On Wednesday, the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance of the ongoing strike by resident doctors at Sawai Mansingh Medical College (SMS Medical College). The court summoned both, the college principal, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, and a representative from the Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD) to address the pressing concerns surrounding the strike.
As the hearing approached, Dr Maheshwari’s health took a sudden turn for the worse. He experienced severe chest pain and was promptly admitted to the emergency department of SMS Hospital. After initial assessments, he was moved to the cardiac ward at the Bangar Campus for further evaluation. A 2D Echo and ECG were performed, leading to his transfer to the Cath Lab, where he underwent angioplasty and had a stent inserted.
The court had instructed the principal of SMS Hospital and other officials to attend the hearing in person or via video conference. Unfortunately, Dr Maheshwari faced a health crisis just before the hearing, emphasising the stress of the situation.
During the medical emergency, JARD announced it would withdraw the strike in court. The JARD president informed the High Court of this decision, showing a readiness to return to work. The court then set up a committee to address the resident doctors’ demands, paving the way for medical services to resume.
This latest strike marks the fifth instance of disruption by resident doctors in just ten months, raising significant concerns among senior medical staff. Frustration has mounted among senior doctors, who have called for action against the repeated strikes, noting the adverse effects on patient care. The ongoing strikes have contributed to increased waiting times for critical surgeries in cardiology, neurology, and nephrology, further complicating an already strained healthcare system.
Dr Sushil Bhati, the medical superintendent of SMS Hospital, stated that Dr Maheshwari, underwent angioplasty and is under strict supervision. Additionally, his situation is stable, and an expert team of doctors has been appointed to look after him.
Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors Ends Strike Following High Court Decision
The Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD) officially ended its strike on Wednesday, responding to the recent decision by the Rajasthan High Court. The decision to conclude the strike was made in the spirit of public interest and service, following the court’s appeal and directives.
In a statement, JARD expressed gratitude to the High Court for acknowledging the challenges faced by resident doctors and urging the administration to address these issues promptly. The court has established a committee chaired by the Secretary of Medical Education, which includes representatives from the Medical and Health Departments, the Finance Department, and two resident doctors—one male and one female. Notably, Additional Advocate General G.S. Gill and Dr. Maheshwari are also members of this committee.
The first meeting of this committee is scheduled for October 26, 2024, with the court set to review the matter again on November 21, 2024. Importantly, the High Court has ordered the administration not to take any punitive action against the resident doctors.
In light of the court’s directives and the consideration for public welfare, JARD has ended its strike with immediate effect. The association emphasised its commitment to continuing dialogue regarding their demands and expressed deep appreciation to all Resident Doctors Associations and RajMES Medical College Associations across Rajasthan for their solidarity during this period.