Pvt doctors’ strike hits OPD services across Karnataka; toddler dies for want of treatment

Bengaluru, Jul 28: The day-long strike of private doctors of called by the Indian Medical Association evoked a good response in most of the districts of Karnataka. At the same time many patients had to suffer. A case of death of a newborn reported from Belagavi district.

The IMA had called for suspending all non-emergency services, including OPD for 12 hours, to protest against the National Medical Commission Bill of union government, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.

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

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.

Newborn dies

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.

Belagavi District Health Officer Dr Appasaheb Naratti said, "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.