Date:24/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/24/stories/2007092452190300.htm

Other States - Orissa

SCB junior doctors likely to call off agitation soon

Correspondent

Express concern over frequent attacks by attendants of patients

CUTTACK: The striking junior doctors of SCB medical college and hospital have indicated that they will call off their five-day long cease work stir soon. They have, however, expressed concern over the frequent attacks on them by attendants of patients and call for a security arrangement inside the hospital campus.

Expressing concern over the frequent attacks on doctors in recent days, a joint forum comprising members of Orissa Medical Services Association (OMSA), Orissa Medical College Teachers’ Association (OMTA), Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA), House Surgeons’ Association (HSA) and Medical College Students’ Union of SCB medical college and hospital said they would give four weeks time to the government to fulfil its promises.

The State government on Saturday asked the controversial superintendent of the hospital J.K. Balabantray to proceed on leave. He was also holding the additional charge of the medical college principal.

Security in hospital

The government immediately appointed his replacement, which was one of the major demands of the striking doctors.

On the crucial aspect of providing adequate security inside the hospital campus, the striking doctors said they were examining the assurance of the government and if it is satisfied then the strike would be called off.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the forum members said they were satisfied with government’s decision and were willing to allow the government for four weeks time to implement its decision. “However, the joint forum agreed to review the whole situation after four weeks,” said OMSA secretary S.P. Singh.

Meanwhile, JDA spokesman Jitamitra Mishra said a monitoring committee was set up to look into the present enhanced security arrangements the district administration has provided in the hospital.

“The committee would submit its report which would be reviewed by the general body and after that a decision would be taken whether to call off the agitation or not,” Dr. Mishra said adding that the committee would submit its report by Monday afternoon.

The junior doctors have been on strike since Wednesday last following an attack by some attendants of patients on the staff.