Emergency services to be hit as Delhi resident doctors to go on strike over payment woes

Medical emergency services in city will likely be hit as city resident doctors have threatened to go on an indefinite strike after December 19. FORDA (Federation of Resident Doctors' Association), an umbrella body of resident doctors working, has announced the strike demanding the implementation of the seventh pay commission for resident doctors in the city.

The doctors have also clarified, that as of now, they are keeping patient care and welfare as a priority and that emergency services will not be affected till December 19. However, the same cannot be guaranteed if the authorities concerned do not fulfill their demands after the deadline, the doctors said.

"The resident doctors of various hospitals under the government of Delhi have not been getting their salaries regularly and are being paid according to the Sixth Pay Commission norms. Despite our efforts and deliberations, the issues have not been addressed. We have repeatedly held meetings with the concerned authorities, including the Health Minister and the Chief Minister of Delhi, and also respective college and hospital heads," said Dr Vivek Chauksey, President, FORDA.

"Left with no other option, all Resident Doctors' Association of Delhi Govt Hospitals, under the flagship of FORDA, have decided not to indulge in routine services (OPD, ward duties, elective surgeries) from December 19, till their rightful demands, including timely payment of salary and implementation of seventh pay commission recommendations are met," he added.

FORDA is a resident doctors' association working with various Delhi government hospitals. There are more than 15,000 resident doctors associated with more than 30 government hospitals in the capital.

UNITED FRONT

• FORDA is a resident doctors’ association working with various Delhi government hospitals. 
   
• There are more than 15,000 resident doctors associated with more than 30 government hospitals in the capital.
   
• They have been demanding pay as per 7th pay commission.