Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 11: The allopathic doctors, who are up in arms against the government's initiative in giving permission to the Ayurveda doctors to perform some of the minor surgeries which they call mixopathy, the allopathic practitioners have decided to register their protest by keeping their outpatient (OPD) services closed from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday December 11.

Giving details, president of Mangaluru unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr M A R Kudva, said that OPDs services will stand suspended during the above period. "About 6,000 doctors have been serving in medical colleges and private hospitals within the jurisdiction of Mangaluru unit of IMA out of which over 1,500 are actively associated with the IMA. We will come together in front of the association's office near Wenlock Hospital in the city at 11 am and hold demonstration. Later, a delegation of five members will meet the deputy commissioner and hand over petition," he explained.

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Dr Kudva added that this is a symbolic protest. He said that protest of more serious nature would be launched if the government tries to introduce unscientific methods in the medical system and that the protest is aimed at conveying to the government of their strong disapproval.

IMA state unit member, Dr Annayya Kulal, said that there are 174 units under the state IMA and IMA has units in places like Mangaluru, Mulky, Surathkal, Beltangady, Sullia and Bantwal. Protest demonstration will be held at all these places, he said.

The central government, during the last month, had permitted Ayurvedic doctors to perform some simple surgeries subject to certain conditions. As per the changes, Ayurveda practitioners holding postgraduate degrees who have undergone practical training, can perform these surgeries. The allopathic doctors have been opposing the move. They have asked the government to review its decision.

Dakshina Kannada district health officer, Dr Ramachandra Bairy, said that all the government doctors and medical staff have been asked to be on duty on Friday as the private allopathic doctors would be protesting by closing the OPDs. He said that all preparations have been made to ensure that no patient from the district faces any problem. He said that the government will respond to the demands of the doctors.