OPD services in pvt hospitals suspended in haryana

OPD services in some private hospitals in Haryana remained suspended on Monday as doctors affiliated with the Indian Medical Association boycotted work in support of MBBS students protesting against the state government’s bond policy. Emergency services at private hospitals in the state, however, remained operational. The demands of the MBBS students include a reduction in the duration of the compulsory government service from seven years to one and a bond default amount not exceeding Rs 5 lakh.

Meanwhile, a meeting between representatives of MBBS students, resident doctors, and the Haryana government officials remained inconclusive on Sunday. From the Haryana government side, V Umashankar, the principal secretary to the chief minister, additional chief secretary (medical education and research) G Anupama, and Director (medical education and research) Aditya Dahiya were present.

On Saturday, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said that the issue was likely to be resolved soon and the doubts of medical students regarding the bond policy were being cleared. Khattar also said that this bond policy has been implemented to encourage MBBS students to choose government service to discharge their duties after completing their medical studies in government medical colleges.

IMA Haryana president Punita Hasija said OPD (outpatient department) services remained suspended for a day in the state. She said the action was taken in support of the protesting MBBS students. “We are standing in solidarity with the medical students,” she said.

According to the bond policy, MBBS students in government institutions will have to execute a tripartite bond (between student, bank, and government) of Rs 40 lakh including fee at the time of admission. The aim of this policy is to ensure students serve for seven years in government facilities. If a student opts not to serve in the state government health institution after the completion of the course then he or she will have to pay the amount. The moratorium shall be extended in case a student wishes to pursue post-graduation. Daily Pioneer