Radiologists on strike; ultrasound, MRI centres closed in Agra

Agra, Sep 2 (IANS) More than 200 ultrasound, CT scan, MRI centres, alongwith over 50 X-ray clinics in the city are closed as members of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association began their indefinite strike on Thursday to demand modifications in the Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT).

The national president-elect of the association, Dr. Bhupendra Ahuja said the provisions under the act are draconian and arbitrary. For minor paper-work lapses, these centres are sealed and doctors booked. This situation has to change.

The patients, meanwhile, were put to a lot of difficulty looking for ways out. "In particular, road accident victims who urgently need CT scan reports are in trouble due to the strike which could continue for long," said an employee of a diagnostic centre at Hari Parbat.

The strike is total with more than 12,000 doctors across India joining it, the association activists said.

Other organisations like the Federation of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians and the Indian Medical Association were also extending support to radiologists.