Orissa doctors resort to one day ceasework against reservation

Bhubaneswar, June 1 (UNI) Medical services in several private hospitals and clinics in Orissa were affected today as the doctors resorted to ceasework in response to a call by the state unit of the Indian Medical Association(IMA) to protest reservation in higher educational institutions.

IMA Orissa unit President Dr.Krupasindhu Panda said the cease work agitation was almost total in Orissa as the doctors abstained from their duties in private hospitals and clinic to support the cause of the striking medicos.

Dr Panda, however, said at some places the doctors attended the emergency cases on humanitarian grounds. Pathological units and medicines shops were also closed at several places in response to the call.

The members of the Orissa Medical Service Association (OMSA) and the Orissa Medical Teachers Association(OMTA) also extended their full support and put black badges to protest the reservation policy even though they reported to their duties.

The medicos in all the three government run Medical Colleges are still on their indefinite ceasework protesting 27 per cent reservation for the OBC in the higher educational institutions.

Sources said the junior doctors are likely to take a decision by this evening about their joining but the medical students have decided to continue their agitation.

At many places in Orissa the Chemist and Druggist Association supported the striking doctors and closed down medicine shops to express their solidarity with the doctors.

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