PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Postgraduate doctors continued their stir on Monday by closing the main gates of the OPD building at Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital, demanding an increase in their stipend. By shutting the gates, they stopped the entry of all vehicles to the OPD building. The protesting doctors stated that they will also hold a candle march on Tuesday. According to sources, senior resident doctors have also been protesting with the PG doctors.
The doctors are demanding an increase in their stipend from Rs 69,000 to Rs 1, 25,000. They commenced their protest on September 8 and the stir continued even in the night. They indicated that they would continue the protest until they receive a written response to their demands.
Asked for comment, the Resident Doctors Association president Abhijeet Rathi confirmed that as part of the protest on Monday, they had gathered outside the main gates of the OPD building, restricting access for all types of vehicles. He added that that their protest would continue until their demands are addressed in writing. He also said that they plan to hold a candle march at around 6:30 PM on Tuesday.
Importantly, these PG doctors had recently stopped OPD registration at GDMC Hospital. They used a rope to block the registration counter. Upon being informed, medical superintendent Dr R S Bisht along with the deputy medical superintendent arrived at the scene. An argument ensued between the two sides during discussions. Following this confrontation, the doctors closed the main gate and began a sit-in protest. However, the OPD registration was affected for only about half an hour.
Notably, PG doctors at other medical colleges across the State are also protesting on the same issue.
