Doctors’ protest intensifies; government declares dies non

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With doctors intensifying their strike, the functioning of government medical colleges, which are a major support for poor patients, has been severely disrupted. The government has decided to counter the protest by declaring dies non. Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade has directed the Director of Medical Education, Dr Viswanathan, to check attendance in all medical colleges and submit a report. Instructions have also been given to examine complaints that some doctors mark attendance and then leave to join the strike. This has set the stage for an open confrontation between the doctors and the government.

The suspension of surgeries has become a serious threat to patients’ lives. At Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode medical colleges, where the highest number of surgeries are usually performed daily, even half the usual number could not be carried out. Although it was announced that emergency surgeries would be conducted, their number also declined. PG doctors are currently examining patients, but they have informed the Health Department that this arrangement is not acceptable and that they too may join the strike.