BENGALURU: Indian Medical Association called for shut down of private hospitals across Karnataka on November 3 in order to condemn the proposed amendments to Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act.
Former President of the IMA, Dr Rajashekar Bellary said, "All 177 IMA branches across the state have been informed of the decision to shut shop on Friday."
Asked whether the state health department was informed of the same, he said private hospitals do not require permission to do so. "Patients can go to government hospitals on Friday," he said.
There are 400 hospitals which are a part of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association which is headed by Sagar Hospital vice president Dr Madan Gaekwad.
He said, "We will take a call on whether to shut on Wednesday and have called a meeting of all members for the same."
Meanwhile, chief minister Siddaramaiah has invited a delegation of doctors for a meeting on November 2, Thursday, to discuss their grievances.
While the amended bill, said an expert committee, can recommend fixation of the cost of each health service and treatment procedures for the different class of private medical establishments, the redrafted copy says the rates shall be uniform throughout the state. However, hospital charges shall be fixed based on the place where it is located and infrastructure provided.
The redrafted bill is all set to be tabled in the winter session of the legislature that is scheduled to begin from November 13.