The uproar continues over the rape and murder case of a female doctor in Kolkata, with the resident doctors’ strike gaining momentum. Initially supported by junior resident doctors, the strike has now garnered backing from their senior faculty and the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA has declared a nationwide shutdown, leading to the closure of all government and private hospitals in Jaipur today. The strike has disrupted OPD services in private hospitals and halted both OPD and surgeries in government hospitals since Tuesday, exacerbating patient difficulties.
In Jaipur, over ten thousand doctors are on strike, affecting major hospitals such as SMS, JK Lon, Mahila, Gangauri, Janana, Kanwatia, and Jaipuria, all affiliated with SMS Medical College. Private hospitals are also not treating patients. For the past five days, more than 2,200 residents in Jaipur have been on strike, with senior doctors now joining the movement.
Additionally, all clinics, diagnostic centers, and labs across the state are closed due to the strike, preventing patients from undergoing tests or receiving lab reports. Lab technicians and other staff are also absent, halting all operations.
The strike has led to a postponement of approximately 70 percent of surgeries over the past five days, creating a critical situation for patients. On August 12, SMS Hospital admitted 502 patients, while on August 16, only 154 were admitted.
The strike will continue until action is taken against the perpetrators, according to Dr. Shivraj Rathore, President of IMA Hospital Board of India and Rajasthan. A memorandum has been submitted to the Medical Education Secretary. Meetings involving IMA, JMA, Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes Society, and other medical organizations continued late into the night. Dr. Tarun Ojha, President of the Jaipur Medical Association, and Secretary Dr. Anurag Sharma stated that private hospitals across the state will join the strike from Saturday, leading to the closure of all medical institutions.
Dr. Sushil Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, mentioned that OPD services will be available for two hours today, with senior faculty and doctors handling emergency cases.