OPD services likely to be hit at hospitals from March 11 as doctors plan to go on strike

BENGALURU: Government doctors in the state are preparing to go on strike from Wednesday, protesting unfulfilled demands, which may disrupt Outpatient Department (OPD) services at government hospitals. The strike is expected to affect healthcare services across the state.

The doctors’ association has announced a two-phase strike, with the first phase starting on March 11 and continuing till March 15. During this period, OPD services will be suspended, and only emergency services will be available.

The doctors are demanding action on various issues, including better working conditions, improved infrastructure and resolution of pending issues. They have given the government an ultimatum and are awaiting a response.

A meeting with Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa was scheduled for 3 pm on Tuesday to discuss the issue. The doctors’ association has urged the minister to take immediate action to address their concerns. Doctors were insistent that they will attend the meeting of they receive a call from the minister.

Patients are worried about accessing medical services, and some have expressed concerns about the impact of the strike on their treatment. The doctors have warned that if their demands aren’t met, the strike will continue indefinitely, starting from March 16.

The strike has sparked concerns about the healthcare system in Karnataka, and patients are advised to plan accordingly. The government is expected to take a decision on the doctors’ demands soon.

Dr. Ravindranath Meti, president of the Karnataka Government Doctors’ Association, said, “We have been forced to take this decision due to the government’s inaction on our demands. We will continue to protest until our demands are met”.