Panaji: The recent circular by Goa Medical College and Hospital banning its doctors from joining any association or institutions during pandemic times will have cascading effect on the various medical programs and also on the functioning of Goa Medical Council.
In an unprecedented move, GMCH Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar has issued circular which mentions that “As per the instruction of Higher Authority, all the Head of Departments are hereby informed that, no doctors from Goa Medical College and Hospital are allowed to join any organization/association/institution even on honorary basis till the time COVID-19 pandemic ends, as their services are needed for Goa Medical College and Hospital attached to it.
Goa Medical Council, which works as a quasi-judicial authority, seems to be the immediate victim of the circular as its important members including President are part of the GMCH.
Dr Padmanabh Vaman Rataboli, is the President of Goa Medical Council, Dean of GMCH is ex-officio member on its along with Director of Health Services, Dr Madhu Godhikrikar and Dr Jagdish Kakodkar are elected on the body.
Importantly, Kakodkar is Chairman of Continuing Medical Education Accreditation committee, which is crucial for the field.
Council’s Vice President Dr Dhanesh Volvoikar said that the circular is going to adversely affect the council as it will be without its Head.
“The members had taken permission from their parent body (GMCH) when they had contested the election. Now, with the recent circular, they will have to go on a leave,” he said adding that the council will have to meet and discuss the matter.
Indian Medical Association’s Goa Unit Chief Dr Vinayak Buaji said that such a circular will strain relationship between private sector and government set up.
“The crucial question is whether the circular would be withdrawn after pandemic ends and also what is the future of program of associated programs,” he said.
Buaji said that Dean himself is a part of IMA and the association has good relation with the GMCH. He admitted that the activities of IMA would be partially affected with the circular.
