PM appeals to agitating doctors to call off strike

New Delhi,May 23: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appealed to the striking doctors and medical students to call off their agitation as the government was working towards finding an amicable solution to the issue.

''I request all concerned to have faith in the government's sincerity to take a fair view in the matter,'' the Prime Minister said in the appeal which was conveyed by Health Secretary P K Hota during his talks with the agitating doctors here this evening.

Dr Singh said he has received the report of the Group of Ministers constituted by him to look into the matter in all its dimensions and come out with a comprehensive road map for the resolution of the issue.

''I will examine the report and the government will take a view on the matter keeping in view the interests of all sections of the society. I appeal to the students community to desist from resorting to agitation in the matter.'' He said the government is convinced of the need to have a ''fair, just and inclusive education system where every section of society feels that there is scope for their youth to acquire knowledge and skills as per their needs and become partners in the progress of this great nation.'' Asked what was the response of the agitating students' to the Prime Minister's appeal, Mr Hota said the government has told them their anxiety and problem has been taken care off so they should calmly consider the appeal and arrive at a decision.

He said the doctors have been given time to arrive at a decision after consulting their colleagues as doctors of many states are involved in the agitation.

Meanwhile, the doctors have said the talks were inconclusive as there was nothing new in the government's proposal on their demands.

UNI

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