Gujarat: Govt Doctors Association protest over two hour extension of OPD timings

Vadodara: Days after the Gujarat government decided to extend the timings of the out-patient department (OPD) at state-run hospitals by two hours, the Gujarat Government Doctor Federation(GGDF) is protesting against the state government's decision to increase the timings of the OPD. 

A GGDF office-bearer said, "Before issuing the circular, there have been no discussions whatsoever with the medical fraternity of the state and importantly with the government doctors."

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported about the announcement made by the additional chief secretary, Health, Manoj Aggarwal that the timings of the outpatient department (OPD) at state-run hospitals will be extended by two hours.

As per the order issued by the state government, the timings of the evening OPD have been revised, with an addition of two more hours, from 4 pm to 8 pm. GGFD asked its doctor members to boycott the evening OPDs from 4 pm to 8 pm, including those on the weekend as part of their protest against the state government's decision to extend the timings, reports the Times of India. 

Justifying its decision, the state government has stated that the two extra hours in the evening would give an impetus to people to come for a health check-up after their official working hours. The timings of the OPD before this new order were from 4 pm to 6 pm, and the morning hours of the OPD remain the same from 9 am to 1 pm. 

Thus, the implementation of the new government order would result in the functioning of the OPD at all government-run hospitals and health centres for eight hours comprising of four hours in the morning and four in the evening instead of the original six hours.

The Gujarat Medical Teachers Association, the GMERS Faculty Association, ESIS Doctors Association, and Class 1 Medical Officers Association have submitted a representation before the medical superintendents of state-run SSG Hospital and GMERS Hospital Gotri under the banner of GGDF calling the order to be a hasty decision from the government's side. 

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