Doctors go on strike

Two first information reports were filed against Patrawala in the Umara police station after midnight. The son of a noted criminal lawyer, Patrawala was arrested on Monday and later released on bail. Sub-inspector S K Pargi of the Umara Police Station said in the evening that a police party had gone to take Patrawala into preventive custody once again in connection with the second FIR.

Patrawala has been issued at least three memos in the past for various offences and warned many a time for his improper conduct. Several residents and teachers had complained several times to the authorities, who did not take any action in the hope that he would mend his ways.

Last night8217;s incidents, however, had all the resident doctors up in arms, accusing the authorities of inaction against Patrawala despite repeated complaints. A general body meeting of the Junior Doctors8217; Association decided to go on strike indefinitely to press for Patrawala8217;s termination.

In memos submitted to Medical College dean Dr Geeta Agarwal and hospital superintendent B V Subrahmanyam, the body said the authorities should file separate FIRs over the damage to its property and seek police protection for JDA president Dr Pritu Dhalaria, Dr Hemant Shah and Dr Bedi. All three were provided police protection by Monday evening.

Another memorandum submitted to the dean by the Gujarat Medical Teachers8217; Association also demanded action against Patrawala.

A college council meeting convened by the dean decided later to terminate Patrawala8217;s services. Since the decision was confirmed unofficially, the striking doctors said they would end the stir only on receiving a written communique from the authorities.

Last night8217;s incidents were a sequel to Patrawala8217;s attack on his senior resident Dr Vitarag Shah and assistant professor surgery Jariwala in the operation theatre. While the two went ahead with the operation on hand, Patrawala lodged a police complaint against them, accusing them of beating him up. The duo filed a cross complaint against Patrawala only the next morning. The OT incident was under police investigation when last night8217;s assault was reported.

The dean has set up a three-member inquiry committee headed by a senior officer to probe the incident. The committee will submit its report to the dean, who in turn will submit it to the state government with her recommendation.

Sources said the college authorities filed a caveat in the court before announcing Patrawala8217;s termination. The students called on Additional Police Commissioner P C Thakur to seek police protection and later on South Gujarat University vice-chancellor Ashwin Kapadia seeking to cancel Patrawala8217;s registration as an MS student.

Strike may be called off8217;
The Junior Doctors8217; Association has convened a general body meeting late on Monday night in the wake of Patrawala8217;s termination. Association president Pritu Dhalaria said the strike would be called off as most demands were fulfilled by authorities.

The authorities had to utilise the services of college teachers for out-patient departments and emergency duty as residents had struck work. Some interns were also asked to man the casualty room as half the teachers were away on vacation. Dean Dr Geeta Agarwal admitted that hospital work had suffered due to the strike.