Patna, Nov 17 - There is no good news for poor patients and their relatives in Bihar as a crippling doctors' strike entered its eighth day Tuesday.

About 500 junior doctors of the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) have struck work demanding payment of the increased stipend promised to them earlier.

The strike has hit the PMCH and the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).

Emergency services have been hit and surgeries have been postponed. The hospitals have sought the help of the health department to cope with the situation and have asked for 100 doctors from other parts of the state.

"We are still hoping that the strike will end soon because we cannot afford expensive treatment outside the hospital," said Ramchander Singh, a relative of a patient here.

The state human rights commission has asked the doctors to call off their strike. But the doctors are adamant.

"We have decided to continue with the strike and will take a final decision only after meeting the commission," said Naqui Imam, a junior doctor.

In the last six days, the Patna Medical College and Hospital has witnessed an exodus of patients, mainly those who can afford private clinics.

However, PMCH Superintendent O. P. Choudhary said the strike had no impact in the hospital.

The doctors had earlier struck work in August in support of the same demand. (IANS)