Date:14/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/14/stories/2008111450030100.htm

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Government doctors call off strike

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: With the State Government promising to meet all demands of the striking doctors, the Karnataka State Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGOMA) called off its strike late in the evening on Thursday.

Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Madan Gopal told The Hindu that the doctors called off the strike after a marathon meeting with Health Minister B. Sriramulu and officials.

The Government had decided to regularise contract doctors who had completed three years of service by October 31, excluding those selected by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). “We have also decided that henceforth doctors will not be appointed on contract basis,” he said.

Regarding the demand on protection for doctors against atrocities and assault, Mr. Gopal said a Bill in that regard had been approved by the Law Department. It would be placed before the Cabinet soon, he said.

A committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary would be set up to study the demand regarding the contract doctors’ pay parity with those in the Medical Education Department, and payment of allowances with retrospective effect from the date of joining, Mr. Gopal said. Apart from Mr. Sriramulu, Transport Minister R. Ashok, Home Minister V.S. Acharaya and Food and Civil Supplies Minister H. Halappa and top officials were present at the meeting.