Docs float alliance for scrapping MCI, MPs lend support

In an unprecedented move, a group of doctors today launched a national coalition to press for removal of the entire leadership of the Medical Council of India, alleging massive corruption and even demanded scrapping of the Indian Medical Council Act.
The network of "ethical" doctors received support of a group of MPs who asked them to prepare a white paper on the alleged "massive corruption" in the body.
Speaking at the launch of a national coalition of "ethical" doctors demanding the resignation of MCI leadership and scrapping of MCI Act, Members of Parliament including KC Tygai, Husain Dalwai and AV Swamy extended their support in exposing alleged corruption in the medical body.

The move came close on the heels of a Parliamentary panel report calling for revamping the MCI and the Supreme Court appointing a three-member Oversight Committee headed by ex-CJI R M Lodha to oversee functioning of the body, which regulates medical practice in the country, with regard to an entrance test.
"We want you to prepare a white paper on the prevailing corruption in the Medical Council of India with all your questions and present it to the President. MCI has become an institution of exploitation and torture and it should be exposed," Tyagi said.
He expressed hope that the matter will be taken up in the monsoon session of Parliament.

"We assure you of our support in this fight in whatever ways we can. I hope when the matter comes up this monsoon session, we are able to demand MCI's restructuring and bringing of a new law," he said.

Dalwai, MP from Maharashtra, suggested launching one medical college in every district to meet the shortfall of doctors and surgeons in the country.
"Like we have one hospital at district level, there should also be one medical college in each and every district so that the increasing demand of doctors can be met. Poor people are suffering the most as they cannot go to big hospitals even as it is mandatory," Dalwai said.

The launch of the coalition preceded release of a book, 'Dissenting Diagnosis', which contains first person accounts of doctors about how patients are exploited in hospitals and laboratories in India authored by Dr Arun Gadre and Dr Abhay Shukla. The book was also launched on the occasion.