NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) recently suspended the membership of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, amid a CBI investigation into his alleged connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor earlier this month and financial irregularities at the medical institute during his tenure.The IMA’s disciplinary committee, headed by National President Dr. RV Asokan, took a suo-motu decision to suspend Dr. Ghosh’s membership due to the serious nature of the case.
The suspension brings into focus the rules governing membership termination within the IMA, a vital point for all current and aspiring members to understand. Here is a detailed overview of the IMA’s membership termination rules:
Termination of Membership: The Twin Route
Membership in the IMA can be terminated through two primary routes: resignation or removal of the member’s name. Each route comes with its own specific clauses and procedures, which are outlined below.
1. Termination by Resignation
Members may voluntarily terminate their own membership by resigning from the association. To do so, they must provide a 30-day notice in writing. Depending on their affiliation, they should direct this notice to:
• The Branch Secretary, for Branch Members.
• The Honorary Secretary General via the Territorial or State Secretary, for Direct Members attached to a Territorial or State Branch.
• The Honorary Secretary General directly, for Direct Members attached to the Headquarters.
Additionally, the resigning member is required to clear any outstanding dues. The Secretary involved must submit either a statement of outstanding dues or a clearance certificate along with the resignation to the Headquarters.
2. Termination by Removal of Name
There are various factors that can contribute to the removal of an IMA member’s name. Here is a detailed analysis of those reasons and process of removal.
a) Non-Payment of Dues
A member’s name can be removed from the membership register if he or she fails to pay the subscription fees, following due notice.
• For Direct Members, a registered letter is sent from the Headquarters or the State/Territorial Branch before March 1, reminding members about the upcoming subscription deadline on April 1. If payment is not received by this date, their membership is automatically terminated.
• For Branch Members, local branches can set their own rules regarding payment of dues. If a branch decides to terminate or suspend a member for non-payment, it must inform the IMA Headquarters and the Journal Office.
b) Undesirable Conduct
A member’s name may be removed if his or her conduct is deemed detrimental to the interests of the IMA or brings the medical profession into disrepute. This process involves a written explanation request from the member. If unsatisfactory, the member may be asked to apologise or resign.
Refusal to apologise or resign could result in a local branch meeting where a three-fourths vote is required for removal. Final approval lies with the IMA Working Committee, which must concur with a two-thirds majority. Punishments can range from censure and suspension to permanent removal.
c) Legal or Ethical Convictions
The IMA also terminates membership if a member:
• Is convicted by a court for a crime involving moral turpitude.
• Is deregistered by a Medical Council of India for unethical conduct.
• Loses his or her medical qualification due to misconduct.
In such cases, membership termination is immediate (“ipso facto”).
Implications for Medical Aspirants
For medical students and aspirants, understanding these rules is essential. Membership in the IMA is a privilege, and adherence to its standards and ethics is mandatory. The recent suspension of Dr. Ghosh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of professional conduct, ethical behaviour, and adherence to both medical and legal standards.
The suspension brings into focus the rules governing membership termination within the IMA, a vital point for all current and aspiring members to understand. Here is a detailed overview of the IMA’s membership termination rules:
Termination of Membership: The Twin Route
Membership in the IMA can be terminated through two primary routes: resignation or removal of the member’s name. Each route comes with its own specific clauses and procedures, which are outlined below.
1. Termination by Resignation
Members may voluntarily terminate their own membership by resigning from the association. To do so, they must provide a 30-day notice in writing. Depending on their affiliation, they should direct this notice to:
• The Branch Secretary, for Branch Members.
• The Honorary Secretary General via the Territorial or State Secretary, for Direct Members attached to a Territorial or State Branch.
• The Honorary Secretary General directly, for Direct Members attached to the Headquarters.
Additionally, the resigning member is required to clear any outstanding dues. The Secretary involved must submit either a statement of outstanding dues or a clearance certificate along with the resignation to the Headquarters.
2. Termination by Removal of Name
There are various factors that can contribute to the removal of an IMA member’s name. Here is a detailed analysis of those reasons and process of removal.
a) Non-Payment of Dues
A member’s name can be removed from the membership register if he or she fails to pay the subscription fees, following due notice.
• For Direct Members, a registered letter is sent from the Headquarters or the State/Territorial Branch before March 1, reminding members about the upcoming subscription deadline on April 1. If payment is not received by this date, their membership is automatically terminated.
• For Branch Members, local branches can set their own rules regarding payment of dues. If a branch decides to terminate or suspend a member for non-payment, it must inform the IMA Headquarters and the Journal Office.
b) Undesirable Conduct
A member’s name may be removed if his or her conduct is deemed detrimental to the interests of the IMA or brings the medical profession into disrepute. This process involves a written explanation request from the member. If unsatisfactory, the member may be asked to apologise or resign.
Refusal to apologise or resign could result in a local branch meeting where a three-fourths vote is required for removal. Final approval lies with the IMA Working Committee, which must concur with a two-thirds majority. Punishments can range from censure and suspension to permanent removal.
c) Legal or Ethical Convictions
The IMA also terminates membership if a member:
• Is convicted by a court for a crime involving moral turpitude.
• Is deregistered by a Medical Council of India for unethical conduct.
• Loses his or her medical qualification due to misconduct.
In such cases, membership termination is immediate (“ipso facto”).
Implications for Medical Aspirants
For medical students and aspirants, understanding these rules is essential. Membership in the IMA is a privilege, and adherence to its standards and ethics is mandatory. The recent suspension of Dr. Ghosh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of professional conduct, ethical behaviour, and adherence to both medical and legal standards.
