MBBS Bridge Course: Gujarat Invites Applications, IMA Goes to Court

Gujarat: Responding furiously to the move of the state government of initiating the 6-month bridge course for Ayurveda practitioners and nurses to enable them to practice the modern system of Medicine, the Indian Medical Association, Gujarat Branch recently knocked the doors of the Gujarat High Court, only to be referred back to the Health Department.

DNA reports that the Gujarat High Court disposed of the matter, refusing to intervene on grounds as the representation of IMA was already pending before the state health department. It, however, directed the State Department to take clarify stand and decide on the representation submitted by the association.

The IMA earlier this week had challenged in court, the recent advertisement calling for applications for a 6 month Bridge course from candidates of Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). The purpose of the course as per the government is to empower Ayurveda practitioners and Staff Nurses who after being trained in primary care and public Health competencies through the bridge course are envisaged to be placed as Mid-Level care providers in Sub Health Centres to be strengthened as Health and wellness Centres

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the court has been approved by IGNOU.

Read Also: Bridge Course for Nursing, Ayurveda approved by IGNOU: Minister .

Stating that the bridge course is nothing but an indirect route to permit the individuals not holding an MBBS degree to practice the modern form of medicine, the IMA pointed out that are per law only an MBBS degree holder can work as a medical officer in Gujarat Health Services.

The IMA also stated that allowing the above-mentioned practitioners to practice the modern form of medicine just by going through a bridge course is in contravention of norms, quotes DNA.

Responding to the petition, the single-judge bench of justice SH Vora noted that a representation of IMA was already pending before the state health department directing the department to decide on the representation submitted by the association.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the contentious bridge course had also made into National Medical Commission Bill, but following the opposition from the modern medicine practitioners, the clause had been withdrawn.

Read Also: NO Bridge Course for the time being: Rajya Sabha Committee Decision