MCD doctors strike: Health Minister Satyendra Jain holds meeting with EDMC, NDMC officials

In the wake of strike called by the doctors of civic hospitals, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Sunday held an emergency meeting with senior officials from East and North Delhi Municipal Corporations to take stock of the situation and discuss solutions.

According to Delhi government officials, Commissioners of the two civic bodies told Jain that doctors from MCD hospitals have not participated in the strike, a claim which was dismissed by an association of the medical staffers.

"Jain had called the meeting to take stock of the situation. During the meeting, the Commissioners briefed him that MCD doctors have not participated in the protest and are performing their duties," a senior government official said. He added that Jain held parleys also with health department officials to discuss preparations in case MCD doctors go on indefinite strike.

"Purpose of the meeting was to check preparations (to handle the situation) if MCD doctors go on indefinite strike and see that patients do not face problems in such a scenario," the official added.

A MCD doctors' association though maintained they were continuing with their strike.

"All the medical staffers including senior and resident doctors, nurses, para medical staff and other hospital employees are on strike. We are working only in cases of emergencies, while stable patients are referred to other hospitals in view of the strike," president of Municipal Corporation Doctors Association Dr R R Gautam said.

The civic doctors said they have been on indefinite strike in solidarity with sanitation workers since yesterday. Around 7,000 doctors and 12,000 nurses are ssaid to have joined the strike.