A strike by resident doctors in major government hospitals across Delhi, including AIIMS, has left patients in distress as they seek treatment. While emergency services are still operational, the strike has severely disrupted routine medical services, leaving many patients wandering the hospital premises in confusion and frustration.
The strike, called by the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), is in response to the brutal rape and murder of a female resident doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal. The incident has sparked outrage among doctors nationwide, prompting them to take a stand for their safety and demand justice.
Resident doctors at prominent hospitals such as AIIMS, Safdarjung, and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital have joined the strike, causing a significant breakdown in health services in the capital. Outpatient departments (OPD), elective surgeries, and laboratory services have come to a halt, forcing patients to either wait indefinitely or seek treatment elsewhere.
Patients Left in Distress
Anand Mehta, who arrived at Lady Hardinge Hospital for gall bladder surgery, was forced to leave without treatment after learning of the strike. Similarly, Vishnu Kumar, who had brought his wife for treatment, found himself stranded amidst the strike and heavy rain.
Adesh Kumar from Dwarka visited Lady Hardinge Hospital for a fractured finger, only to discover that the doctors were on strike. He had no choice but to return home without receiving medical attention.
Jai Kishor Thakur, who traveled from Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, for thyroid treatment, expressed his frustration with the nationwide strike. He acknowledged the need for justice but emphasized that doctors should also consider the plight of the patients who rely on them.
FORDA’s Stand on the Strike
Dr. Sharda Prasad, Vice President of FORDA, stated that the nationwide strike is a protest against the horrific incident in Kolkata, and they are demanding strict action against those responsible. Dr. Manish Jangra, founder of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), highlighted the challenges faced by resident doctors, particularly women, who often work under insecure conditions. He called for improved security measures in hospitals, especially during night shifts.
Impact on Hospitals
The strike has significantly impacted patient care in several major hospitals in Delhi, where thousands of patients visit the OPD daily:
- Safdarjung Hospital: 10,000 patients
- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital: 8,000 patients
- Lady Hardinge Hospital: 5,000 patients
- Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital: 4,000 patients
- Loknayak Hospital: 4,000 patients
- GB Pant Hospital: 2,000 patients
- Ambedkar Hospital: 2,000 patients
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital: 2,000 patients
- IHBAS Hospital: 1,000 patients
Security Concerns in Delhi Hospitals
The strike also brings attention to security lapses in Delhi’s hospitals. Incidents of violence and security breaches have been reported, including a recent shooting at GTB Hospital and a previous case at Rao Tula Ram Hospital in Najafgarh. The safety of both patients and healthcare workers remains a critical issue that requires immediate attention.
The strike is in response to the rape and murder of a female resident doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal. The doctors are protesting for justice and demanding better security measures in hospitals.
Major hospitals such as AIIMS, Safdarjung, Ram Manohar Lohia, Lady Hardinge, and several others are affected by the strike.
Yes, emergency services are continuing to operate during the strike, but routine services like OPD, elective surgeries, and lab tests are disrupted.
FORDA, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association, called for the nationwide strike to protest the incident in Kolkata and advocate for better security and justice.
The daily OPD visits range from 1,000 to 10,000 patients depending on the hospital.
There have been multiple incidents of violence and security breaches in Delhi hospitals, prompting calls for improved safety measures for both patients and healthcare workers.