The regular check-up of patients at the emergency ward of Anugrah Narayan Medical College and Hospital was badly hit for the third consecutive day owing to the strike by interns since Monday evening.

Even though the hospital administration claimed there was no effect on treatment, patients had a different story to narrate.

Mahesh Sharma of Belaganj block in Gaya, who admitted his maternal niece Ankita Kumari in the emergency ward on Wednesday, complained about the lack of regular monitoring.

Sources confirmed that check-ups, including pulse beat, blood pressure and timely medicine intake, had been dealt a blow owing to the strike.

On Wednesday, nine patients were admitted to the emergency ward.

Anugrah Narayan Medical College and Hospital (ANMCH) superintendent Sitaram Prasad on Wednesday held talks with representatives of the interns to end the strike, which failed.

The interns have cited scarcity of power and water in their hostels as one of the reasons for their protest. They have also demanded round-the-clock power and water supply in their hostels.

However, sources said there was another reason for the strike. Around a month back, medical college principal Sohan Prasad Chaudhary had complained against a student at the Medical College police station for alleged aggressive behaviour towards him. Now, the medics are putting pressure on the principal to withdraw the complaint.

The superintendent said: “The interns are going about their duties in the outpatient department and the indoor ward of the hospital. They have abstained from work in the emergency ward only. Talks are being held with representatives and we hope the interns return to work from Thursday.”

At the emergency ward, four senior doctors of gynaecology, surgery, medicine and anaesthesia are always present at a time. Besides, two senior nurses, assisted by nine others during daytime, seven from 2pm to 8pm and five at night are present on duty.

Sources said there was an acute scarcity of water and power on the campus.

Of three borewells, one has stopped working, while the other is unable to lift the water up to the reservoir.

Water is being supplied from one borewell to around eight medic hostels, a nurse hostel, doctors’ quarters and Grade III and IV staff quarters.

The erratic power supply on the campus, too, has compounded problems at the health hub.