NOIDA: Patients were a harried lot as most of the doctors in private hospitals refused to conduct the OPD and
diagnostic services even as the strike call by the IMA to oppose the NMC Bill had a partial affect in
Gautam Budh Nagar.
In most of the private hospitals, doctors came to examine the patients in a serious condition but refused to operate a full-fledged OPD.
Some patients could be seen returning disappointed from the private centres and said that they will have to come again for getting the check-ups done. However, some doctors continued to run the OPDs in a secretive manner of sorts.
In the Kailash hospital, Sector 27, owned by union minister
Dr Mahesh Sharma, the dental and gynaecology OPDs remained closed and only emergency services are being run. "There are around 250 doctors in all but on Tuesday, around 60 doctors are working in emergency services," a spokesperson for the hospital said. There was one doctor who conducted the paediatric OPD.
"My grandson Soham is feverish for the past three days. We had come to get him checked by a known consultant but got to know that he is not sitting today. We will come tomorrow now," Kaveri, a resident of Sector 36 told TOI.
Kanti Devi, who had come from Greater Noida for her grandson's check-up said that the OPD was closed and they will have to come on Wednesday now.
The in-patient departments ran in all the hospitals. The Fortis hospital said that it had accommodated the appointments impacted in the latter half of the day.
"IMA and doctors from across the country have called for a protest against the NMC Bill which is being tabled in parliament tomorrow. In solidarity with the cause, we have decided to wear Black Badges and display notices expressing our support," said a statement from Fortis.
A spokesperson for the Jaypee hospital said that the OPD services were closed in the hospital but emergency and in-patient services were running.
However, sources said that in most of these hospitals, doctors had checked patients early in the morning.
In Kailash hospital of Greater Noida, some patients turned up for a check-up and regular services were provided between 12:30 -1:30 pm even as fewer patients turned up than regular.
However, in most other hospitals like Sharda, Navin and Yatharth, Greater Noida, the OPDs services remained shut.
By the time, the news of the National Medical Commission being sent to the
Parliamentary Standing Committee was spread, it was already late afternoon after which the Indian Medical Association (IMA) members withdrew their strike.
Doctors are opposing the NMC bill as one which gives persons from non-medical background representation in then
The provision in the bill about the proposed 25- member NMC which will be dominated by nominated and ex-officio members is strongly being opposed with doctors pointing out that, the MCI has elected members who are get voted by doctors directly.
The provision of a licentiate/exit examination for every MBBS graduate for getting a registration number to practice or go for higher studies is also being opposed.
IMA members have said that the bill will increase corruption as it allows private medical colleges to fix their fee and add new seats on their own.
Sunil Awana, treasurer, IMA, Noida chapter said that the IMA has flagged certain doubtful parts in the bill. "We will wait for the response of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. In case, are demands are not included, we will go on strike again," he said.
