Bengaluru: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said it will go ahead with its protest outside Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on November 13 despite speculation that the proposed Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 is not likely to be tabled in the legislative session in Belagavi.
Speaking to media persons here, IMA president H.N. Ravindra welcomed the State Cabinet’s decision to authorise Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to review the provisions of the Bill and consider the changes sought by doctors. “We welcome this decision and are hopeful that the Chief Minister will be considerate towards our demands. However, we will go ahead with our protest,” he said.
“After the protest on day one of the session, only 500 doctors (of the thousands set to assemble) will stay back in Belagavi for the relay hunger strike. The strike will continue from November 14 and doctors will participate in batches,” he said adding that the IMA would try to meet the CM before the session to convince him about their demands.
Health and Family Welfare Minister K.R. Ramesh, who has been pushing for the Bill which aims to regulate private hospitals and cap the prices of various procedures, is keen on tabling the Bill during the winter session.
