Miscellaneous
Bir docs announce indefinite strike
The resident doctors at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (Nams) Bir Hospital have announced an indefinite strike beginning Sunday demanding reforms at the country's oldest hospital.Manish Gautam
Around 300 resident doctors, including orthopaedics, general medicine, radiology and surgery, have decided to take the step claiming that the government failed to provide basic equipment such as MRI, CT-scan and X-ray machines at the hospital. The C-Arm machine used during orthopaedic operation and linear accelerator, used for radiotherapy for cancer patient have also been out of order.
Resident doctors, who have passed MBBS and are now pursuing a master's degree in their chosen medical field, remain a vital part in the hospital's operations. Around 3,000 patients visit the hospital every day.
The doctors have also demanded the hospital administration to immediately fulfil the vacant positions at Nams and Bir Hospital. The position of vice-chancellor has been lying vacant for three months, while director of Bir Hospital for the last two months. The convocation ceremony and hostel facilities are other demands of the resident doctors.
Dr Mangal Rawal, president of resident doctor's association, said they have notified the health minister and other high-level officials about their demands to improve the hospital service. "The government has turned a deaf ear to our demands. We will not be involved in any of the hospital services including Emergency, ICU. The government should take the responsibility of the consequences," said Dr Rawal.
Director at Bir Hospital Dr Kedar Century said they have asked the health minister to address the problems at the hospital. He lamented that it would take another 15 months for new machines to arrive even if they were to begin the procurement process now. "The budget is yet to be released. We have asked a company to repair the machines," said Dr Century.