Over 15,000 resident doctors in various city government hospitals have been protesting against the Delhi government’s decision of extending the Out-patient department (OPD) timings by wearing black ribbons at work today. They have made clear that they cannot be asked to work the extra hour.
In its October 9 order, the Delhi government had extended the OPD timings saying the facilities would remain functional from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm so that there is enough time to attend to patients and avoid crowding at the hospitals.
The OPD timing earlier was 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The resident doctors alleged that even after repeatedly writing to the Delhi government, there has been no response over the issue.
The FORDA, earlier, had sought the government’s response to their objection to extend the OPD timings along with some others issues by October 21.
“We will shut down OPD services at all the hospitals on November 1. Further, if our concerns are not addressed we will boycott the emergency services,” Dr Vivek Chouksey, the president of the FORDA said.
In a letter to the Delhi Health Secretary, the FORDA earlier said after the order, long queues of patients were seen at government hospital pharmacies and registration centers, but no measure has been proposed for reducing the queues or waiting time at these facilities.
“There should be a written order stating the duty hours of doctors, in compliance with the 48 hours a week working schedule and that should be strictly adhered to.
“Also, there should be uniformity of working hours of all government hospital doctors in all settings like OPD, wards and operation theatres,” the FORDA letter said.
They further stated that there should be adequate manpower at all the OPDs as it is essential for the smooth conduct of the activities in view of the heavy patient load.
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