Health system crippled in MP as govt doctors begin indefinite strike

Health services and medical facilities in government hospitals all over Madhya Pradesh were gravely paralyzed today, as nearly 15,000 government doctors began their indefinite strike alleging insensitive and indifferent attitude of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP state government towards their demands.

Mr Chouhan has termed the doctors' strike 'unethical' and said there is a provision for taking action against the doctors who refrain from work. The CM said that doctors are a form of God for patients and they should not play with the lives of the patients.

As a consequence of the doctors' strike, more than 30 major surgeries had to be postponed at Bhopal's Hamidia Hospital, which is the largest government hospital in MP.

Patients and their kin were seen frantically searching for doctors in the hospital's Out Patient Department (OPD), which was also shut down due to the strike.

The protesting doctors stayed away from all medical duties, as well as emergency duties, educational lectures in medical colleges, administrative work and medico-legal services.

In view of the strike call, Mr Chouhan held a review meeting and conducted a video conferencing with senior officers of all districts late night yesterday. The CM directed the officials to ensure necessary alternative arrangements so that proper and timely treatment could be provided to patients in all government hospitals.