After calling their demands 'genuine', Kejriwal says doctors 'not showing up' for talks

Just hours after conceding that the demands of the striking doctors in the national capital were genuine, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that they were "not showing up" despite being invited for talks.

Taking to Twitter, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener said that the doctors were called on several occasions for talks, but they did not turn up for the same.

This came less than two hours after the Delhi Chief Minister reached out to the doctors, saying there demands were genuine and must be implemented. Kejriwal tweeted that he had asked the Health Department to fulfil the demands of the doctors.

The AAP leader further said that the Delhi government was committed to providing “best health facilities”, seeking cooperation of the doctors.

Earlier on Monday, more than 2,000 doctors from 20 hospitals in the national capital, including Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Maulana Azad Medical College and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital went on an indefinite strike.

The doctors went on strike strike over several issues, including adequate life saving and generic drugs. Among the other demands of the striking doctors are security at workplace, drinking water supply and timely payment of their salaries.

According to the doctors, the government has failed to take steps to fulfil their demands. Reports said that the doctors had earlier written to the Union Health Ministry to look into their demands.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said strike was not a solution to any issue, adding that he had called the doctors for talks on Sunday, but they failed to make it. The minister further said that he had still invited the striking doctors for talks.

The resident doctors had earlier gone on a strike over similar demands in February as well.