New Delhi: Radiologists across the country will go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow after failing to reach a resolution with the Centre today over outstanding issues.
The strike will severely affect radiology services like ultrasonography and other scan procedures.
The Indian Radiological & Imaging Association had on August 31 given a call for a nationwide indefinite strike from September 1. But after a meeting with the government officials yesterday, the IRIA had decided on a rethink.
“The government assured to look into our demands in two- three months time but no firm commitment, so we have decided to continue with our strike indefinitely,” IRIA President O P Bansal said.
The apex body of radiologists has been demanding to amend a legislation that “equates” even minor clerical mistakes committed during their jobs to sex determination.
“We held our protest at the Jantar Mantar and when we got the communication from the government, we decided that it was not satisfactory, and so the stir would be indefinite now, and radiologists across the country will observe it,” he said.
The IRIA chief, however said, “radiologist will perform CT-MRI scan and deal with emergency cases of only indoor patients.”
The apex body of radiologists has alleged certain provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act are “draconian” and these need to be amended.
“Even minor clerical mistakes committed during our job, they are equated to sex-determination. And, several radiologists have faced harassment and been victimised,” he claimed.
Set up in 1930s, as Indian Radiological Association, the IRIA has currently about 14,000 members and 27 chapters across the country.
Lakhs of nurses in government hospitals across the country will go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow, at a time when Delhi and several other cities are grappling with rising cases of dengue and chikungunya.