Karnataka: Doctors resign en masse, CM to hold talks with agitating medical practioners tomorrow

Bangalore, Oct 28: Stepping up their two day agitation, 911 government doctors from the Karnataka State Government Medical Officers Association (KSGMOA) on Tuesday resigned from their posts over the Karnataka government's alleged failure to meet their demands, including wage revision.The doctors have placed 14 demands before the health ministry including a pay hike.

Despite the en masse resignation of doctors, it seeems that the Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader is not moved as he said, "The resignation of the doctors is not a big thing. We have the support of public and private hospitals and interns from a few medical colleges. We will face challenges in maternity hospitals where there is an increasing number of cases and staff shortage but experienced nurses have stepped-in and are assisting ."

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said he would hold talks tomorrow with government doctors who have resigned en masse seeking wage revision among other demands.

Intensifying their agitation yesterday, doctors resigned from their posts over the government's alleged failure to meet their 14 point charter of demands which is affecting health care services in hospitals across the state.

Siddaramaiah, who has called doctors' action (resignations) as "incorrect", said he would convene a meeting with doctors tomorrow to solve the impasse.

"They (doctors) have promised that there won't be any trouble to patients. Our U T Khader (Health Minister) is in talks with them. Tomorrow I will talk to them. I will call them for meeting tomorrow," Siddaramaiah said.

He said "...all the demands have to be discussed across the table by thoroughly looking at what is possible and what is not. Government is ready to hold talks with open mind."

Siddaramaiah said steps had been taken so that patients don't face difficulties, adding, "I also believe that doctors will attend to work as they have promised that patients won't be troubled".

Khader had yesterday said that 911 government doctors have submitted their resignations. However, their resignations have not been accepted or rejected. The doctors are also demanding filling up of vacant posts, payment of salaries in time and adequate stock of medicines to all health department hospitals.

(With inputs from agencies)