JIPMER staff begin indefinite strike against autonomy

Pondicherry, Sep 8 (UNI) Functioning of the Centrally-administered JIPMER hospital here was severely hit as the JIPMER anti-conversion action committee began an indefinite strike protesting against the move to convert the hospital into an autonomous institution.

The Union Cabinet had yesterday approved the conversion of JIPMER into an autonomous institution and make it on par with AIIMS, New Delhi and the P G Institute, Chandigarh.

The out-patient department remained closed, affecting hundreds of patients coming from different parts of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu.

Even Casualty services were not available today and the relatives of several in-patients were advised to shift their family members to other hospitals. In-patients had to go without food and milk.

The agitating employees, who were on dharna in front of the reception, prevented doctors and nurses from entering the hospital.

and gheraoed Director Dr Subba Rao.

Immediately after hearing the news yesterday that the Cabinet had given its approval for the move, the committee members argued with the Director and allegedly damaged some property. They also had an argument with the Medical Superintendent Dr Ashok Kumar.

UNI PAB SAM VV1048