Private hospitals stir: Govt hospitals instructed to remain alert

BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Thursday instructed all government health institutions, including government medical colleges and hospitals, to be prepared and remain alert to meet the emergency situation arising due to the state-wide strike called by the All Odisha Private Medical Establishment Forum on Friday.

The government medical institutions have been asked to ensure that patients do not suffer due to the strike. “We are in readiness to meet the situation. Besides the major medical colleges, all district headquarters hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres are prepared to treat patients,” said Dr B Brahma, director of health services.

Over 1700 private hospitals, diagnostic centres and clinics will down shutters on Friday protesting against the provisions in the Clinical Establishments (control and regulation) Act. During the bandh, indoor patient services will continue but the outdoor patient departments (OPDs) will be shut.

“All outdoor patients will be referred to government hospitals,” said Forum’s vice president Dr Jagannath Mohapatra.

The private hospitals are upset over non-registration and delay in renewal of licenses of private clinical establishments since 2014. They also objected to various clauses in the modified rules of the Act released last month.