Normalcy has returned to government hospitals and primary health centres in Rajasthan after doctors called off their 11-day-old strike late on Saturday. The doctors resumed their duties after the government consented to form a five-member committee of ministers to look into their demands.
A delegation of agitating doctors had called on energy minister Jitendra Singh and health minister A.A. Khan and decided to resume duties. The state government, softening its tough stand, released the arrested doctors and withdrew the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act and asked the doctors to report to duty. The doctors met chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday morning and expressed satisfaction over the end of the deadlock. “We have faith in the CM and hope that the state government will address our demands,” Dr Nasrin Bharti, general secretary of the All-Rajasthan In Service Doctors Association, said.
The strike claimed 76 lives even as most governments hospitals wore a deserted look and even serious patients were left unattended. The state government adopted a tough posture and refused to hold any talks with the doctors till they resumed work.
The doctors also faced public ire when people come to the streets protesting against the strike. Milkmen in Kota refused to supply milk to the doctors and their families. The chief minister reiterated that the doctors should value the nobility of their profession and take a pledge not to go on strike in the future.
It was a harrowing time for patients who were not able to afford treatment at private hospitals. The state government had roped in BSF, Army and railway doctors to provide services at the hospitals.