IMA opposes quota move

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Saying merit should not be compromised in the medical profession, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) today said it will oppose the Government's plan to reserve 27 per cent of the seats in medical colleges for candidates from OBC castes.

An emergency meeting of the IMA office bearers unanimously decided to oppose the move ''in the larger interest of healthcare system in the country'', association President Sanjiv Malik and Hony General Secretary Vinay Aggarwal told a joint press conference.

A meeting of presidents and secretaries of all 32 state branches of the IMA has been called here on April 30 to furmulate the future course of action, they informed.

''We see no logic, no rationale for such a move. The Government is in effect trying to turn the meritorious into backwards. Such vote bank politics will bring down the quality of medical care in the country at a time when we are trying to emerge as the global hub for healthcare delivery,'' Dr Malik said.

The IMA may also launch a struggle against the move jointly with other professional associations, he added. The association is also planning to write to the Prime Minister opposing the step.

The Government can give the OBCs a ''level playing field'' either by giving them extra marks or by improving their access to the tools of learning etc, but not through reservation, he said.

''Already the seats in medical colleges are limited. An additional 27 per cent quota for OBCs alongwith the already existing 22.5 per cent for SC/STs will severely compromise the quality of healthcare provided by the health professionals of our country.

''In general category, around 2.5 lakh students battle it out for around 1,500 seats in the All India Pre-Medical Test. The new policy will further decrease the number of seats on the basis of merit,'' Dr Malik said.

With assured jobs and promotions also, students from the reserved category who pass out of the 242 medical colleges in the country will at no point consider it essential to remain competent, he opined.

UNI VN MA DS1540