Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS): A section of private hospital doctors launched a day-long protest here on Saturday against what they say is a series of "relentless violence against doctors and other medical professionals" and complete inaction on the part of the police and administration.

Patients from various districts of the state who had appointments at leading multi-speciality private hospitals in the city were inconvenienced as outpatient departments remained shut across most of the private hospitals and nursing homes in response to the ceasework called by the United Doctors Voice Of Bengal.

"Against the backdrop of a series of relentless violence against doctors and other medical professionals and to protest the complete inaction on the part of the police and administration regarding the violence and extortion cases in various medical institutes, we have decided to cease work completely and suspend all non-emergency activity," doctors said.

The ceasework was triggered by alleged threats and intimidation by a patient's kin (at CMRI Hospital) who had refused to pay hospital bill amounting to Rs 75,000.

The protesting doctors expressed "complete solidarity with their CMRI colleagues".

They, however, assured emergency services and care of admitted patients "would be taken to fullest extent".

But for those like the elderly Giridhari Dutta, a trip to a hospital here proved futile.

"I had an appointment. They told me they can't see patients today. At least they should have informed us a day ago," Dutta said.

The same was true for several others who had come to the city from districts like West Midnapore and Hooghly for treatments.

"This is not right. This is like trade unions strike. They are here to offer service. For a few people, everyone has to suffer," a patient's kin said.