The proposed Karnataka doctors stir on December 22 and 23, 2001 is taking a serious turn with the private hospitals in the city coming forward to support it.

The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association asked its members to participate in the strike. It has asked its members "to offer only emergency services and keep their out patient departments closed on the two days." While some hospitals are not willing to take a stand, most say they support will the bandh in principle.

While thousands of doctors from other parts of the state have announced their support for the strike, the hospitals in Bangalore are gearing up to deal with the situation.

According to Dr. N Prabhudeva, director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, the strike would not hamper the healthcare in the hospital. "We have received a fax asking to wear black badges and continue to support. But in principle, we support the call for the stir," he informed.

The stir falls on Saturday, which is a dull day for outpatients and on Sunday out patient department does not function, said Dr. P S Prabhakaran, director, Kidwai Institute of Oncology. The Indian Medical Association had intimated Kidwai Institute over the phone to support the strike.

Dr. K T Rajamma, medical superintendent, Vani Vilas Hospital for Women said no decision to participate in the strike was made at the Hospital as emergencies had to be taken care as it was a maternity hospital. "We will wear black badges at work," she added.

Bangalore Baptist Hospital sources said that no decision was made as yet on their role in the strike and that most of the doctors were away on leave for Christmas vacation. Mallya and Manipal Hospital too were yet to take a decision.

Meanwhile Wockhardt Hospital and Heart Institute has decided that the cardiology out patient will function but not its general treatment section. "We support IMA's demands because they are not against any one system, said Vishal Bali, general manager, Wockhardt Hospital and Heart Institute. IMA's demands include elimination of quackery by enacting the anti quackery law at the earliest.

IMA also wants doctors to be appointed as Member of the Legislative Council [MLC]. "When famous film actors and musicians can get positions in the government, why cannot doctors be offered to become MLCs, queried Dr. A Mantgaiker, president, IMA Karnataka branch.

Demands of IMA also state that cases of deaths in clinics and hospitals should not be booked under Section 304 and 304-A, Indian Penal Code without the enquiry by a medical board.