In a significant development for India's medical community, Dr Anil Nayak officially took over as the national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Sunday. The ceremony was held at the IMA NATCON 2025 event in Ahmedabad, witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and several other dignitaries.
A New Leader for India's Doctors
Dr Nayak now leads the prestigious association, which represents more than 3 lakh allopathic doctors across the country. An alumnus of BJ Medical College, his appointment marks a notable moment for Gujarat, as he becomes only the third doctor from the state to hold this top position since the year 2000.
Outlining his vision for his 2025–26 presidency in an interview, Dr Nayak stated that his core mission will revolve around strengthening the medical community and pushing forward crucial healthcare reforms. He emphasized that the well-being of practising physicians is paramount.
Top Priorities: Safety, Laws, and Education
"Our priority is to safeguard the interests of practising doctors, and their safety is very important," Dr Nayak told TOI. He acknowledged that while protective laws exist at both central and state levels, their on-ground implementation needs significant enhancement. The IMA has been actively making representations to authorities on this issue and plans to continue its advocacy.
He made a strong statement regarding medical ethics, asserting that "Fear should not drive the doctors' reaction to emergency cases." Furthermore, the IMA under his leadership will campaign for uniform consumer protection laws nationwide to create a more streamlined system for addressing complaints, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Another critical area of focus will be the quality of medical education. Dr Nayak welcomed the increase in the number of medical colleges but stressed that this expansion must be matched with adequate faculty and infrastructure. He highlighted a key gap, noting, "For example, while we are rooting for eradication of tuberculosis by 2030, pulmonology is not part of mandatory courses for colleges."
Major Push Against Antimicrobial Resistance in 2026
Looking ahead, Dr Nayak announced a major collaborative initiative planned for 2026. The IMA will join forces with global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India.
As part of this strategy, the association is developing a mechanism to recognise hospitals and establishments that follow good practices in antibiotic usage. Dr Nayak underscored the urgency of controlling the rampant over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, stating it must be kept in check to preserve the efficacy of these vital drugs.
The assumption of charge by Dr Anil Nayak signals a proactive phase for the IMA, with a clear agenda centered on protecting doctors, reforming systemic flaws, and preparing the nation's healthcare system for future challenges like AMR.
