Patients left helpless by day-long hospital staff strike

Patients are suffering as hospital staff went on a day-long strike at government hospitals here on Tuesday, demanding permanent jobs and free health cover.

New Delhi, Nov 27 : Patients are suffering as hospital staff went on a day-long strike at government hospitals here on Tuesday, demanding permanent jobs and free health cover.

Patients were seen waiting outside hospitals, waiting to be attended by Group C and Group D staff, which includes cleaning staff, nurses and ward boys. They were sitting on protest inside the premises of the hospital.

"Our baby is really sick, so we brought him here. We have been told to come tomorrow because of the strike," said Razak, the father.

The patients who were scheduled for operation on Tuesday were also turned away from hospitals.

"My daughter-in-law was scheduled to be operated upon today. They have already postponed it once, and today, they are postponing it again. I have a kid to look after as well, I am really worried," said Kavita Devi, the relative of a patient.

The strikers said they were aware about the patients suffering, but added that they had no option.

Government hospitals employees in Delhi have been demanding permanent appointments for long. There are 2500 vacancies.

Employees of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Guru Nayak Eye Centre, Maulanazad Medical and Dental College, and G. B. Pant, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Guru Gobind Singh and Lady Harding are observing a "Black Day" in support of the strike.

ANI