Can't Accept Jr Docs' Demands: CM

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, on Sunday, clearly indicated that the state government might not accept the 2 pending demands of junior doctors whose strike has crippled the government.

During the review meeting held at the Chief Minister's camp office in Hyderabad on Sunday, the officials said that demand of abolition of rural services is not possible as per the Medical Council Of India's rules and the government's decision.

Regarding the other demand of an increase in stipend, officials said that the government is, in fact, paying the junior doctors much more than is being paid in neighbouring states.

However, the Chief Minister categorically stated that the government was sympathetic towards the agitating junior doctors. He said that the government has already accepted 11 out of their 13 demands.

However, he asked the administration to implement rules strictly in order to extend better medical services to the poor and needy.

The Chief Minister also asked the administration not to resort to any vindictive attitude against the agitating junior doctors, and to make alternative arrangements for emergency services, with non-emergency doctors.

He said that steps were being taken up for the development of government hospitals and infrastructure, and that there was no dearth of funds at all.

Officials said that in Osmania General Hospital, a total of 548 service doctors and specialists were working, and that for every shift, about only 25 junior doctors assist them in extending medical services to the patients.

The Chief Minister also reviewed various issues, in view of the junior doctors' agitation, with the Cabinet sub-committee members, including Finance Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, Major Industries Minister Dr. J Geetha Reddy, Primary Education Minister Dr. S Sailajanath, Medical Education Minister Kondru Murali Mohan and Civil Supplies Minister D Sridhar Babu.

Chief Secretary Pankaj Dwivedi and other senior officials were also present. (INN)