MCD doctors' body asks govt to take over health services

Citing "precarious" financial situation, an MCD doctors' association, which is participating in the ongoing strike, has urged both the Delhi government and the Centre to consider taking over the health services from the civic bodies as a "permanent solution".

In a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Municipal Corporation Doctor's Association also pleaded that either the Delhi government or the Centre intervene "urgently" to bail out the MCD from the financial crisis so that salaries of all employees can be paid immediately.

Association President R R Gautam, President and Secretary Maruti Sinha stated that they have been "forced" into this situation solely due to the indifference of the administration at all levels namely by the corporation, Delhi government and the Centre.

"In view of the precarious financial situation of the MCDs, health services (except public health) may be taken away from the corporation and may be considered for being taken over by the Delhi or central government as a permanent solution to our problems," the letter said.

"Repeated representations have been sent to Lt Governor and MCD authorities but as of date there has been total apathy and neither of them have shown any interest in resolving our issues and they do not appear to have any clue or will to solve this recurring problem," it added.

The association has also sought impleadment in the ongoing case in the Delhi High Court involving the municipal corporation and the Delhi government.

The association has alleged in its application that the corporations are "giving lame, false and misleading excuses" for non-payment of salary as the MCD managements were "working for their personal gain and political motives".