Govt warns stringent action against stirring doctors

Kochi, Apr 10 (UNI) The state Government today informed the Kerala High Court that it was contemplating ''stringent action'' against striking doctors if they continue with their stir.

An affidavit filed by V M Thomas, Under-Secretary, Health and Family Affairs, states that the government would not allow any lapse or failure on the part of the doctors to provide health care to the poor.

It said the government would invoke provisions that the doctors would be paid only if they produce certificates stating that they had undertaken all the duties allotted to them.

The recommendations of the Biswas Mehta Committie report, which had studied the problems of government doctors, would be positively considered and implemented.

The doctors were bound to do their duties, including special duties allotted to them, it said.

Efforts were on to fill vacancies and the process of appointing Assistant Surgeons had already commenced. The govenment was making every effort to solve the doctors' problems. But the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) had restarted the agitation, the affidavit said.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition filed by Dr Ganapathy, seeking to declare that doctors do not have the right to strike.

Government doctors in Kerala resumed their non-coperation stir from March 13.

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