• UGI USER
  • Dec 30, 2023
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DECRIMINALISING MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

Issue: 

  • In April 2023, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed concern over an increasing number of criminal cases for medical negligence.
  • IMA deems criminal prosecution of doctors for negligence as “irrelevant” and demands exemption, citing it as a form of harassment.

About the Debate:

  • Home minister announced that under the new Criminal Code Bill, doctors are exempted from criminal prosecution in cases of death due to negligence.
  • Critics, including bioethicists and patient advocacy groups, argue that a

blanket exemption might lead to increased medical malpractice, particularly impacting marginalized populations.

About Indian Medical Association:

  • The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a voluntary organization of physicians in India.
  • Initially founded in 1928 as the All India Medical Association, it underwent a name change to the Indian Medical Association in 1930.
  • The IMA operates as a society registered under The Societies Act of India.