Impact of resident doctors strike just marginal, minister claims

Gujarat Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas today claimed that 8-day-long strike in Government and Civic hospitals by agitating resident doctors demanding hike in stipend has marginally affected health services in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, the Minister said that some PG students of M CH and DM had returned to duty unconditionally. About 600 internees also had resumed their duty. This altogether makes one third part of the total striking doctors.

Minister said that the government was not against the striking doctors but it is unfair that they want to dictate terms to the government. He said a committee was formed to address the issues in June.

He said, about 90% OPD and indoor patients, are being treated daily. Major operations are not affected at all and minor operations are affected just 25%.

Meanwhile, agitating doctors today circulated fliers in various colleges of the city to get support of larger student community. They also organized a candle light procession in the evening. Striking doctors claimed that about 4,800 MBBS students would observe a one-day-strike in their support on Friday.