Karnataka pvt doctors’ strike today: Govt hospitals on high alert

Private hospitals, including super-specialty ones, have put up notices on their premises about the OPD strike on Friday.

All private hospitals across Karnataka will be shut today on account of the doctors' strike. Private hospitals in Karnataka handle nearly 70 per cent of the outpatient cases. Private hospitals are protesting against stringent clauses in the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

The government has directed doctors in state-run hospitals not to go on leave on Friday , and instructed district health officials and surgeons to ensure its hospitals are fully functional.

Private hospitals, including super-specialty ones, have put up notices on their premises about the OPD strike on Friday. The Karnataka chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India has said OPD services will remain closed on Friday .

All government hospitals have been asked to prepare for an expected increase in patient load during the day of the strike. "We have directed all doctors and staff of district, taluk and primary health centres to be present to ensure that patients are not inconvenienced," said Ajay Seth, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare).

The grievance is that the amendment to the BIll will enable increased government regulation on private hospitals: including fixing of fees and cost of treatment, and a district-level grievance committee that can take action against erring hospitals. The amended Bill will be presented in the forthcoming winter session of the legislature to be held in Belagavi.

OneIndia News