Junior doctors' strike cripples medical services in UP

Medical services remained paralysed in Uttar Pradesh, as the strike by junior doctors entered third day today following the arrest of their co-workers after a scuffle with a legislator.

Patients faced the brunt of the strike as doctors did not turn up in hospitals alleging that the administration was torturing the medical students.

An irate relative of a patient, Laxmi Narayan, highlighted the plight of the patients due to the ongoing strike.

"We are unable to find a doctor and not getting any treatment. The doctors are on strike and there is no one to address our issues," said Narayan.

The stand-off started when a patient approached Samajwadi Party (SP) Irfan Solanki, for his treatment on preferential basis, but doctors refused to pay heed to the recommendation.

Later, Solanki walked into the hospital and a heated argument followed with the doctors. Some doctors allegedly attacked the legislator, resulting in head injuries to him.

As a result, police baton charged the doctors and many junior doctors were arrested in raids conducted in hostels after the incident. This led to a resentment among the doctors and they called for a strike in several hospitals.

The strike also took a toll on patients in Moradabad, as the hospitals wore a deserted look.

"We have visited many hospitals in search of doctors but we are unable to find one as they are on strike. No one is ready to admit my patient. The doctors are on strike and we are facing a lot of problems," said a relative of a patient, Arun.

The protesting doctors have refused to end their agitation, until their peers are released from police custody. An investigation has been ordered by the state government in the matter.