End strike, OR ELSE!- mid day reports

End strike, OR ELSE!
By: A Mid Day Correspondent
March 2, 2006
Special forces visited civic hospitals such as KEM, BYL Nair and Sion to create fear among the agitators. The state is contemplating a similar operation at government hospitals as well
The state government yesterday called in commandos from the police force and the BMC’s security wing to get the 3,500 striking resident doctors back at work. They have sent a clear message to the protesters —resume work by 9 am today or face the consequences.

Special forces visited civic hospitals such as KEM, BYL Nair and Sion to create fear among the agitators. The state is contemplating a similar operation at the four government hospitals on strike as well.

They are also considering the option of arresting doctors under the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA). “We can call in the police to arrest the protesters for disrupting essential services in case they don’t resume work today,” said Vijay Sinh Patankar, additional municipal commissioner.

State health minister Suresh Shetty said, “We will look into their demands for a revision of stipend and recognition of courses, but we need some time to take a decision.”

What will happen

The state has decided to confiscate deposits of the striking postgraduate students. The agitators may even have to repeat courses and vacate their hostels. There are 1,314 registered doctors at three BMC hospitals — KEM, Sion and BYL Nair — who face eviction. The state may do the same at its own GS Medical College too.

The decision will also hit 664 unregistered doctors who practice at the BMC’s 13 peripheral hospitals. “We will terminate their services with immediate effect,” vowed Patankar.
Same old story

– While thousands waited for treatment on day three of the strike, doctors refused to get back to work. “We will continue our stir no matter what the state decides to do. We cannot rely on empty promises,” said Yoganand Patil, a spokesperson for the protesters.

– Yashodhan Deshpande, a doctor at BYL Nair, said, “The state and BMC are trying to tell the people that we are only interested in pay hike. That is not true. Our demands are legitimate demands.”