Nine medical interns land in KEM's ICU, strike intensifies

Updated on: Friday, May 06, 2011

Even as 10 fasting interns collapsed due to low sugar levels, medical interns intensified their strike on Wednesday. Over 120 interns from across the state continued fasting on the third day of the strike, demanding an eightfold rise in their monthly stipend.

The interns had asked the government to hike their stipend from Rs 2,550 to Rs 13,000. On Wednesday, they agreed to reduce it Rs 11,000. However the state authorities said it's not feasible.

Government threatens to invoke ESMA

Angry with the government's stand, the 10 interns refused to hospitalise themselves. The state government on the other hand threatened to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the striking interns. Nine interns continued to be in the ICU of KEM Hospital with severe hypoglycaemia. They were administered with potassium and IV drip as their condition worsened.

“We will try to increase their stipend to Rs 5,000,” said Dr Pravin Shingare, joint director, Directorate of Medical Services.

Dhawal Shah, Mumbai coordinator for Association of State Medical Interns said work in peripheral and rural hospitals was hampered due to the strike. He said the state cannot invoke ESMA as interns work on a provisional registration number.

A delegation of interns met Dr Sanjay Oak, dean of KEM Hospital, Dr T P Lahane, dean of JJ Hospital and Dr Shingare. However, they were upset as the meetings proved futile.

Nine medical interns land in KEM's ICU, strike intensifies

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