In Rajasthan, the strike carried out by the doctors of private hospitals and the residents of government hospitals saw the completion of its 12th day on Wednesday. And as announced earlier, the Rajasthan Medical College Teachers’ Association and the Akhil Rajasthan Sevarat Chikitsak Sangh also went on a mass-leave today, increasing the problems of the patients all across the state. The OPDs in the government hospitals remained shut as well.
Nevertheless, emergency and ICU services continued unhindered, and professors and associate-professors were present in SMS, Jaipur. In the meanwhile, on the other hand, the state government cancelled all the doctors’ and nurses’ leaves. The government has also issued orders to cancel the registration of the all government-residents taking part in the strike. On the other hand, the doctors on strike have announced that they will not step back until the bill is taken back.
Amidst all this, Rajasthan Health Minister Parsadilal Meena has stated that the bill will not be taken back under any circumstances, and whatever happens tomorrow will be dealt with tomorrow. On Tuesday, a PIL has also been filed in the Rajasthan High Court by Advocate Pramod Singh against the doctors’ strike and to get resources provided in government hospitals. The hearing will take place on 31st March. Request has been made in the PIL to ask the government to take action against the doctors and hospitals taking part in the strike.
In order to deal with the doctors on strike, the health department has ordered that every morning at 9.30 AM, the report of the staff presence has to be sent to the government. All the leaves now stand cancelled and those who take leaves without permission will have to face disciplinary action.
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has said that people consider doctors to be God, and the Act is aimed at the welfare of the people. And while there is complete respect for the doctors, they should now end the strike. He added that the bill was presented only after suggestions were taken from the doctors. He further stated that the doors of the government are always open and if there are some misunderstandings, they will be cleared.
