All private nursing homes and clinics in Tiruchi downed the shutters on Saturday.
The token strike called by the Tiruchi branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to “protect doctors and hospitals” was observed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Most of the private nursing homes and clinics put up notices in front of the premises . Doctors attended only to emergency cases. Patients visiting private hospitals were informed that doctors would be available only after 5 p.m.
According to IMA sources, the strike was near total in Tiruchi.
1,200 doctors participated
As many as 1,200 doctors participated. Besides all clinics, most of the 150 nursing homes were closed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, in-patients were treated as usual. While avoiding a direct reference to the recent sentencing of the doctors, S. Sethuraman, president, IMA, Tiruchi branch, told The Hindu that the strike was to extend solidarity with the “affected colleagues.” The incidents of targeting doctors for the death of patients had been on the rise. Doctors were being victimised and several incidents of vandalism had taken place in the State. The strike would create awareness of the need to protect doctors and hospitals. There was a need to fight the attitude of blaming doctors.
As regards the eye surgeries case, the affected doctors would deal with it legally. The IMA would extend moral support to them, Dr. Sethuraman said.