Indefinite strike cripples services in JIPMER hospital

Pondicherry, Sep 10 (UNI) Health services in the centrally administered JIMPMER hospital here continued to be affected for the third day today following the indefinite strike by the employees.

The employees went on a strike from Friday to protest against the proposed move to convert JIPMER into an autonomous institution to bring it on a par with AIIMS, New Delhi and P G Institute, Chandigarh. The Union Cabinet had approved for the conversion.

With the strike continuing, most of the inpatients have left the hospital. Of the 1500 inpatients, only 50 remained in the hospital.

The JIPMER campus wore a deserted look today as no outpatients turned up except for the presence of police personnel and staff. The hospital administration arranged lunch for the 50 inpatients from outside as the kitchen staff were also on strike.

The JIPMER anti-conversion action committee had made it amply clear that they would continue the strike till the Union Cabinet revoked it's decision. Talks between striking staff and Union Health secretary Prasanna Hota held yesterday failed.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the striking staff called on PMK founder-leader Dr S Ramdoss at his Thailapuram residence today and submitted a memorandum in this regard.

They would call on leaders of all political parties in Tamil Nadu, including Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa tomorrow, Committee presdient Arokiyam Kalaimathi told newspersons here.

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