Surat, May 22 (UNI) Medical students including resident doctors and interns began a hunger strike in the New Civil Hospital (NCH) here this morning against the Centre's proposed reservation policy in institutions of higher education.

''A total of 23 students started hunger strike today morning.

They include 11 resident doctors, five undergraduates and seven interns,'' a student leader said.

The students demanded a non-political committee to look into the quota issue.

However, NCH medical superintendent M K Wadel said the hospital has not received any official information about the hunger strike.

''Students' agitation is continuing, but it has not affected the hospital functions in any way,'' he said, adding 1,695 patients visited the out-patient section until 1300 hrs today.

''We have also received 76 indoor patients and conducted 20 surgeries,'' he added.

He said they have deployed almost the entire teaching staff from the Government Medical College to meet the hospital needs.

''Now we are utilising the entire 200-member teaching staff for hospital services. They are enough to manage patients' needs,'' he added.

UNI MS AK VP1610