Doctors Strike in Gujarat Over Colleague's Tragic Death

Healthcare services in Gujarat were disrupted as doctors protested following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The strike, led by the Indian Medical Association and Gujarat Junior Doctors' Association, saw outpatient services stopped and elective surgeries postponed. Doctors demanded increased security in hospitals.

Healthcare services in Gujarat faced significant disruption as doctors from both government and private hospitals took to the streets in protest on Saturday. The 24-hour nationwide demonstration was a response to the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a Kolkata medical college.

Outpatient departments (OPDs) remained non-operational, and elective surgeries were halted across several hospitals in the state. The strike was called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Gujarat Junior Doctors' Association. Protestors held rallies and chanted slogans demanding justice for the deceased.

Dr Mona Desai, former President of IMA's Ahmedabad chapter, led a delegation that submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Among the demands were increased security measures, designating hospitals as safe zones, and installing CCTV cameras. The strike significantly affected OPD services, with junior doctors at various hospitals, including AIIMS Rajkot and GMERS Vadodara, participating in the protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)