THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government informed the governor that the public health bill passed by the assembly last March is not unconstitutional and does not encroach on the powers of local bodies. The health secretary also urged the governor to approve the bill, which contains essential provisions to protect public health, including control of infectious diseases.

After receiving serious complaints from Ayurveda and Homeo doctors about the bill, the governor asked for an explanation from the government and decided to not haste the process. The government was irate over the developments and denied any explanation as it was unprecedented for the governor to ask explanation from the government regarding a bill passed by the assembly.

A bevvy of complaints reached the governor from doctors (except allopathy) regarding the bill. The bill was prepared by combining the Madras Public Health Act of 1939 and the Thiru-Kochi Public Health Act of 1955. Most complaints highlighted the neglect shown towards AYUSH.

Registered Medical Practitioners have been given the authority to issue disease-free certificates to people treated for infectious diseases, but doctors from Homeo and Ayurveda are denied this power. The decision for treatment protocol lies solely in the hands of Allopathy doctors. Allopathic Medical Officers without any prior notice can conduct inspections at AYUSH health centres and will have the right to transfer patients to other places, according to the bill.

Allopathic Doctors as Secretaries in the State, District and local Committees, which are vital to implement the law. However, the government advocated that the bill is not against the equality of opportunity guaranteed by the constitution and does not abrogate the powers of local bodies.

The government has termed all the complaints and allegations pouring from AYUSH doctors as baseless and denied claims of discrimination in the bill.