Private OPDs shut as doctors go on indefinite strike
BENGALURU: OutpatienT services in private hospitals will shut again from Thursday for an indefinite period in protest against the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendments) Bill. While the bandh call is only for hospitals in Bengaluru, the ongoing Belagavi Chalo agitation has already hit operations in private hospitals across the state. Over 50,000 doctors are participating in the agitation. Private medical establishments in Karnataka had earlier shut down for a day on November 3.
From Thursday, over 22,000 doctors in Bengaluru’s private health sector will stay away from work while out patient departments (OPDs) of 600 hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and labs will close.
Four medical associations — Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Association (KPMEA), Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) — announced the bandh call on Wednesday.
However, exception has been made for emergency cases, renal failure patients requiring dialysis and cancer patients. Health Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena has cancelled the leave of all government doctors in view of the contingency.
The private sector has redflagged certain provisions in the Bill, like imprisonment of doctors, formation of grievance redressal committee, cap on prices of various medical procedures and non-inclusion of government hospitals under Bill’s ambit.Dr Jayanna, president-elect, KPMEA, said, “We have decided to go on strike till amendments are withdrawn. We feel the four critical amendments will kill the healthcare sector. We will close our OPD and elective services. Emergency services, dialysis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy will continue. All the diagnostics will shut except emergency.”
On government’s preparation to meet the challenge, Health Secretary Ajai Seth said, “We are looking at a short-term strike and not one that lasts days together. In the meanwhile we hope better sense prevails over the doctors as this is an untenable position to take.” When asked if the government hospitals can do non-emergency surgeries that private hospitals postpone, he said, “We will prioritise what is emergent and what is not. In terms of increased rush, we are equipped to deal with primary and secondary services. Tertiary systems are limited.”
Meanwhile the Belgavi Chalo stir is set to intensify with doctors from Kalaburagi, Hubballi and Shivamogga deciding to join their counterparts in Belagavi.The November 3 strike had led to deaths of two patients while six deaths were reported on November 14. Government hospitals in Hubballi are treating patients beyond their capacity and KIMS has been flooded with patients.