Tuesday saw 350 government doctors in Pune district, including 35 from the city-based Aundh Civil Hospital, strike work. They were part of the 12,000 doctors working in state-run medical facilities like district and rural hospitals and primary health centres that have gone on an indefinite strike across the state from October 11.
The main demand of the striking doctors are benefits of the 6th Pay Commission, non-practising allowance, permanent jobs for those working on contract basis, performance-based increments and implementation of career progression scheme.
Aundh hospital on Wednesday wore a deserted look as most of the admitted patients were asked to leave the hospital at a few hours notice. With all 35 doctors employed at the hospital joining the indefinite strike, the hospital is being managed by 13 doctors employed on contract.
These doctors have only been able to manage emergencies and important cases in the outpatient department (OPD). The admitted patients who could be treated at home were discharged, while the serious ones were shifted to Sassoon General Hospital.
Aundh hospital chief medical officer, Dr Nitin Bilolikar, said a few routine surgeries had been postponed.
"On Monday, we had 137 patients admitted to different wards, but on Wednesday, the number came down to 40. The patients decided to leave the hospital on their own after learning about the strike," he claimed.
He said that patients visiting OPD and emergency sections have come down by 60%. DNA visited various wards where a solitary nurse was attending to wards that were either empty or had barely one or two patients.
Some nurses expressed surprise over the decision to discharge patients. "Earlier too there have been strikes by doctors, but never did they send the patients home. Maybe they did it this time to show the impact of strike," said one nurse.
