‘No disruption in health services over doctors’ indefinite strike from March 11’

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar has directed officials to ensure that there is no disruption in healthcare services in the district in view of the indefinite strike called by the Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association from March 11, seeking fulfilment of various demands.

Presiding over a meeting at his office in Mandya on Wednesday, Dr. Kumar said doctors and healthcare staff have a major responsibility to ensure continuity of public health services and safeguard patients’ well-being. He said that the public should not face any inconvenience in accessing medical treatment.

He instructed that priority be given to pregnant women, infants, elderly persons and critically ill patients. Essential services such as dialysis, maternity care, ICU facilities and other life-saving treatments must function without interruption, the DC added.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure the smooth functioning of the 108 ambulance service and referral systems. Duty doctors must be appointed at the taluk level and their attendance made mandatory.

If necessary, additional doctors may be temporarily deployed and coordination established with private hospitals to provide alternative arrangements during emergencies. Daily monitoring of the availability of medicines and medical equipment must be carried out, and help desk counters should function across hospitals, he said.

Any emergency must be immediately brought to the notice of the district administration. The demands of the associations will be conveyed to the government, he assured.

However, in the interest of public health, Dr. Kumar urged the organisations that have announced strikes to resolve issues through dialogue and avoid strikes. “Public healthcare is of utmost importance. It is the responsibility of health staff to ensure that patients do not face hardship,” he said.

District president of the Government Medical Officers’ Association Dr. Sagar K.S., district president of the Health and Medical Education Employees’ Association R. Srinivas, association secretary Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, general secretary Ravi H.M., district Government Employees’ Association president K. Nagesh, DHO Dr. K. Mohan and others were present.