Udaipur, October 22, 2024 - Health services all over Rajasthan have been badly affected since yesterday, October 21, following strike by the resident doctors in the State. In Udaipur, 558 residents at RNT Medical College remained on strike, disrupting services at MB Hospital, Janana Hospital and Super Specialty Hospital.

The striking doctors are protesting non-fulfilment of their demands despite earlier assurances by the administration. Among other things, the doctors are demanding stipend hike and enhanced security measures at their workplace.

In Jaipur, the strike has impacted emergency services such as OPD, emergency, IPD, OT, and labour rooms. Yesterday, October 21, more than 600 surgeries were postponed at SMS, JK Lone, Kanwatia and Gangauri hospitals in the city. OPD attendance dropped by 40%, and IPD occupancy was down by 70%. Fifty critical patients had to be turned away without being admitted. Over 1,000 surgeries were postponed across the state.

Senior doctors at SMS have called the residents' strike as unjustified and all Heads of Departments have written to the principal of MMS Medical College requesting action against the protestors.

In Ajmer, 628 residents at JLN Medical College are on strike. Junior residents and senior nursing staff have been assigned duties in Emergency units, EMU wards and ICUs. On October 20, 62 surgeries were conducted, but only 20 operations could be carried out the next day. Army doctors are on standby and could be called in today, October 22.

In Bikaner, more than 50 surgeries had to be postponed at PBM Hospital. In Jodhpur, the outpatient department at Mathuradas Mathur Hospital was seeing major patient rush and patients had to wait for hours to see senior doctors.

Source: Media Reports