Jaipur: The indefinite strike of government
doctors, demanding a hike in salary, entered the second day
today and paralysed medical services in parts of Rajasthan.
Apart from in-service government doctors, around 3,200
resident doctors have also gone on strike in support of the
demands.
Residents of six government hospitals joined the strike
last night despite the state government invoking the Rajasthan
Essential Services Maintenance Act (RESMA) and declaring the
services of medical and health departments as most essential
services.
Following the government's action, 34 government doctors
have been arrested since yesterday.
Resident doctors' representative Dr Ashok said several
resident doctors had also courted arrest in different parts of
the state.
Dr L C Sharma, superintendent of SMS government hospital
Jaipur, claimed that emergency services of the hospital have
not been affected as additional arrangements are in place.
The government has hired the services of some private
and retired doctors to minimise the impact of the strike, he
said.
However, patients in several district hospitals, primary
health centers and dispensaries are suffering due to
non-availability of doctors.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 22, 2011, 13:56