Bengaluru: Good news for Bengalureans. The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) called off its strike on Thursday against the government’s attempts to regulate the services of private hospitals and doctors, at the high court’s request.
“We were called by the High Court of Karnataka, which was hearing a PIL on the strike and were assured we would be called for a discussion with the Chief Minister on Friday in Belagavi and so decided to resume work,” said Dr Madan S Gaekwad, president, PHANA, which covers 327 hospitals in the city.
But members of the Karnataka chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are expected to continue with their hunger strike in Belagavi despite the court's intervention.
Both Dr Gaekwad and PHANA state secretary, Dr R Ravindra appeared before the high court, which was inclined to pass orders against the strike, calling it illegal, but it later requested them to call it off.
Meanwhile, government hospitals readied for around a 15 per cent increase in their patient inflow owing to the private doctors' strike. Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital saw some 1470 OPD cases, 77 admissions and 63 casualty cases till early evening.
The government-run Victoria hospital saw a five per cent spike in the number of cases coming to it , treating 743 outpatient cases and 70 in-patients during the day. And Gousha Hospital handled 14 deliveries on Thursday, three more than usual.
Members of various progressive organisations, trade unions, slum rights groups and lawyers visited the Vikram and Fortis hospitals to present roses and an appeal letter, asking them to withdraw the strike.
“We also gave them a copy of the KPME amendment and asked them to read it. This is because they thave not understood what it means and are falling prey to misinformation,” said Mr Vinay Sreenivasa of the Alternative Forum.
