The nationwide protest by doctors condemning the attack on two junior doctors of NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata had a partial impact on non-essential medical services in private hospitals in Coimbatore.
Hospitals in the Government sector, including tertiary-level Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, functioned normally though doctors wore black badge to express solidarity to the protest called by the Indian Medical Association.
N. Ravishankar, State secretary of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, told journalists that it was high time the Union Government enacted a law to ensure protection of medical professionals.
“The legislation should protect hospitals, doctors and medical students from any form of violence. The aim of the protest is not to affect any services to patients,” said Dr. Ravishankar.
More than 400 doctors and medical students of CMCH wore black badges to extend support to the protest. The inpatient and outpatient services were not hit.
Dharna staged
Coimbatore branch of Indian Medical Associaton staged a dharna at its office on Syrian Church Road where doctors attached to private hospitals and clinics assembled wearing black badges.
Indian Medical Association branch president M. Mariappan said that the attack on doctors reported in West Benagal highlighted lack of a legislation in the country for the protection of hospitals and healthcare professionals. Sources said that outpatient services in private hospitals in Coimbatore had a minimal impact due to the strike.
Over 500 doctors in and around the city of Tiruppur have participated in the one-day doctors strike on Monday, according to the Tiruppur branch of the Indian Medical Association.
Private clinics
S. Senthilkumaran, president, IMA Tiruppur branch, said that over 500 medical practitioners, from all the private clinics, nursing homes and hospitals in and around the city participated in the strike.
The doctors also organised a protest in front of the railway station where nearly 200 doctors participated, Dr. Senthilkumaran said. The protest lasted for nearly two hours.