Timing extension: Delhi govt hospital resident docs threaten

Resident doctors, who have been opposing the Delhi government's decision to extend OPD timings at its hospitals, have threatened to boycott outdoor services on November 1 if their concerns were not addressed.
In its October 9 order, the Delhi government had extended OPD timings saying the facilities would remain functional from 8 AM to 2 PM so that there is enough time to attend to patients and avoid crowding.
The OPD timing earlier was 9 am to 1 pm.
Over 15,000 resident doctors in various city government hospitals today wore black ribbons at work protesting the decision of extending OPD timings.

The decisions of boycotting OPD services and wearing black ribbons were taken at a meeting of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), wherein the members expressed concern over the "apathetic attitude" of the Delhi government towards their demands.
The resident doctors alleged that even after repeatedly writing to the Delhi government, there has been no response.

Earlier, the FORDA, an umbrella body of resident doctors of city government hospitals, had sought the government's response on their objection to extension of OPD timings along with some others issues by October 21.
"The government has not responded to our requests. But if the government won't change its decision, we will shut down OPD services at all the hospitals on November 1," Dr Vivek Chouksey, the president of FORDA said.

In a letter to the Delhi Health Secretary, the FORDA said after the order, long queues of patients were seen at government hospital pharmacies and registration centres, but no measure has been proposed for reducing the queues or waiting time at the these facilities.
"There should be a written order stating the duty hours of doctors, in compliance with the 48 hours a week working schedule and that should be strictly adhered to.
"Also, there should be uniformity of working hours of all government hospital doctors in all settings like OPD, wards and operation theatres," the FORDA letter said.
They further stated that there should be adequate manpower at all OPDs as it is essential for the smooth conduct of the activities in view of the heavy patient load.