Death Toll Climbs to 41 in Karnataka as Private Doctors’ Strike Enters Fifth Day

Bengaluru: Death toll of the patients has reached 41 during the past four days as they failed to get timely medical treatment following statewide private doctors’ agitation urging the state government to abandon some of the elements in the proposed KPME (Amendment) Bill 2017 which aims to regulate private doctors, clinics and hospitals in the state.

As many as 17 patients lost their lives at various parts of the state during the fourth day of the agitation on Thursday as the doctors were allegedly reluctant to treat the patients. The number of death reportedly moved up as private hospitals, clinics and others closed their outpatients departments on November 16 to intensify their protests. Meanwhile, sources said that as many as 6 people have lost their lives on Friday following medical emergencies.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has informed that the government will hold a meeting with private doctors on Friday to discuss issues related to KPME Bill.

“CM @siddaramaiah has invited Indian Medical Association, private medical establishments and other key stakeholders for a discussion on KPME Bill, at 2 PM in Suvarna Soudha tomorrow,” chief minister tweeted.