Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara directed officials to ensure that health services remained uninterrupted on March 11, in view of the indefinite strike call given by the Karnataka Govt Medical Officers’ Association over various demands.During a meeting, he stressed that safeguarding public health is a collective responsibility and that no patient should suffer due to the proposed agitation. Kumara underscored that govt doctors and healthcare staff play a crucial role in delivering essential services, particularly in district and taluk hospitals.
He stated that pregnant women, infants, senior citizens, and critically ill patients must receive priority care under all circumstances. Critical services, including dialysis, obstetrics, intensive care, and other life-saving treatments, must function without disruption. He also instructed officials to ensure that the 108 ambulance network and referral systems operated efficiently, with compulsory attendance for doctors assigned at the taluk level.To prevent any service gaps, the DC suggested temporary deployment of additional doctors wherever required and directed authorities to coordinate with private hospitals to manage emergency cases, if necessary. He called for daily monitoring of medicine stocks and essential equipment, activation of hospital help desks, and prompt reporting of any emergency to the district administration.While assuring that the association’s demands would be conveyed to the govt, Kumara appealed to office-bearers to resolve issues through dialogue rather than strike action. Emphasising that public health is paramount, he urged all medical professionals to continue their services responsibly to ensure that citizens did not face hardship during this period.
