Hindu Rao doctors go on strike; seek Prez’s permission for mass ‘suicide’

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 20

In protest against non-payment of salaries, resident doctors of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation-run Hindu Rao hospital today went on an indefinite strike.

The protesting doctors said they tried to operate a parallel Out Patient Department (OPD), but the hospital authorities prevented them from doing so.

The doctors wrote to the President to seek his permission to commit mass "suicide". In the letter, the doctors said, "Our situation has turned pathetic and we are unable to take care of our families. We do not even have money for food... So, we seek your permission to commit suicide." The doctors say they have not been paid salaries for three months.

They demanded that the hospital be handed over to the Central government, if the local government and the municipal corporation are unable to run it.

"It's not just a question of three months' salaries; we are facing this recurring problem. The Delhi government and the North DMC should give up this hospital if they cannot ensure regular payment to the staff.

"We need a permanent solution of the problem," said Rahul Chaudhary, president of the Resident Doctors Association of the hospital.

A senior North DMC official said the salaries of the resident doctors were delayed because funds were not released on time by the Delhi government.

"We have learnt that the government may release funds to the North DMC today. As soon as it happens, the salaries will be paid," the official said.

The doctors also complained about poor facilities - non-availability of potable water and accommodation - for them.

Chaudhary said a petition regarding the resident doctors' salaries was filed in the high court. The case is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.

A senior official of Hindu Rao hospital said, "We are hopeful that the doctors will get their salary in a couple of days." He added that the problem of accommodation will also be resolved with two new hostels coming up in two months.

"The emergency department is working without any issue and patient care is our primary objective," the official said.

Facilities at OPD and wards of the 1,200-bed hospital have been affected partially due to the strike, he added.