Private hospital’s out-patient departments (OPDs) throughout Karnataka, including Bengaluru, are going to remain shut on Friday 11^th December. This move was taken after a decision was taken by allopathic medical doctors in the state to protest against the Centre’s decision for allowing Ayurveda postgraduates to perform surgeries.

Prasanna HM, who is a President of Private Hospitals and Nursing Home Associations (PHANA), said that the move for closure of OPDs in the state is a part of nationwide protests that is initiated by the Indian Medical Association. He further stated that a recent gazette notice authorizes MS Ayurveda graduates to perform surgeries that are developed and trained in allopathic sciences. This will only put the public at risk.

A senior doctor in Bengaluru, Yatheesh Govindaiah, said that the move is impractical and against the spirit of Ayurveda sciences. The Ayurvedic graduates won’t be able to focus on their practice nor study allopathic surgeries.

Ravindra R, doctor at Suguna Hospital, also condemned the Centre’s decision, stating that it will lead to dilution of training offered to medical graduates. Also, it will dent the image of the healthcare industry and widen the trust discrepancy between doctors and patients.

Doctors in private hospitals have decided to wear black badges to work on Wednesday as a part of protests. In a statement, PHANA has urged its members to educate the public and influence circles on the possible ill-effects of the government’s decision.