Doctors' boycott: Can Gods go on strike, Madras High Court asks
Chennai: Observing that when the doctors considered as Gods by people, their strike would mean that Gods engage in boycotting their duty, the Madras high court has restrained the Federation of Medical and Dental Students of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital (RMMCH) staging protest.
When a petition filed by Raju of Chidambaram came up for hearing on Thursday, Justice N. Kirubakaran said the striking doctors should have considered the common man’s ailing and their need for necessary medical service before resorting to such strike.
A doctor should be ready to treat any patient approaching him at any time round the clock, as he is the only person qualified to do the same, the judge said.
Stating that every doctor has got a legal and moral duty towards every ailing human being, the judge said Raju a taxi driver was forced to admit his pregnant wife Bakkiya in a private hospital since the PG students of RMMCH were on strike and restraining others from performing their duties.
Highlighting the problems faced by the patients like him, Raju filed the present writ petition seeking a direction to the authorities and management to take appropriate action against the PG students and
others.
The Federation of Medical and Dental Students, RMMCH and Dental College, Annamalai University, is reportedly leading the strike from August 30, 2017, highlighting various demands. Ordering notice to the state health department and agitating doctors, the judge posted the matter for further hearing to October 23, 2017.