Bhubaneswar: Health services at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla have been severely affected badly with the junior doctors’ agitation entering the sixth day on Monday.
Patients in the wards were left unattended, while long queues were seen in front of the outpatient department (OPD) for appointment with doctors. Some patients from far-off places with serious illnesses were left with no choice but to lie down on the floor due to unavailability of doctors.
“I am suffering from high fever for the past three days and now I’am unable to walk. But nobody is there to attend me,” said a patient who travelled about 40 km to reach the hospital.
The plight of other patients, seen sitting along the corridors of the institution, is equally heart-rending.
When asked about the situation, a striking doctor said; "The government is paying no heed to our demands and the agitation will continue till they are met."
The Junior Doctors' Association (JDA) of the institution has sought strong action against ‘absentee’ doctors of the institution who remain unavailable for services for most of the time. The medicos’ body alleged though place of posting of these doctors is Burla, they hardly attend duties.
“We are ready to discuss our issues with the government. We sincerely request the Health minister and secretary to see the plight of patients and take steps for the overall development of the institution,” JDA president Shankar Ramchandani said.
The situation at VIMSAR went from bad to worse after senior resident doctors joined hands with the juniors, who are pressing for their 11-point charter of demands, today.
Meanwhile, the state government removed principal of the medical college Dr Santosh Behera and appointed Prof Bijay Kumar Dutta, HoD of the college’s anatomy department, in his place.
“After a thorough inspection, I will recommend to the higher authority measures to solve the problems the doctors are facing. Besides, a team will be formed soon to prepare a detailed report based on which we will initiate action,” he said.
On Sunday a meeting between the doctors and Revenue Divisional Commissioner (northern) and district collector Balwant Singh failed as the protesting medicos warned that they would continue their agitation till the Health minister and secretary concede their 11-point charter of demands.