Bhatkal: A panic was created among the patients at the Bhatkal Government Hospital noticing that no doctors were available on duty since morning on Monday. Enraged locals especially patients took the nurse and hospital staff to the task and threatened to stage a Dharna in front of the hospital if doctors won't arrive within 10 minutes.

Acting on the tip-off, Bhatkal PSI Kudgunti along with his team rushed to the spot and tried to control people. But people kept stressing that they will lock the hospital and a dharna will be staged if no doctors arrive within 10 minutes at the hospital.

Finally, a doctor from the Shirali govt hospital arrived at around 12 pm and started treating the patients, after which the crowd calmed down.

It shall be noted that the Bhatkal government hospital has 9 doctors, but single doctor was not present on Monday morning. The patients waited for doctors since 9.00 am in the morning. When no doctor arrived, they took the front end hospital staff to the task. The patients told reporters that they informed the district health officers about the condition of Bhatkal Govt hospital, but sadly no fruitful response was obtained as it fell on the deaf ears. Later on they staged a protest and the DHO arranged the doctor from Shirali Govt hospital.