Docs, health staff threaten strike from March 16; OPD services to be hit

Medical officers and staff working under the Department of Health and Family Welfare have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from March 16 in support of their various demands.

As part of the first phase of the protest, outpatient services will be suspended at all government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and dispensaries between March 11 and March 15. However, they will continue to attend to emergency services during this period.

In the second phase, doctors, officers and staff of the Health Department will launch an indefinite strike across the State from March 16 if their demands are not met by the government.

In this connection, the doctors, staff and officials of the department met Minister in-charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa here on Monday and urged him to take steps to consider their demands.

They have submitted a memorandum listing 12 demands to the Deputy Commissioner in Mysuru.

Their key demands include regular supply of medicines to hospitals, amendments to cadre and recruitment rules, publication of the seniority list, promotions, permission to pursue higher studies, an end to what they termed unscientific transfers, safety for doctors and staff working in hospitals, and permission for private practice after duty hours.