Govt doctors plan to go on indefinite strike from March 11 over unfulfilled demands

BENGALURU: The Government Doctors’ Association has announced an indefinite strike from March 11, to protest against the government’s inaction on fulfilling their demands. The association has been demanding improvements in the healthcare system, including timely supply of medicines, filling up of vacant posts and revision of service rules.

Speaking at a press conference, association president Dr Ravindranath Meti said, “We have been patient for a long time, but our demands have not been met. We have given several memorandums to the government, but there has been no response. We are forced to go on strike to ensure that our demands are met.”

The association’s demands include:

Timely supply of medicines to all government hospitals

Revision of service rules every three years

Publication of seniority lists for all cadres

Promotion and increments for doctors

Filling of vacant posts

Better working conditions

The strike will begin with a boycott of outpatient services (OPD) from March 11 to 15, followed by a complete withdrawal of services from March 16 onwards. Only emergency services will be provided during the strike.

The Government Employees’ Association has also extended its support to the striking doctors, stating that it is a justified struggle. Shadakshari, president of the Government Employees’ Association, said, “The government should take immediate action to address the doctors’ demands. The strike will affect the healthcare services, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that the services are not disrupted”.

The doctors are demanding that the government take immediate action to address their grievances, including the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, filling of vacant posts and improvement of working conditions in government hospitals.

The strike is expected to affect healthcare services across the state, with doctors planning to boycott OPD services and withdraw their services from March 16 onwards. The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the doctors’ demands and avoid a breakdown in healthcare services.