AIIMS RDA turns indefinite hunger strike into relay fast

New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) The six-day-long indefinite hunger strike by AIIMS RDA was today turned into a relay protest as the fasting doctors were showing acute signs of weakness.

The General Body meeting of the RDA decided that a fresh batch of resident doctors will replace the previous group on hunger strike in protest against the passage of the OBC Reservation Bill by Parliament.

The fasting doctors were given fluids today as their condition deteriorated further.

The decision was taken to ensure that patient care in the institute was not affected and the services continued smoothly.

The residents were reporting on duty despite being on the hunger strike.

''Our priority is patient care and they should not suffer at any cost. We have asked all the fasting doctors to eat because it is a long-drwan battle and we have to survive till the end,'' RDA president Dr Kumar Harsh said.

He said they will ensure that doctors are available for the patients round the clock.

''This is a peoples' movement and they should not suffer,'' he added.

The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill, 2006, provides for 27 per cent quota for OBC students in higher educational institutions maintained and aided by the Union Government.

On December 14 night, 15 executive members immediately went on the hunger strike after the Lower House passed the Bill.

The AIIMS RDA, under the banner of Youth for Equality, had started and spearheaded the anti-quota agitation since May.

Students from almost all institutions took to streets in May and September in protest against OBC reservation.

The doctors have appealed the public to support the anti-quota agitation.

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