OP reform deserves praise, but all is not well

There may be allegations and complaints, but still thousands rely on government hospitals in times of emergency. These are centres that provide the best medical service at a modest cost. The daily rush at district general hospitals, taluk hospitals and primary care centres speaks volumes of the trust given by commoners. The treatment provided in district hospitals is almost equal to that provided in medical college hospitals. The services of doctors and specialists of all categories are also available in such places.

The Health Department should be careful not to push doctors and other hospital employees into a strike, and it is high time they resolve the legitimate demands of doctors and staff. This issue warrants importance, as when doctors strike, it is the common people who have to bear the brunt of it.

Many problems go unsolved because of limitations, including financial ones. However, some of the interventions and decisions of the Left government in the health sector have been beneficial to commoners. One such decision was to increase the OP hours of government hospitals, except medical colleges, by one hour in the state. It was increased from 8 am to 1 pm to 2 pm.

The government justifies the move as aimed at making the functioning of hospitals more efficient, ensuring the timely treatment of patients and distributing the workload of doctors equally. It is normal for those working in the emergency department in any hospital to work for longer hours than what thier duty demands.

Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the duties of those working in such places on a shift basis. As part of the new reform, the duty of doctors in the emergency department has been consolidated into three shifts: from 8 am to 2 pm, from 2 pm to 8 pm, and from 8 pm to 8 am the next day (12 hours). Those on night duty will be given the next day off.

The OP reform is generally welcomed by the people. It will also help resolve the overcrowding and workload in hospitals. Along with this, the government should also take steps to fill the vacant posts of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff.

While doctors' organisation K.G.M.O.A. confirmed continuing the strike until the government rescind the OP reforms, the government looks to resolve the issue with appropriate problem-solving measures after discussing with the organisation leaders. Since the OP reform is a measure that will help the people to a large extent, doctors need to reconsider their stance. Meanwhile, the government should also take steps to alleviate their legitimate concerns.