Resident doctors go on strike against 'draconian' medical bill

Over 6 lakh resident doctors have gone on an indefinite strike against what they call a 'draconian' and 'undemocratic' National Medical Commission Bill which will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. According to the doctors, the new bill overrides all suggestion of the National Medical Commission. Its gives legitimacy to over 3.5 lakh non-medical persons without proper qualifications. Another contention is that of the 25 members proposed to form the new National Medical Council only 5 will be elected, the remaining will be nominated by the government. The strike is expected to affect medical services across the country, including outpatient and emergency departments.