Patients continued to suffer as Doctors continue their stir

Bangalore, Feb 25(UNI) The Junior doctors, who were on strike in protest against assault on one of their colleagues, stayed off from their duties in for the fourth day here today resulting in hardship to over hundreds of visiting Patients in the Government-run Bowring Hospital here today.

The agitating doctors, after a meeting with the Governor Rameshwar Thakur last night, had agreed to withdraw their stir and report to duty from today. However, they changed their mind and had not reported to duty, according to Hospital sources. The Junior medicos were now demanding an written assurance from the government in ensuring protection to them while in duty.

During the meeting, the Governor had assured to look into their demands which included providing protection to doctors and paramedical staff and passing an ordinance considering an assault against doctors and paramedical staff as a cognisable offense, on the lines of a Andhra Pradesh legislation.

Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) S Rajanna said that "the doctors have elected a new set of leaders today morning and have decided to continue their agitation till they receive the assurances in writing." A meeting was scheduled with the agitating doctors to resolve the issue, he added.

The Junior doctors went on a strike on February 21 after relatives of a pregnant woman, who died during delivery, attacked the doctors and paramedical staff, blaming them for her death. The agitating doctors received support for the strike from their counterparts across the state and the four hospitals attached to the Bangalore Medical College.

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