The Indian Medical Association (IMA) received an official letter from the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Sunday, requesting that it reconsider Dr. Ketan Desai’s status as Chief Patron. This request is a result of claims of corruption within the association and doubts about the fairness of the IMA’s election procedures.
FAIMA’s letter focuses on two primary problems. They first voice concerns over the credibility of the IMA’s governance and election processes. FAIMA asserts that substantial amounts of money were raised from members for nominations; nevertheless, as there were no opponents, numerous important positions were filled without formal elections. They contend that this compromises the association’s democratic process and governance’s openness.
Second, Dr. Ketan Desai’s position as Chief Patron of the IMA is expressly called for to be reviewed by FAIMA. In 2010, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained Dr. Desai, the President of the Medical Council of India (MCI), on suspicion of taking a bribe of Rs. 2 crore to recognize a medical college in Punjab. The World Medical Association’s 2016 election of him as President followed the withdrawal of these charges, but FAIMA’s letter raises questions about his involvement and previous behavior that remain to this day.
The IMA is urged by FAIMA’s letter to take prompt, comprehensive action to resolve these problems. They have asked for an examination of the IMA’s election procedures as well as the claims of financial irregularities. Making ensuring that any anomalies are fixed and the IMA’s integrity is maintained is the aim.
Given his prominent roles in numerous medical groups, the issue surrounding Dr. Desai is noteworthy. His affiliation with IMA has been a problematic subject due to his prior legal issues and the jobs he has held after then. Rethinking his Chief Patron position, in FAIMA’s opinion, is essential to preserving the IMA’s integrity and openness.
This is in response to a recent incident concerning Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, who was suspended on August 22 from the IMA while the CBI conducted an inquiry into him. The IMA’s internal procedures and governance are coming under increased scrutiny as a result of Dr. Ghosh’s suspension.
In conclusion, FAIMA’s letter highlights a larger worry about accountability and transparency inside the IMA and calls for prompt action to resolve any possible anomalies and uphold the association’s integrity.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
