Karnataka: Government doctors to wear black badges, stop OPD services
Starting March 11, government doctors across Karnataka will pause outpatient department (OPD) services and wear black badges, only handling emergencies until March 15.
They're taking this step after waiting for long-pending promotions and better work conditions.
What exactly are the doctors protesting for?
Doctors want long-pending promotions, updates to recruitment rules, senior vacancies filled, and regular pay for thousands of staff, including National Health Mission workers.
They're also asking for a steady supply of medicines in government hospitals.
Indefinite strike could be next step
If their demands aren't met by March 15, doctors say they'll go on an indefinite strike, meaning all hospital duties could stop.
Dr Ravindranath M Meti says they'd still prefer to talk things out with the government before it comes to that.
Health minister warns of legal action
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has warned of legal action against doctors skipping duty and questioned some demands like paid study leave.
Meanwhile, other government employee unions are backing the protest.