Doctors at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital and other government medical facilities went on strike to protest the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. This disruption affected routine medical services but emergency care continued.
The Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD) announced a work stoppage on Monday, suspending routine medical services such as outpatient clinics, surgeries, and ward duties. However, emergency care continues. The doctors also staged a protest to condemn the recent killing of a medical colleague in Kolkata.
They are demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the rape and murder, the resignation of officials responsible for the incident, financial compensation for the victim’s family, a nationwide law to protect such individuals, and improved safety measures in all medical colleges across the country.
JARD president Dr Manohar Siyol said “Emergency services are unaffected and will continue to operate to ensure that critically ill patients receive necessary care.” Siyol said.
According to the Superintendent of SMS Hospital, Dr Sushil Bhati, “alternative arrangements have been made for smooth functioning. Due to incessant rainfall in Jaipur and other parts of the country, the number of patients coming to OPD is comparatively less, and senior doctors have been engaged in OPD to ensure that OPDs function normally.”
A postgraduate student was found raped and murdered in a seminar hall of R G Kar Hospital on Friday morning. Police arrested a volunteer on Saturday in connection with the crime. The horrific incident has triggered widespread protests among junior doctors and healthcare workers who are demanding improved safety conditions.
