Junior doctors in Patna continue strike

The indefinite strike by more than 750 junior doctors of the Patna Medical College Hospital here continued for the second day on Wednesday, disrupting the functioning of the hospital.

"Both the emergency and wards are affected because of the strike," hospital sources said. The state government has taken the help of 50 doctors from private nursing homes and state-run hospitals for manning the emergency, sources said.

Junior doctors are on an indefinite strike to press the state government to fulfill its promise of hiking their stipend.

State Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav has called upon the striking medicos to resume duties as the state government is ready to fulfill its promise with respect to the hike in their stipend from Rs 13,000 to Rs 25,000 per month soon.

PMCH Junior Doctors' Association general secretary Dr D Kumar said the strike will continue till the state government implements the hike. PMCH superintendent OP Choudhary claimed that the strike was partial.