Protest against privatization of health services in UP - 21st March

Dear friends,
We strongly oppose the move of the UP government to privatize the health-centres of four districts in Uttar Pradesh (Firozabad, Basti, Allahabad and Kanpur Nagar). The handing over of 4 District Hospitals, 8 CHCs, 23 PHCs and 210 Sub-Centres to the private sector and the absence of any regulatory mechanism will adversely affect the access of the poor to primary care as well as specialist care at district level. This is an abdication of state responsibility for protecting and fulfilling constitutional rights to life and health.
In keeping with the action plan discussed on 6 May, we have already submitted an application under RTI asking for names of short-listed bidders as well as the category A and B service lists.
We are planning to have a public demonstration at Lucknow on 21st May 2010 (Friday). We invite you to join with as many people as possible in a strong show of protest. Please bring your organization banners and placards to the demonstration.
In solidarity,
Arundhati, Ramakant Rai and Jashodhara
On behalf of the Swasthya Sewa Nijikaran Virodhi Manch, UP

[Please circulate widely]
Date: 21st May 2010 (Friday)
Press Conference (2.30 -3.30 pm) at Press Club (time to be confirmed)
Silent Demonstration with pamphlet distribution (5.00-7.00 pm) at Shahid Smarak Sthal Lucknow
We request that you confirm your participation with Tithi on email or phone (0-9453294983)