30,000 private doctors strike work

Around 30,000 private medical practitioners in the city struck work on Monday to protest against the implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act 2010 and National Commission for Human Resources for Health (NCHRH) Bill 2011 in the state as proposed by the Union Health Ministry. Major routine work in 1,700 private dispensaries in the city was also put off for the day. The strike was led by the members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and followed by the Association of Medical Consultants,General Practitioners Association and Indian Dental Association. “Among other terms,the Clinical Establishment Act dictates that no patient must be denied treatment by private clinics and only after the patient stabilises can he be transferred to a bigger hospital. The responsibility of the patient’s health in-transit is also the responsibility of the private doctor. The Act also states that a private clinic must be air conditioned and have equipment on par with hospitals. This will obviously increase maintenance costs,which eventually the patient has to bear. We are protesting against implementation of such a draconian Act,” said Dr Jayesh Lele,state secretary of IMA.

The strike was also against the NCHRH Bill,which suggests the formation of a central superior body to govern the state medical councils thus diluting the councils’ power. “We have submitted our memorandum to the State Health Minister,Governor and have also written to the Prime Minister expressing our concern that a move to dilute powers of state councils will increase corruption in the healthcare system and also make it more inaccessible for the common man,” said Dr Shivkumar Utture,general secretary IMA.

Meanwhile,some private hospitals expecting the strike,postponed major surgeries. “Services were not disrupted and only major surgeries were rescheduled,” said Dr A Hatolkar,medical superintendent,Nanavati Hospital.

“All planned and emergency operations took place as scheduled,” said a spokesperson,Lilavati Hospital.