Delhi: Resident doctors end strike after promise of no FIR, early NEET-PG counselling

And, earlier this week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, at a meeting with representatives of resident doctors’ association, had assured that the counselling process would be fast-tracked.

“The strike has been called off. We had a meeting with the Joint CP last night where he gave instructions to cancel the FIR (related to Monday’s protest). As for the NEET-PG, we have been assured that court clearance will  come during the January 6 hearing,” said Dr Manish Kumar,  president, FORDA.

In a statement, FORDA said, “It was highlighted by the Delhi Police that they have the highest regard for doctors. They are well aware of the hardships that doctors face, and, as earlier, they are willing to cooperate with the medical fraternity for any issue at any time. They also assured that the FIR that was lodged against the resident doctors will be taken care of as per legal procedure.”

The resident doctors began their protest in November-end. They first withdrew from the outpatient clinics, then from routine services such as patient care in the wards and planned surgeries, followed by all work including emergency. On December 9, they suspended the agitation for a week, but resumed again on December 17.

The counselling for NEET-PG admissions is pending because of a clutch of cases in the Supreme Court regarding the newly introduced quota for the economically weaker sections. The doctors have been demanding that the Supreme Court fast-track the hearing and that the Union Health Ministry expedite the submission of a report on the chosen criteria of Rs 8 lakh annual income for eligibility of the quota.

Earlier this week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, at a meeting with representatives of resident doctors’ association, had assured that the government would submit its report before the January 6 hearing and ensure that counselling would be fast-tracked. He also assured that the FIR filed against doctors who took part in Monday’s protest would be quashed. However, the doctors refused to call off the strike, saying that they wanted a written assurance.