Karnataka private hospitals to support IMA strike call over Kolkata doctor rape-murder, OPD services to be affected tomorrow

The strike called by the IMA demanding "justice for the Kolkata incident and improved safety measures for healthcare workers", is expected to affect the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) at private health services in Karnataka for 24 hours.

The PHANA call to participate in the strike comes in the wake of a call by the IMA for a nationwide strike on Saturday. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association in Karnataka has decided to extend its support to a day-long strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday against the rape and murder of a medical professional at a Kolkata hospital.

The strike called by the IMA demanding “justice for the Kolkata incident and improved safety measures for healthcare workers”, is expected to affect the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) at private health services in Karnataka for 24 hours from 6 am on Saturday August 17 to 6 am on Sunday August 18. “However, please ensure that emergency and life-saving services remain fully operational to guarantee patient safety,” the PHANA said.

“As healthcare providers, we condemn the growing violence against medical professionals. The Kolkata episode highlights the risks we face daily. Ensuring a safe working environment is our collective responsibility,” the honorary president of the private hospitals’ association, Govindaiah Yatheesh, said on Friday in a call for PHANA members to support the IMA strike.

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The PHANA will follow the IMA’s call for justice for the Kolkata incident’s victim, stronger laws and enforcement to prevent violence against healthcare workers, and improved security measures in healthcare facilities, a PHANA statement said on Friday.

The PHANA call to participate in the strike comes in the wake of a call by the IMA for a nationwide strike on Saturday.

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