Bengaluru: Seeking the fulfilment of various demands, officials and staff of the Health and Medical Education Departments have decided to boycott OPD services at all Government Hospitals across the State from Mar. 11.

The strike has been jointly called by the Karnataka Government Medical Officers Association, the Health and Medical Education Department Employees’ Central Association and other cadre associations. The Karnataka Government Employees Association has also extended its support.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru recently, Association President Dr. Ravindranath M. Meti said OPD services at all District Hospitals, Taluk Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and dispensaries will remain suspended from Mar. 11 to 15 if the Government fails to meet their demands.

“Only emergency services will be available during this period, with doctors and staff wearing black badges as a mark of protest.

In the second phase, we will go on mass leave from Mar. 16 until our demands are met,” he said, adding that the strike will not be called off even if the Government invokes ESMA.