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Resident Doctors Strike Disrupts Services at Udaipur and Rajasthan Govt Hospitals

Protests over rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata...
 

Medical services at government hospitals in Udaipur faced significant disruptions on Tuesday, August 13,2024. The strike by resident doctors, which impacted facilities across Rajasthan, led to the postponement of elective surgeries and an increase in patient wait times. Many recovering patients were discharged earlier than usual, and long queues formed at outpatient departments (OPDs). Senior doctors stepped in to manage the situation, but the impact was still noticeable throughout the city. This strike is in response to the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata.

At Udaipur's RNT Medical College, OPD services were disrupted, with senior doctors taking over most tasks. In Jodhpur, the strike began at 8:00 AM at SN Medical College, and doctors from AIIMS Jodhpur joined the strike from 9:00 AM. SN Medical College Principal Arun Vaishya confirmed that while OPD and inpatient services were affected, emergency and ICU services were still operating.

In Jaipur, around 2,200 resident doctors are on strike, with an additional 250 senior resident doctors threatening to join from Wednesday. SMS Hospital is prioritizing urgent care and treatment, and alternative arrangements have been made. Dr. Sushil Bhati, medical superintendent of SMS Hospital, noted that the strike has reduced the number of surgeries and that they have received 50 additional doctors from the health directorate to help.

Resident doctors are continuing their work in emergency departments and ICUs. A senior surgeon reported that only a quarter of the usual number of surgeries could be performed, and patients scheduled for elective surgeries were asked to return once the strike ends.

The Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD) has welcomed the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the doctor murder case to the CBI. However, they have stated that their strike will continue until their demands are met. JARD is calling for armed security in emergency departments at all government hospitals in Rajasthan. Dr. Manohar Siyol, president of JARD, emphasized that the strike will end only when their demands are fulfilled and when the state government addresses their concerns.