Civil Society Terms Private Medical Forum’s Strike ‘Illegal’

Bhubaneswar: With the All Odisha Private Medical Establishment Forum (AOPMEF) threatening to stop treating patients on November 1 protesting against the arrest of SUM hospital owner Manoj Nayak, the civil society opposed the move stating that they are creating a threat to public life.

Subash Mohapatra, convenor of the National Campaign for Ending Corporate Abuse, called for government’s action against the medical establishments’ strike.

In a letter to the Home secretary, Mohapatra said the forum’s decision is illegal.

“Members of this organization are badly failed to follow the guidelines and they are running their clinical establishments illegally. Therefore, I urge you to kindly ban the organization,” said Mohapatra.

He also requested to declare the strike illegal.

In another letter to Health Secretary, he urged to cancel the registration of medical establishments who will participate in the strike.

“As clearly stated in Orissa Essential Service Maintenance Act, 1988, public health is an essential service and it can not be denied to people. Further, many private clinical establishments are empanelled with the Government of Odisha to provide health services, and they are being paid for the service,” said Mohapatra.