Normalcy returns to Shimla hospitals as resident doctors call off strike, OPDs & operation theatres start functioning

Shimla: The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Himachal Pradesh has officially withdrawn its strike, bringing relief to patients across the state.

Starting Wednesday (August 21, 2024), routine outpatient services (OPDs) and operation theatres at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Atal Super Specialty Institute of Medical Sciences (Chamiyana) and Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) will resume normal operations. This development means that patients travelling from all over Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, will no longer face disruptions in receiving medical care.

The doctors had initiated the strike in response to the rape and brutal murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Over 100 resident doctors from the three major hospitals in Shimla had been on strike for the past eight days, demanding swift and severe punishment for the culprits involved in the Kolkata incident. Additionally, they called for the implementation of stringent measures to ensure the safety of doctors.

Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/politics-over-molestation-youth-congress-leader-criticizes-sukhu-govt-projects-himself-as-virbhadra-supporter/

On Tuesday morning, at 10.15 am, the Resident Doctors Association led a march from the IGMC gate to the Secretariat, passing through Regal and Oakover before reaching Chhota Shimla at 11 am. The march was a powerful display of solidarity, emphasising the urgency of the doctors’ demands.

At noon, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a crucial meeting with representatives from the RDA and the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers Association (Semdikot). The meeting, which lasted for one and a half hours at the Secretariat, was also attended by Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M Sudha Devi, CPS Sanjay Awasthi and other key officials.

During the discussion, the RDA raised concerns about ensuring the safety of doctors, including the implementation of security measures, provision of duty rooms and installation of CCTV cameras.

Chief Minister Sukhu assured the association that the government would take necessary steps to enhance the security and working conditions of medical professionals. Important instructions were also issued to the police to ensure robust security arrangements. IGMC Principal Dr Sita Thakur, Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao, Dr Balveer Verma, Dr Sudarshan, RDA president Hari Mohan Sharma and other officials were present at the meeting.

While the strike has been called off, RDA doctors have vowed to continue protesting against the incident in Kolkata. Candlelight marches will be held as a form of ongoing protest after their duty hours.

Dr Balveer Verma, President of the State Medical and Dental College Teachers Association, stated that doctors are returning to work after their demands were addressed. He confirmed that Chief Minister Sukhu has assured them that their demands will be fulfilled.