Resident Doctors' Strike Over Stipend Hike in Ahmedabad

Around 1,200 resident doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital initiated an indefinite strike demanding a stipend increase. Patients faced delays despite alternative arrangements. The Junior Doctors' Association claims state authorities backtracked on earlier promises. The state health minister responded, defending the stipend adjustments.

On Monday, approximately 1,200 resident doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Gujarat began an indefinite strike to demand a hike in their stipend.

Despite authorities making alternate arrangements, services were disrupted, causing patients and their families to face lengthy waits. The hospital, which is linked to BJ Medical College and is the state's largest, saw significant impacts on its operations.

According to Dr. Dhaval Gameti, president of the Junior Doctors' Association, resident doctors would withdraw from all duties, including trauma care and outpatient department services, until their demands were met. Gameti stated that the state health department had previously agreed to raise the stipend by 40% every three years, but this had not been implemented as promised.

(With inputs from agencies.)