Private hospitals suspend OPD services

Private hospitals in Bengaluru suspended their out-patient services on Friday as part of their protest against the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Bill. Around 60,000 private doctors from 40,000 medical establishments have declared their support for the protest, backed by the Indian Medical Association.

Several hospitals have displayed a notice about the closure of out-patient services. Private medical establishments wore a deserted look with very few out-patients and a handful of staff. However, diagnostic services were available.

"The hospitals are not accepting any patients. We have sent people to check how many hospitals are working and we have received a positive response," said Dr Veeranna B, secretary, Indian Medical Association, Karnataka.

Private hospitals across the state are protesting against the government's decision to implement the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPMC) Bill in its present form. Representatives from the private hospitals had made suggestions to the select committee of the state legislature to modify the Bill. But the government has decided to go ahead with the Bill without considering the recommendations made by private hospital managements and private doctors.