But it will be work as usual today for doctors, until month-end

In was a display of solidarity and a way of stepping up pressure on the State government to consider their demands. Doctors working in hospitals run by the Health and Family Welfare Department submitted their resignations to the Health Commissioner on Monday. While daring the government and virtually turning it into a battle of who will blink first, the doctors have also left a window open for negotiations. They will get back to work on Tuesday and continue to work for a month to ensure that patients are not put to hardship.

“After a month, we plan to run clinics near the primary health centres and provide services on the lines of government hospitals,” said H.N. Ravindra, honorary president of the Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA).

The government, however, has so far refused to concede to their demands, which include increase in salaries and better facilities. But Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hold a meeting on Tuesday with the protesting doctors. Health Minister U.T. Khader reiterated the government’s resolve not to give in to the doctors’ demands and held a meeting with directors of medical colleges (both government and private). He said the department had worked out an alternative strategy. “We will use the services of doctors and students from the medical colleges, private doctors and AYUSH practitioners to keep the show going till we come out with concrete measures,” Mr. Khader said.

Hundreds of patients across the State were put to hardship as work at several government hospitals run by the Health Department was affected. While some patients returned home, others went to government hospitals run by the Medical Education Department.

The Primary Health Centres were hit in most districts on Monday. Medical colleges such as the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Dharwad and the Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences chipped in with their resources. In Hyderabad Karnataka region, district health officials deputed AYUSH doctors and those on deputation from the National Rural Health Mission.