M A I N   N E W S

400 striking doctors arrested in Rajasthan

Jaipur, December 26
Cracking the whip on striking doctors, the Rajasthan Government has arrested over 400 doctors under the Essential Services Act as the stalemate between agitating medicos and authorities continued for the sixth day today, throwing medical services out of gear.

Non-availability of medical services has claimed around 50 lives. Left unattended, some hospitalised patients have succumbed to their injuries, including a 45-year-old Afghan national, hospital sources said.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “Strict action will be taken against doctors for carrying out such strikes. We don't want people to suffer. Such strikes create anger amongst people and, therefore, doctors should resume work as soon as possible.”

While the government has hardened its stand on the issue and dismissed 10 medical officers and two Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHO) late last night, doctors were also adamant on their demands for time-bound promotions and pay hike.

All government doctors working in hospitals, dispensaries, primary health centres and resident doctors of all six medical colleges in the state have been on strike since December 21.

A total of 410 doctors have been arrested, most of them under the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act (RESMA), and 40 have been suspended.

Meanwhile, Afghan national Mohammad Daud, who was injured after a mini bus hit him at MI road here died at the Sawaiman Singh Government Hospital here yesterday. Daud died after he was allegedly left unattended at the hospital.

To minimise the impact of the strike, the government has engaged the services of the state’s private hospitals, with many facilities opening their doors for patients admitted to government hospitals. — PTI