SP MLA alleges former CMO took bribes from hospitals, announces strike

Meerut: Samajwadi Party MLA Atul Pradhan from Meerut's Sardhana constituency protested at the CMO on Monday, reiterating 12 demands related to hospital operations he had raised after ending a hunger strike last Dec. He accused the former CMO of taking bribes from hospital administrations.His demands include allowing patients to bring medicine from outside, capping doctor fees at Rs 200, and ensuring affordable and accessible prescribed medicines.Pradhan had staged a hunger strike in Dec against "inflated bills and hefty consultancy fees" charged by private hospitals in Meerut. The strike followed a clash at a private hospital in which he was also charged. Before ending his strike, Pradhan submitted a memorandum of 12 demands to ADM City (Meerut) and CMO.During his protest on Monday, Pradhan accused former CMO Akhilesh Mohan of taking bribes from hospital administrations to allow illegal operations and avoid taking action. He urged current CMO, Ashok Kataria, to address his demands, warning he would resume his strike on Oct 10 if they were not met.--