The Union Cabinet recently rendered another blow to the medical profession with the approval of the draft National Medical Commission Bill, 2017. The NMC will "cripple" the democratic functioning of the medical profession by making it completely answerable to the bureaucracy, says the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Speaking to mid-day, Dr K K Agarwal, National President, IMA said, "We have already written to the Prime Minister and will also meet Members of Parliament expressing our objections to the draft National Medical Commission Bill, which raises serious concerns about the government's intent to have control over not only medical professionals, but also medical institutions, across the country. This will give room to more corruption."

Dr K K Agarwal, National President, IMA says the draft NMC bill raises serious concerns about the government's intent to have control over not only medical professionals, but also medical institutions, across the country. Pic/Thinkstock