and clinics.

At the meeting of the IMA’s State working committee held here on Sunday, its Kerala State branch urged the government to implement the Act in such a manner that the interests of small hospitals and clinics, which have been providing affordable and quality care to people, were protected.

At present, only consultation clinics have been exempted from the provisions of the Act. The IMA said that necessary legal amendments would have to be brought in to ensure that these clinics are equipped with the basic facilities required for diagnosis and treatment.

The IMA has sought an exemption for small hospitals with up to 15 beds from the provisions of the Act, raising the argument that these hospitals have been playing a crucial role in delivering affordable care to people in rural areas. It said that the government’s response in this regard has been favourable.

These small hospitals and clinics are an integral part of Kerala’s healthcare system, helping to hold the priceline when it comes to healthcare costs and hence it was imperative that these establishments continued to function. The IMA said that the concerns of its member-hospitals and clinics have been conveyed directly to the Chief Minister. It said it was also holding discussions with the Health department in this regard.

Protest demonstrations

However, seeking an early resolution to the issues surrounding the implementation of the Act, the State working committee has decided to organise protest demonstrations in front of all District Medical Offices on Friday (February 13). In a statement here, State president of the IMA, M.N. Menon, and State secretary Roy R. Chandran said that the IMA will also observe the day as Public Health Protection Day.

The IMA will also stage a dharna in front of the Secretariat, raising the issue, on February 21.