Hyderabad, November 16: The ongoing strike by junior doctors continued to hamper medical services even as their talks with the State Government yielded no results. The medicos declared that they will continue their indefinite hunger strike and intensify their agitation unless the Government approves their demands within the next two days. Director of Medical Education T Ravi Raju held discussions with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of junior doctors at Gandhi Hospital this evening for about an hour but in vain.
Though both of them expressed satisfaction over the progress of talks, none of them were ready to accept the proposals made by the other. While the medicos continued their demand for stipend hike as per UGC norms, the Government maintained its stance citing financial situation of the State. However, they have agreed to hold talks.
Meanwhile, junior doctors continued their novel ways of protest across the State. They organised blood donation camps at various medical colleges on the second day of their indefinite hunger strike and seventh day of their agitation.
The blood donation camps were organised in association with different student and youth organisations in view of epidemic of dengue and malaria in the State.
About 353 junior doctors donated blood at seven camps organised across the State. Stating that patients should not suffer unnecessarily due to their strike, the medicos continued to render emergency services apart from organising medical camps outside the hospitals at some places.
The indefinite hunger strike of junior doctors is garnering support from several political parties like CPI, CPI (New Democracy), NGOs like HEAVEN and other organisations like AP Girijana Sangam and Praja Kala Mandali.
The Government Doctors Association (GDA) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) have also extended their support to the strike.
—Agencies