Minister C Laxma Reddy warns doctors against staging protests in hospitals

 ​Hyderabad: Health Minister C Laxma Reddy has warned of strict action against doctors and hospital staff resorting to protests inside premises thus causing inconvenience to patients. He wanted employees to bring their problems and issues to his notice instead of embarking on any form of stir. Laxma Reddy made these remarks during his visit to NIMS, Panjagutta on Saturday and got to know about protest by class IV employees, including ward boys, seeking hike of salaries.

“Hospitals are like temples...holding demonstrations will lead to hardships for patients which is not acceptable. Any issue can be resolved by holding discussions," he said. Laxma Reddy was highly critical of doctors at MNJ Cancer Hospital for creating unnecessary confusion on autonomous issue. 

“This is not a new decision. The government in combined State decided autonomous status in 1996 only. Some sections are creating confusion that MNJ will charge patients going forward, like being done in NIMS. We will not collect a single penny from any patient even in the future. Government is taking steps to strengthen MNJ. Sanctioning of 250 posts and creation of new infrastructure are just a few examples," the Minister said. Laxma Reddy warned stringent action against MNJ doctors, trying to mislead their colleagues and patients on this issue in the name of union. Health Minister inaugurated Rs 6.5 crore worth "128 Slice CT Scan" equipment, that offers faster, safer more accurate diagnosis, in emergency block. 

Laxma Reddy said that, after formation of Telangana, NIMS was provided latest and state-of-the-art medical equipments and devices worth Rs 78 crore. Some of the equipments are very costlier and latest ones which even corporate hospitals do not boast of," he said, adding that NIMS would get new buildings in the future for out-patient, Liver, Kidney wings as well as for organ donation. Also, gynaeic and pediatric services would be launched in NIMS ,Panjagutta to ease patients’ footfall burden on Niloufer hospital.  The Health Minister said that recruitment for nearly 3,000 posts (nursing and doctors) was put on hold due to legal issues. Once line is cleared recruitment process would be expedited, he added.