AIIMS Delhi Appeals To Doctors To End Strike As Patients Suffer 

Delhi, 21st August 2024: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has appealed to its resident doctors to end their ongoing strike and return to work immediately. The strike, now in its 10th day, began in protest of the rape and murder of a junior female resident doctor in Kolkata. As the strike continues, patients at government hospitals across Delhi are facing severe disruptions in medical services. AIIMS has urged the doctors to resume duties, emphasizing the need to prioritize patient care during this critical time.

AIIMS administration, in a letter issued on Wednesday, highlighted the importance of resuming medical services and assured the doctors that their concerns are being addressed. A five-member committee led by the Dean (Academics) has been formed to look into the grievances of the resident doctors. The strike, which has seen widespread participation from doctors across Delhi, has severely impacted healthcare delivery in government hospitals, leaving patients in distress.

The Federation of All India Resident Doctors’ Association (FAIRDA) has acknowledged the Supreme Court’s recent decision to establish a National Task Force for the protection of doctors. However, the association has decided to continue the strike, demanding the government enact a specific law for the protection of healthcare professionals and issue an ordinance to this effect.

The AIIMS administration has stated, “As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to ensure that no patient is left untreated. The Government of India is committed to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers, and the Supreme Court has already issued positive directives. We urge all resident doctors to return to work to alleviate the suffering of patients.”

Despite this appeal, conditions in government hospitals remain concerning. An inspection at LN and GB Pant hospitals revealed that, even during the strike, female doctors were on duty in the emergency departments at night, often without adequate security. The absence of security at the women’s hostel gate has also raised safety concerns, underscoring the need for immediate action to protect both patients and medical staff.