Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (RJP)
Bangalore, Oct 29: The state-wide strike by government doctors urging fulfilment of various demands has claimed the lives of two persons, including a child. The two died due to non-availability of medical services.
Ramya (10), daughter of coolie workers Ranganath and Mangalamma of Magadi, died because of high fever. Ramya, who was taken to two government hospitals in Gudemaranahalli and Solur, was not treated there because of the ongoing strike. When she was ultimately taken to a private hospital, she breathed her last.
Another person who died was from Sakleshpur. The person had a heart attack and could not be treated due to the strike.
Minister for health and family welfare U T Khadar said that if the deaths were indeed caused due to the ongoing strike, the doctors responsible would be taken to task and strict action initiated against them. "We do not need such doctors," he lashed out.
The strike began on Monday October 27, with over a thousand doctors submitting their resignations. Meanwhile, several organizations protested in front of government hospitals in Hassan, Mysore, Chitradurga and others places against the mass resignations. Patients were put to much incovenience due to the strike.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah is likely to hold talks with the agitating doctors on Wednesday October 29 afternoon to find a solution to their demands.