Med interns continue strike

Talks between the government and medical interns, who are on a hunger strike demanding a hike in their stipend, remained inconclusive, on the sixth day of their protest on Saturday.

Talks between the government and medical interns, who are on a hunger strike demanding a hike in their stipend, remained inconclusive, on the sixth day of their protest on Saturday.

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"We requested the officials not to take any action against us and not to mark us absent for all the days we are on strike. We wanted an assurance in writing about these requests as

well as about the hike in the stipend.

However, we did not get any positive response," said Dr Sagar Panchal, coordinator Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI).

"We will continue our hunger strike."

So far, 44 interns have been hospitalised and more than five are admitted to the intensive care unit at KEM Hospital, said Dr Panchal.

On Friday, the government had issued notices to the agitating interns to join work in 24 hours or to face cancellation of their internship.

"We have told the medical interns clearly that their demands will be considered provided they join duty first," said Dr Pravin Shingare, joint director, Directorate of Medical Education and Research.