Agreement with doctors on strike is terminated: Govt

Prospects of an end to the ongoing strike of doctors in Jammu and Kashmir appeared bleak as the government today announced termination of the "agreement" between it and junior doctors as they refused to call off their agitation that has been on for the past 19 days.

"We have terminated the agreement reached with the junior doctors on September 16 as they did not adhered to it", finance minister AR Rather told reporters here this evening after the fourth round of talks failed to end the deadlock earlier in the day.

Health services in the state have been paralysed for the 19th consecutive day as doctors in Jammu went on strike from October 5 while their counterparts in Kashmir joined the strike on October 9 in support of their demands including removal of pay anomaly and other issues.

Rather, who is heading the six-member team of ministers and advisors chosen to negotiate with the doctors, said the government had agreed to consider the grievances of doctors before Darbar Move (when government moves to Jammu) but they went on strike and thus violated the agreement.

He said there will be no further talks with doctors and government was engaged in discussion how to ensure patient care. "You will come to know either tonight or tomorrow about steps being taken by the government to ensure patient care", Rather added.