The nationwide strike by resident doctors in response to the rape and murder of a female resident in Kolkata has severely disrupted healthcare services. The strike, now lasting seven days, has led to significant delays and overcrowding in hospitals. More than 300 surgeries have been postponed at hospitals affiliated with RNT Medical College. Due to large crowds, many patients are returning to private hospitals without receiving treatment. 

700 Resident Doctors on Strike

Currently, about 700 resident doctors are on strike, supported by approximately 150 senior residents who are also not on duty. This has disrupted operations at the super specialty department, MB Hospital, the women's hospital, and the children's hospital. Only 150 doctors, including 25 MBBS doctors, are managing the situation. The medical and health department had ordered 19 doctors to join duty four days ago, but only 13 have reported so far. 

Demands of Doctors

Amending laws for doctor protection, deploying security forces in hospitals, organizing training programs on crisis management and safety, and implementing CCTV cameras, security guards, and a token system in hospitals.

Patients are Suffering

Outpatients are facing severe difficulties, with long queues preventing them from receiving treatment or undergoing tests. The worst conditions are reported at the women's and children's hospitals. At the women's hospital, senior doctors are working 24-hour shifts and performing emergency surgeries. Patients admitted to the wards are also starting to leave. Despite emergency services still being operational, the situation remains challenging. 

Source: Rajasthan Patrika