Services hit in govt hospitals as docs go on strike

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 17

Healthcare services took a hit in all government hospitals of the region on Monday after senior and junior doctors joined the nationwide 24-hour strike in solidarity with the protesting doctors in Kolkata.

Barring emergency services, all healthcare services, including OPD and operation theaters, in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, and its associated hospitals -- SMGS Hospital, Super Specialty Hospital, Dental College, Government Psychiatry Hospital and Government Chest Disease Hospital -- were affected.

The protesting doctors also held a demonstration outside the OPD block at the GMCH to resent the assault on doctors in Kolkata.

“It was a virtual a case of lynching where a large number of people attacked the doctors who were performing their duties professionally. It is unfortunate that media organisations and social groups are silent on it. We appeal to the Governor’s administration in the state to strictly implement SC guidelines for safety and security of doctors in hospitals,” Dr Satya Dev Gupta, president of Jammu Doctors Forum, said.

He said a number of incidents had taken place in Jammu where doctors were attacked by the attendants but the government had never given priority to their security.

“It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure safety and security of doctors in hospitals so that they are able to discharge their duties effectively and professionally. The government must ensure that such incidents don’t take place henceforth,” Dr Gupta added.