Medical team denied entry into Games village; stage protest

Members of the dedicated medical workforce selected for the Commonwealth Games were today denied entry into the Games village here following which they staged a protest.

When the matter was taken up with the Delhi government officials, they assured that the organising committee will soon grant passes to the medical team.

More than 200 members of the medical workforce including doctors, nurses and paramedics identified for the Commonwealth Games protested outside the Games village this afternoon after they were denied entry.

"We were asked to make it to the Games venues today but were denied entry by the security guard because we did not have an identity card. It's long since I had submitted all my documents for getting the identity card but till now I have received none," an agitated doctor who was denied entry to the clinic at the Games village said.

"All of us have submitted the official documents for availing accreditation since June 30. Eight days to go for the Games and majority of us have no identity card," another doctor said.

Of the total 1,882 dedicated members identified to be part of the specialised medical workforce for the Games, only 800 have been accredited till now.

Meanwhile a senior Delhi government official said, "The Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games has assured us that the identity card of the remaining specialised medical workforce will be made available as early as possible."

Of the total members identified as part of the specialised medical workforce include 386 doctors, 262 nursing staff, 103 physiotherapists from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Jamia University and Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, 95 message therapists sourced from the Government of Kerala and 179 medical students as volunteers.

The mega sporting event is scheduled from October 3-14.