The move took place despite the government’s warning to act under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on Wednesday.
The stand-off did not show any signs of abating even after Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy told the medicos to resume their duties by this morning or face action under ESMA.
“We will call off the agitation if the government gives a written undertaking to provide security. Let them first deploy special protection force in city hospitals,” spokesman of the Junior Doctors Association said.
Rejecting the demand, Medical and Health Minister G Aruna Kumari said, “We cannot do anything more than this. There is no question of giving a written assurance.
