AIIMS resident doctors on hunger strike

New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Over 2,000 resident doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) went on an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday demanding the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission be implemented.

In an unique move, the doctors will continue to perform their duties as they do not wish patient-care to suffer.

Every day for one hour they will demonstrate at the premier institute's gates Number 1 and 2, pressing for the implementation and continue to go without food.

The Resident Doctor's Association (RDA) of AIIMS has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. However, there has been no response.

"We would not withdraw this time until the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations are implemented for us," Harjit Singh Bhatti, President, RDA told IANS.

"Being responsible citizens and doctors, we will not hamper the patients care facilities. We will work continuously without consuming food," Bhatti said.

The association claims that the 7th CPC's recommendations have been implemented at all government hospitals, including the Safdarjung and Ram Manohar Lohia hospitals. "Only AIIMS has been left out, which is highly discriminatory," he said.

The RDA had approached the hospital administration, but it said that the Health Ministry was not giving its approval.

Bhatti said that the resident doctors at the AIIMS were forced to work "tediously" for more than the "mandated 48-hours" in a week. However, they were not getting their rightful due because of the "bureaucratic hurdles".

Resident doctors comprise the largest manpower at any hospital, apart from the consultants.