Doctors' strike continues to affect patients
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Doctors raise slogans outside the OPD during a strike against National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science hospital in Patna, Friday, Aug 2, 2019
"New Delhi: The impact of the strike on Friday by resident doctors, continuing their agitation against the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, appeared subdued. There were some hospitals where junior doctors and consultants were present. Surprisingly, senior doctors were absent from their duties.
Existing emergency cases were taken into consideration by the junior staff and the consultants. However, the situation seemed miserable for fresh patients. AIIMS sources said hospital faculties assess if a case actually involves 'emergency intervention.'
Some of the patients are in distress as regular doctors are unavailable for treatment.
Vedvati (42) who sat in the corridor of the OPD was upset as her regular doctor was absent and she was referred to a different one. "I have come all the way from Badarpur Border and I have severe pain in my spine. My doctor is not here and I am told to see to a new doctor," she said lying in pain in the corridor.
Although hospitals such as Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) and Safdarjung have started issuing appointments to the patients, but the wait seemed endless.
The strike has become more chaotic as the management and doctors have internal conflicts too. Even the doctors and medical students are unsure of what they are supposed to do.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) called the struggle against NMC Bill as the second freedom struggle for the medical fraternity. The IMA has called for an emergency All India Action Committee meeting on Sunday at the headquarters in Delhi to decide the further course of action.
"The IMA can never accept Section 32 of the Act providing for unqualified non-medical persons being registered and allowed to practise. Their ability will always be doubtful, not to talk of irreparable damage to healthcare management. Our core concerns remain unaddressed," said Santanu Sen, National President IMA.
He the IMA would need concrete assurances on its demands.
"Medical students across the country under IMA MSN are on strike. Hunger strikes and marches have been organized in most states. The IMA confirms its solidarity with Resident Doctors Associations," IMA said in a statement.