IMA panel led by Dr Santosh Kadam wins majority in Maharashtra Medical Council Elections 2026

The state government will appoint five additional members, while four ex officio representatives from different health department entities of the state will also be included, bringing the total strength of the council to 18.

Dr. Santosh Kadam emerged as the leading candidate with 7,030 votes, marking the second successive time he has topped the polls. He had earlier secured the highest number of votes in the 2016 election, the tenure of which concluded in early 2022. Since then, the council has been functioning under an administrator.

Vote counting for the nine positions, which was conducted on April 26, was finalised late Wednesday night. According to the MMC website, there were approximately 60 candidates and four panels in the electoral fray. The total number of eligible voters exceeded 143,000, and voter turnout stood at a mere 13.9%.

Dr Kadam, a paediatrician and neonatologist with 26 years of experience of 26 Years, previously served as President, IMA Maharashtra State 2024-25, and he also served as a MMC member from 2011 to 2016. “I sincerely thank each one of you for the trust and confidence you have shown in us in the MMC Election 26. This wouldn't have been possible without the Support of all past presidents, Past MMC members, and Leaders of IMA Maharashtra state who stood behind like a Rock and Actively Campaigned. Receiving the highest number of votes is not merely an achievement; it reflects your belief in our intent, our work, and our responsibility towards the profession,” Dr Kadam stated.

“Eight members from our IMA MMC panel have been elected, and the ninth missed by a very narrow margin. You responded positively to our appeal and chose representatives with clarity and purpose. This collective decision has helped us move forward in our mission to protect our fraternity and uphold its dignity. Our approach will be practical, transparent, and focused on strengthening the system for everyone,” he added. He stated that their immediate goal would be to convince the government that they remain apolitical, 5 members should be nominated, and the medical council should be constituted as early as possible to resume work impartially.

Dr Kadam led the statewide strike on Homeopathy Doctors registration to MMC, raised MPCB issues, addressed issues like the Dr Sampada Munde case and violence against doctors and healthcare establishments. He has secured the National Award as Best IMA State President.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the elections were conducted after a gap of nearly 10 years, with 60 candidates in the fray for nine seats. Following the Supreme Court's directive in January, the election process was completed within the stipulated three-month period. The election was announced on February 20, and the vote counting took place on April 29.