15,000 docs to go on strike on Nov 1

Medical services in Delhi are all set to be hit on November 1, as more than 15,000 resident doctors from state government hospitals have called a strike following the government’s failure to fulfil their demands. The resident doctors are protesting against the AAP-led government’s move to extend the timings for the Out-Patient Department (OPD).

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), an umbrella body of resident doctors, had written to the Delhi government requesting to reconsider its decision on the extension of the OPD timings.

“There has been no response from the Delhi government on our request. We are currently protesting peacefully against the increased working hours by wearing black ribbons on our arms and will do it until Tuesday. All resident doctors will be on strike on Wednesday by shutting down the OPDs,” said Dr Vivek Chouksey, president, FORDA.

In its order dated October 9, the Delhi government had extended OPD timings saying they will remain functional from 8 am to 2 pm so that there is enough time to attend to patients which will ultimately reduce huge crowds at hospitals. The order had added that registration counters shall open at 7:30 am and close at 1 pm. The order had also said that a “token system” would be implemented, whenever required.

“This is to ensure that there is sufficient time for the patients to be attended to. Towards achieving the above, the registration counters shall open at 7:30 am and close at 1 pm,” Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said while issuing the orders.