The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced opposition to a central government proposal to introduce geriatric nursing practitioners, asserting that the plan does not align with the principles of modern medical practice. According to IMA state president Dr. Joseph Benavan, the National Medical Council’s (NMC) guidelines stipulate that an MBBS degree is the foundational qualification for examining and treating patients in modern medicine. He contends that introducing geriatric practitioners from a nursing background undermines this standard, a move that IMA considers unacceptable.

In their statement, IMA officials criticized the government’s suggestion of recognizing nursing graduates as doctors after completing education regulated by the nursing council, arguing that nursing has a distinct field of study with its own unique structure, scope, and functions. Dr. Benavan stressed that blending the roles of nurses and doctors could lead to confusion and is a move that IMA is prepared to resist. The association believes this new initiative could potentially deprive qualified medical graduates of career opportunities while placing inadequately trained individuals in roles meant for doctors, especially in areas that require specific medical expertise.

IMA state secretary Dr. K. Shashidharan also emphasized the crucial support role that nurses play in healthcare, suggesting that nurses and the nursing council should continue to focus on their supportive functions within the medical field. He expressed confidence that the nursing community would resist any attempts to alter its professional objectives. “The nursing profession and the nursing council are meant to stand with the intention of supporting the work of doctors in a commendable manner. IMA believes that nurses and the nursing council will not succumb to such temptations,” Dr. Shashidharan stated.

IMA leaders further urged the government to bolster the field of geriatric care by enhancing medical education opportunities for young doctors. They advocated for the introduction of additional postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine and family medicine, noting that this would create opportunities for new medical graduates who could then specialize in elderly care. They also pointed out that expanding geriatric nursing courses in educational institutions would benefit nurses by providing them with the specialized skills needed to effectively support doctors in geriatric care, rather than attempting to substitute for them.

The association warned that the proposal to create geriatric nursing practitioners could foster misunderstandings and conflicts between doctors and nurses. If the government proceeds with this plan, IMA officials signaled that they would strongly oppose it through organized protests. IMA believes that maintaining a clear distinction between doctors and nurses is essential for a functional and efficient healthcare system.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)