- The Pacemakers

04 Dec 2023
TP News desk
Current News
Last Edited 05 Dec 23

The election of 15 doctors in the Telangana Legislative Assembly marks a historic event.Last year 13 Doctors of modern medicine were elected for the Punjab Legislative assembly.

Dr. Shikha Meel Barala, a young Gynecologist from the Chomu constituency in Rajasthan, has made history by winning in the state assembly elections. Another victory comes from Dr. Vishwajeet Meghwal in a constituency from Rajasthan, showcasing the potential of educated individuals to lead and make a positive impact.Vetern politician Dr Kirorimal Meena( Sawai Madhopur) and Dr Shailesh Singh (Deeg Kumher) are two other doctors elected for the assembly in this election.

The trend signifies a shift in the political landscape, debunking the myth that educated individuals are hesitant to enter politics. Just as Western countries benefit from educated leaders, if India embraces scholars and professionals in top political positions, our nation will thrive rapidly.

Policies crafted by highly educated individuals promise fruitful outcomes for the country and states. Political parties should now consider selecting educated individuals, fostering a clean image akin to Telangana and Punjab. Its not uncommon to see politicians in India using unparliamentary language and passing derogatory remarks from public platforms. Having highly educated and intelectual individuals in politics will also ensure integrity, discipline, decorum, and dignity in Indian politics and will surely change the political discourse.

There is an ongoing debate on social media regarding the results of the legislative assembly elections specially in Rajasthan where the Congress party projected Rajasthan as a model state in healthcare during election campaign. The ruling party sought votes by highlighting the government run healthace schemes as grand success but many doctors are writing in social media that mismanagement of the public funded healthcare schemes like Chiranjivi Yojna and RGHS and historic agitation of doctors against the ill conceived Right to Health act has significantly affected the election results. The unprecedented protest by doctors and other healthcare workers against the RTH act earlier this year in March-April had paralyzed the healthcare services in the state for 17 days..

Public funded healthcare schemes have also been an issue of contention between hospitals and state government.Hospital owners argue that non viable package rates,arbitrary rejections of claims, delayed claim settlements and unreasonable rules are a big hindrance in the smooth implementation of these schemes.

Dr Ram Dev Chaudhary,a physician from Sikar,Rajasthan who actively participated in the protest against RTH act suggests that the expectation from the newly elected government would be to involve doctors in formulating state health policies. This, he believes, will lead to betterment and enhancement of healthcare services in the state.The people of Rajasthan have rejected the politics of freebies. The incumbent government should now prioritize development, particularly in the realms of health and education. The new government must ensure 24/7 availability of doctors in all Primary Health Centers (PHCs), round-the-clock access to Gynecologists, surgeons, Physicians, Pediatricians, and Anesthetists in Community Health Centers (CHCs). Efficient trauma centers and the availability of specialists in all District Hospitals are crucial.Medical education should be made affordable to enable students from humble backgrounds to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. The new government must formulate policies with the welfare of the lower and middle classes in mind, constituting 60-70 percent of the state's population.Specialist doctors should be strategically placed to avoid wasting their skills and qualifications in centers where their expertise may not be fully utilized.

Dr. Rajneesh Sharma, President of the State IMA Rajasthan, emphasizes that doctors in Rajasthan hold substantial expectations from the new government. A palpable sense of insecurity among doctors requires urgent attention. The government must guarantee safe and secure working conditions for all healthcare professionals, enabling them to work without fear. Adequate accommodation for government doctors posted in villages is imperative. Furthermore, fixed working hours for resident doctors should be implemented, putting an end to any form of exploitation.

Doctors and Results of Assembly Elections

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