Belagavi/Mysuru: Nearly 15,000 private doctors from various parts of the State converged at Belagavi as part of ‘Belagavi Chalo,’ protesting against the proposed amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, even as the winter session of the State Legislature began this morning at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi.

Around 600 doctors from Mysuru also reached Belagavi this morning and after freshening up, they proceeded to the venue of the protest, which is about one km from the Suvarna Soudha.

According to reports reaching here, there was tight Police security around the big pandal where some of the doctors were seen sporting Gandhi caps. Security was also beefed up with weapon-wielding Police surrounding the Suvarna Soudha, even as more doctors from around the State are still reaching Belagavi.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that CM Siddharamaiah has called Indian Medical Association (IMA) State President Dr. H.N. Ravindra and representatives of various Doctors’ organisations for a discussion at the Soudha.

It is said that based on the outcome of the meeting whether the Bill will be tabled or withdrawn, a decision will be taken to call off the strike or continue with it.

“If for some reason, the CM does not withdraw the Bill, then around 500 doctors will stay back and continue with the strike. The relay hunger strike has already begun from this morning,” said Dr. Javeed Nayeem, speaking to Star of Mysore.

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who has lent his support to the private doctors’ strike, has termed the Bill as draconian.  

It is not only the private doctors from the State but the National Indian Medical Association too is lending its support to the strike. Dr. Ravi Vamtekar, IMA National President, Dr. R. N. Tandon, IMA National Secretary,  Dr. Ajay, President, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) and Dr. M.S. Vishweshwara, President, IMA, Mysuru, are participating in the strike.