Unacceptable In Modern Medical Practice: IMA Criticizes Centre's Proposal for Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed strong objections to the Central Government’s recent proposal for geriatric nursing practitioners, arguing that it undermines the qualifications of MBBS graduates. The IMA has declared it as "unacceptable in modern medical practice".

IMA leaders argue that only doctors with an MBBS degree are allowed to diagnose and treat patients, in line with the guidelines set by the National Medical Council. They strongly disagree with the portrayal of nursing graduates as doctors after completing their education through the nursing council.

A few days ago, the Indian Nursing Council (INC) announced to launch of a new postgraduate programme nationwide soon known as the Nursing Practitioner in Geriatric Nursing (NPGN). Through this course, registered nurses will be able to become Nurse Practitioners in Geriatric Nursing (NPGNs), develop clinical expertise in geriatric assessment, treatment, and management of chronic and acute conditions and function as educators, managers, and consultants within the field of geriatric care.

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As per Onmanorama news report, the course, which will soon begin in nursing and medical colleges nationwide, will be open to those who hold a BSc in Nursing. During their studies, NPGN students will be permitted to administer medication under teacher supervision. Further, The INC has also announced forthcoming policy changes designed to improve career opportunities for these practitioners. These adjustments will allow hospitals to create vacancies and grant necessary licenses for NPGN-qualified professionals.

However, IMA has refused to accept the proposal of the council as it stated that nurses are meant to support the work of doctors in the medical field. 

Speaking to TOI, IMA state president Dr Joseph Benavan said, "The Indian Medical Association states that the central government's proposal for geriatric nursing practitioners is unacceptable in modern medical practice. According to the National Medical Council's guidelines, the basic qualification for examining and treating patients in modern medicine is an MBBS degree. The IMA strongly protests against the attempt to describe nursing graduates as doctors after imparting nursing education under the nursing council. The branch of nursing study has its structure and possibilities."

IMA state secretary Dr K Shashidharan said, "Denying career opportunities to modern medicine graduates and placing unfit and unqualified individuals will be resisted at all costs. The nursing profession and the nursing council are meant to stand to support the work of doctors in a commendable manner. IMA believes that nurses and the nursing council will not succumb to such temptations."

Further, they said, "We have urged the govt to take necessary measures to make use of the services of doctors in the field of geriatric medicine. Govt and the medical council should be ready to begin more and enough postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine and family medicine. That way, new opportunities will be created for young medical graduates. Also, if more institutions start geriatric nursing courses, that will also be beneficial for nurses.

The IMA warned that any attempt to create confusion or “fake treatment” systems would be met with firm resistance as the association will hold strong protests and agitation.

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