PGI functioning unaffected by strike

CHANDIGARH, April 7: The call for an indefinite strike by the PGI Employees8217; Union today had a near negligible effect on the functioning of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research here today. All the OPD8217;s worked normally and long queues of patients could be seen in each department. Even the emergency services were not affected, and even the lifts functioned normally. However, in the absence of trolley pullers, relatives of patients could be seen pulling the trolleys.

Medical Superintendent Dr A. K. Gupta said, quot;The strike has had no effect on the hospital8217;s functioning. Not more than 15 to 20 employees have joined the strike.quot; However the PGI Employees8217; Union claimed that the strike had been total and had paralysed the functioning of the institute.

Meanwhile, the PGI Nurses8217; Welfare Association today decided to support the strike. Mukhtar Singh, association general secretary, quot;The nurses are gearing up to participate in the strike and will observe symbolic actions in sympathy of the agitating staffquot;.