Government doctors warn of state-wide OPD strike over pending demands

Bengaluru : Government doctors in Karnataka have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government, warning of state-wide shutdown of OPD services if their long-pending demands are not addressed.

The protest has been spearheaded by the Karnataka Government Medical Officers Association along with health department employees, who have expressed strong opposition to restrictions imposed on government doctors providing private IPD (In-Patient Department) services.

At a joint meeting convened by the association and health department employees’ representatives in Bengaluru on Thursday, leaders resolved to intensify their agitation if the government fails to respond within the stipulated 21 days.

Doctors said they have been compelled to take the protest route after repeated representations allegedly went unaddressed. One of the key flashpoints is the state’s decision to bar government doctors from offering private IPD services in empanelled hospitals, a move the association claims has been implemented without adequate consultation.

The protesting doctors argue that the restriction has adversely impacted their professional autonomy and financial stability. Apart from the IPD restriction, the association has placed a charter of 15 demands before the government.

Among the major concerns raised is the lack of amendments to cadre and recruitment rules for nearly four years. Doctors also pointed out that the seniority list has not been revised for 13 years, leading to stagnation in promotions and career progression.

Medical officers appointed to government medical colleges have alleged that they are not receiving appropriate pay scales and allowances. Frequent transfers throughout the year and the government’s failure to amend the transfer policy despite repeated appeals have also been flagged as major grievances.

The association further stated that special allowances for doctors have not been revised in line with workload and inflation. Shortage of essential medicines in government hospitals, including irregular supply of IV antibiotics, has created difficulties in patient care, they said.

Vacant posts across government hospitals remain unfilled, increasing the burden on existing doctors and affecting service delivery. “The continuous delay in recruitment is putting immense pressure on doctors and compromising healthcare quality,” association representatives said.

If the government does not act within 21 days, doctors have warned of suspending OPD services across the state, a move that could significantly impact public healthcare delivery.

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