IMA calls for state-wide medical strike on January 12

Kochi, Jan 7 (UNI) The Indian Medical Association (IMA) today called for a state-wide medical strike on January 12 demanding free and fair working environment.

An IMA spokesperson here said the decision to call for a strike was taken after a working committee meeting of the representatives of Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA), Kerala Medical Association (KMA) and IMA.

The call followed the withdrawal of the strike by doctors at the Kottayam Medical College yesterday in protest against the arrest of Dr P Ashokan in connection with alleged negligence while treating a youth and on charges of corruption.

The spokesperson said as per the directive of Supreme Court, an expert committee should look into a complaint against a doctor before arresting him.

The demands of the association included withdrawal of all cases against Dr Ashokan, drafting a new Medical Act to protect the interests of the doctors and to provide an independent, free and fair working environment for the doctors, he added.

He said the doctors of all government and private hospitals would strike work for 24 hours on January 12.

UNI