Nearly 3,000 junior doctors in MP go on strike
Nearly 3,000 junior doctors in Madhya Pradesh on Monday struck work, barring COVID-19 duties, to press for their demands, including free treatment for them and their families if they contract the infection. MP Junior Doctors Association president Arvind Meena said that their members were abstaining from work at the Out-Patient Departments (OPDs), the In-Patient Departments (IPDs), and other wards of various health-care facilities.
Reserve beds for us in separate areas: Junior doctors
Meena said, "If the written orders (complying with the demands) are not released by this evening, then we would be compelled to withdraw from COVID-19 duties across the state from June 1." The junior doctors have demanded that beds for them serving COVID-19 patients be reserved in separate areas in case they contract the infection.
They were earlier assured that their demands will be met
Meena said that their association comprises around 3,000 members from six medical colleges in the state. Earlier, the junior doctors went on a strike on May 6 but resumed services a few hours later after the government assured them that their demands would be met.
420 doctors have died during the second wave in India
Notably, the Indian Medical Association had earlier said that 420 doctors have succumbed to the coronavirus infection during India's second wave of the pandemic, out of which 100 fatalities were reported in Delhi, followed by Bihar (96) and Uttar Pradesh (41). The list also includes states like Gujarat (31 deaths), Andhra Pradesh (26), Maharashtra (15), Madhya Pradesh (13), Odisha (16), and Telangana (20).
748 doctors had died in the first wave
During the first wave of the pandemic, the number of doctors who died of COVID-19 was 748, according to the IMA's data. It also became a matter of controversy as the central government had pegged the number at only 162. The medical body had subsequently condemned the government's "apathy" and urged it to recognize the "hard work and contribution by our doctors."
FORDA to hold a nationwide protest on June 1
Meanwhile, the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) is also organizing a nationwide protest on June 1, concerning the derogatory comments made by Ramdev regarding allopathic medicines. Reportedly, in a video that went viral on social media, Ramdev called allopathy a "stupid science," while claiming that "lakhs of patients have died because of allopathic medicines rather than a shortage of medicines."
Ramdev later withdrew his statement
His remarks drew sharp criticism from health professionals, experts, and politicians, following which Ramdev withdrew his statements on May 24. Later, another Ramdev video went viral where he was saying, "Nobody's father can arrest Swami Ramdev."
