Thiruvananthapuram: The indefinite strike called by doctors in government hospitals excluding those of medical colleges began on Friday. The protest called by Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) is against increase in OP timings at family health centres in connection with Ardram Mission.
The strike was announced on Thursday night which, most of the public was unaware of, leading to great inconveniences to many. Apart from the OPs in causality nothing is in function at most of the hospitals.
A statement from the KGMOA said only the casualty wing would function during the strike and in-patient treatment would be provided only till April 18.
There would not be any new admission, it said, adding that only emergency operations would be performed.
The association said temporary doctors also want to be made permanent.
In a Facebook post, Health Minister K K Shylaja said the agitation was to defeat the government's 'Ardram Mission' which envisages basic facilities to all hospitals in the state and making government hospitals patient-friendly.
As part of the mission, the primary health centres are being converted to family health centres to provide comprehensive health facilities to people, the minister said.
Objections against doctors are arising from different parts of the state as many had not known about the strike and had been waiting for hours at the hospitals.
