Karnataka Govt Doctors to suspend OPD services from March 11

As part of the protest, outpatient services at government hospitals will be suspended from March 11 to March 15, while doctors and hospital staff will attend only emergency cases and will wear black badges to mark their protest.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has cautioned that the government is exploring legal measures against those who refrain from performing their duties during the agitation.

Dr Ravindranath M Meti, president of Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA), told The New Indian Express, “We have waited for more than two-and-a-half years. There is no progress on promotions, cadre rules, or filling vacant senior posts. We have no other option.” According to the association, doctors will boycott outpatient department (OPD) services from March 11 to 15, while emergency care will continue. Moreover, there will be a complete boycott of duties, including emergencies, from 16th March if the government doesn’t take any action on the demands of the protesting doctors.

According to The Daily, Dr Meti also stated that they have already gathered widespread support as “Around 65,000 to 80,000 staff, including National Health Mission (NHM) personnel, are supporting this movement. Let the government take action against all of us,” he said. He further added that many senior doctors failed to secure promotions by the time of their retirement due to long-pending vacancies. While apologizing for the disruption in healthcare that the patients have to go through, the doctors remained firm that the government’s inaction should be held responsible for the inconveniences. “We are not slaves; the government must take care of doctors as well as patients,” he said.

Responding to the strike call, Minister Gundu Rao has dealt the proposed boycott of service as a “very serious matter” and confirmed that patient care should be prioritised, and strict action will be taken. He told TNIE that essential healthcare services must not be disrupted, as it puts patients’ lives at risk. He further added that strict action, even legal action, may be taken against those doctors who boycott duties affecting the healthcare. Rao underlined that medical care is an essential public service and said the state would take necessary steps to safeguard patient interests, adding that contingency plans are being assessed to ensure continuity of services.

The minister also challenged the rationale behind the protest, noting that certain demands—such as seeking paid deputation for postgraduate education—could further strain the already limited workforce while the government continues to shoulder salary expenses. He pointed out that opportunities for in-service training are available within government hospitals, reports The Daily.