OPD services normal in most hospitals in city; activists seek passing of KPME bill

Out-patient services resumed in the city with many doctors returning from their protests at Belagavi. A few of them, however, stayed back for an indefinite hunger strike.

"Around 2,000 to 3,000 doctors are continuing protests and around 200 of them are on hunger strike," said Dr Veeranna B, secretary, Indian Medical Association.

He said that the strike will continue till the government decides in their favour.

When asked about the deaths of patients in various parts of the state with many hospitals not admitting patients at their out-patient departments, he said many of the doctors from private medical establishments are on the verge of closing down their hospitals and this will lead to even serious consequences.

"The life of the life-saver is in danger, then how is it possible to provide services?" he asked.

Meanwhile, prominent writers from Karnataka and health activists have written to the chief minister and the health minister requesting the government to pass and implement the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Bill.  

Devanoor Mahadeva (writer), H S Doresiwamy (freedom fighter), J M Veerasangaiah (associated with Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha) and other not-for-profit groups expressed the need for the Bill as it would help patients.  They requested the government not to yield to protests by doctors from private medical establishments against passing the Bill.

Private hospitals across the state are protesting against the government's decision to implement the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPMC) Bill in its current form. Representatives from private hospitals had made suggestions to the joint select committee of the state legislature to modify the bill.   DHNS