Pvt doctors' strike: Toddler dies for want of treatment

A toddler died at a private hospital in Belagavi city on Saturday morning reportedly for want of medical treatment as the OPD and other services hit owing to the doctors' strike.

The toddler from Gokak was brought to Belagavi hospital, after it complained of breathing problems. The hospital staff had admitted the child. But the doctors couldn't treat the child as they had struck work to take part in the nationwide protest called by IMA, opposing the Centre's decision to establish the National Medical Commission.

District Health Officer Dr Appasaheb Naratti told DH, "I do not have information about the incident. I am not aware of the whereabouts of parents of the toddler. No complaint has been lodged. If anyone lodges complaint, I will initiate action as per the provisions of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act."

"If the doctors of the private hospitals have struck work, the staff of such hospitals should shift the patients to the government hospitals. In view of private doctors' strike, we have cancelled leaves granted to the doctors, and have summoned those who are on leave, the DHO said.

OPD services shut

Meanwhile, the day-long strike, called by the IMA, by the doctors of private hospitals has evoked a good response in most of the districts.
The strike has been called to protest the National Medical Commission Bill.

The strike received good response in Davangere, Bagalkot, Bidar, Chikkamagaluru and several other districts. Hundreds of patients faced hardships as the out-patient department service was shut down in most of the private hospitals.

But it evoked mixed response in coastal districts. The OPD services in many private hospitals in the region were as usual.

The Bill seeks to replace the Medical Council of India, the apex medical education regulator, with the proposed National Medical Commission.

Further, the Bill aims to put in place a common entrance exam, and an exam which all medical graduates have to clear to get licence for practicing.