Maha: In meeting with DHS, IMA raises point of impractical amendment in Nursing Home Act

Representational picture

The Indian Medical Association, Maharashtra has raised the point against the "impractical amendments" to the nursing home registration rules in the meeting held by the Directorate of Health and Services.

The IMA requested health authorities that area-wise compulsion, certified nursing staff, higher registration charges and other provision is practically not feasible and there is a need to make certain changes or find another way, or else 80 percent of hospitals will be shut down as they won't be able to meet the rules.

Directorate of Health and Services on Tuesday organized a meeting with IMA regarding the clinical establishment act and the amended Bombay Nursing Home Act. The meeting was attended by 144 IMA doctors across Maharashtra.

Speaking to Midday Dr Shiv Kumar Utture said, "There are some provisions in the act on which IMA has objected and which are not practical. So, in the meeting, we had a discussion on six points out of which on three points they agreed to make changes and the same has been conveyed by DHS to the government."

He said issues like major hikes in registration fees and the appointment of certified nursing staff were also discussed. "There are not enough qualified nurses available. The problem is faced by both government and big private hospitals."

Also read: Mumbai: Two men accused of conspiring to revive Khalistan movement sentenced to five years in jail

Utture further said: "We have given a proposal to the government to train existing nurses under a skill development initiative like we are doing for other sectors too. In this way, the existing nurses who have practical knowledge will also have a certification. The government officials were quite positive about this and it is a win-win position for both government and small hospitals as both will get trained manpower to serve patients."

"Area wise compulsion for different bedded hospitals is impractical for the existing hospitals. This can apply to the new one on which officials have agreed. There will be separate provisions for Day Care Centres apart from Bedded and Non-Bedded Clinical Establishments," he further added.