Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 17: The Karnataka High court on Friday November 17 directed all private medical establishments and practitioners to withdraw their strike and restore their medical services.

Hearing three PIL petitions, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice H G Ramesh and Justice PS Dinesh Kumar passed the interim order.

The PIL stated that Act of medical establishment and societies in denying basic medical facilities to the people was 'inhuman' and highlighted the plight of patients suffering due to the protest.

In its brief order the Bench said 'basic medical services are a right to life for every citizen' and orally observed that violation of its order will result in violation of the court order.

On Thursday, the High Court had said that it can pass appropriate orders to deal with the issue but is in favour of doctors themselves withdrawing the strike.

The Bench had then adjourned further hearing to Friday after the Advocate General has submitted to the court that State government has an open mind on doctors’ grievances and will table the bill only after meeting doctors’ representatives. The Chief Minister will meet heads of committees that are looking into grievances of the doctors against amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, he had said.

Private medical establishments and doctors have been on a strike since November 13 protesting against the proposed amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act.