Karnataka Chief Minister Tweets to Urge Private Doctors to Withdraw Protests

Bengaluru/Belagavi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has urged the agitating private doctors to stop their strike and rerun to their duties immediately as it continues to put people to inconvenience in the state.

Ongoing private doctors’ strike in Karnataka against proposed Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2017 (KPME Bill 2017)has reached fourth day today on November 16 stalling routine functioning of the private hospitals, clinics in the state.  

In a series of twitter posts chief minister said, “I met a group of doctors at Belagavi and assured them that govt will hear them before the KPME Bill is introduced again. I appealed to them to withdraw their strike. Yet, the strike is ongoing and continues to put people to inconvenience.”

“The KPME Act 2007 is already in force. The state government wants to amend the act of 2007 to provide for a grievance redressal mechanism, price control and a patient’s charter. The amendments are in public interest. However, we are also willing to address the concerns of doctors and hospitals.”

“When the bill is not introduced, when we are willing to talk to stakeholders, I am surprised by the unilateral decision of IMA to continue the strike and disrupt healthcare services. Once again, I request IMA to show responsibility, be true to the noble profession and talk to us.”

“Opposition parties are being opportunistic and encouraging doctors to continue the strike. BJP has even promised to repeal KPME Act. If it wants to stand against the poor and needy patients, that is his choice. I appeal to the doctors not to fall prey to opportunistic politics,” Siddaramaiah said.