Bengaluru: Expressing displeasure over the ongoing strike by doctors, the Karnataka High Court on Friday directed all the private medical establishments and doctors to restore the medical services with immediate effect.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice HG Ramesh and Justice PS Dinesh Kumar issued the direction after hearing a batch of PILs seeking action against ongoing doctors’ strike against the Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (Amendment) Bill.

Observing that the doctors cannot be insensitive to the patients, the court also made it clear that it will examine the grievances of doctors if any, in appropriate proceedings.

This was after the counsels of petitioners drew the attention of court on patient deaths due to non-availability of the medical services in private hospitals following the doctors’ strike in the state.

On Thursday, the court had requested the doctors to call off the strike. In response, only certain private hospitals in city restored the services and others have continued their strike.

Scores of deaths have been reported due to doctors’ strike and the non-availability of medical service at private hospitals across the state.