AYUSH doctors in Karnataka on indefinite strike

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Bengaluru, July 20, 2015: Karnataka’s nearly 600 Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) doctors on Monday went on an indefinite strike here, demanding that their service should be regularised.

"We have launched an indefinite strike until the government gives us in writing that our service will be regularised and salary revised...," said B.S. Madhukar, the secretary of Karnataka AYUSH Medical Officers Association.

Their other demands include health insurance, travel and daily allowance. These doctors were working in around 600 health centres consisting of Public Health Centres, Community Health Centres and general hospitals across Karnataka.

"Over the last 10 years, AYUSH doctors have been working for the betterment of the society. Yet, the state government failed to provide basic amenities to them or recognise their services," added Madhukar.

"AYUSH doctors were hired on contractual basis in 2006 because of shortage of regular MBBS doctors to run the hospitals with the promise of regularising their jobs," said Madhukar, adding that AYUSH doctors even accepted jobs in rural, backward and remote areas without any hesitation.