Government committed to protect public health, patient care: Rather

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Appropriate action will be taken against striking doctors under law

While reiterating the commitment of government given to striking junior doctors that their grievances will be addressed before darbar move, Finance Minister Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather said in a jam packed press conference here today that all possible steps will be taken to protect the interests of general public and ensure the patient care in view of the adamant stand of a section of junior doctors to continue their strike.

He said that government will not hesitate in taking appropriate steps to ensure that at no stage, patient care in the hospitals is affected due to the on going strike.

Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R. S. Chib, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Davinder Singh Rana, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mubarak Gul, were also present in the press conference.

Earlier, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather while apprising the media persons about the role of government in solving the crisis, said that the junior doctor of Jammu are on strike since October 5 and the Kashmir doctors joined them on October 9. He said that there was no reason to strike because government had assured redressal by October 31.Without waiting for darbar move, the doctors proceeded on strike and created numerous problems and sufferings for the sick.

Referring to recent meetings held on October 21 and 22, Mr. Rather said that the government assured the doctors that their genuine demands would be fulfilled within 8 days and thereafter there was no reason to continue strike. But after seeking more time for discussion among their ranks, the striking doctors today categorically stated that they will not withdraw their strike. Therefore, the government has no option but to take strict action against them under law.

Later, interacting with the media persons present in the press conference, Finance Minister said that Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has constituted a high level committee to discuss the issue with the striking doctors and simultaneously the authorities including senior officers of Health, Finance, and Planning are already at job to mitigate the grievances of doctors.

Replying to another question regarding trust deficit, Mr. Rather said that the doctors have already been given the corresponding grade in accordance to sixth pay commission recommendations. Now they are complaining of lesser grade already given to them before the implementation of sixth pay commission.

Referring to the action being taken by the government under given circumstances, Mr. Rather said that all possible measures shall be taken in accordance with law and government has to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of protecting public health.