Ahmedabad: Following a nearly weeklong strike protesting the rape and murder of a doctor at a Kolkata medical college, junior doctors in the state have declared another strike starting today, demanding a 40% increase in their stipend.

Meanwhile, in the latest development, the Gujarat government has informed the resident doctors/interns that punitive action will be taken against them as per the rules if they do not report for duty by 09:00 AM tomorrow morning.

Hospital authorities warn that these consecutive strikes are likely to disrupt hundreds of outpatient departments (OPDs) and scheduled surgeries. Resident and intern doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s BJ Medical Campus have initiated a strike over stipends. They have threatened to continue the strike until the government agrees to increase the stipend and implement a regular increase every three years.

It is noteworthy that Gujarat offers one of the highest stipends for doctors, ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.3 lakh. The latest strike follows a 20% stipend increase that was implemented after a month of negotiations. Also, the stipend given to resident doctors in Gujarat remains higher than in many other states. Additionally, while Gujarat has one-year bonds for residents, other states typically require three-year bonds, and these resident doctors often earn more than contract professors teaching them.

Dhaval Gameti, President of the BJ Medical College Junior Doctor Association, stated that for the last six consecutive months, they have made legal representations to the Health Minister and Health Department officials regarding the stipend increase. According to these representations, the stipend for junior doctors should increase by 40% every three years. The last increase occurred on April 1, 2021, and three years will be completed on March 31, 2024. They demand a 40% hike in their stipend from April 1, 2024, as outlined in the government circular. However, the proposed increase has been reduced by 50%, prompting the strike.

Gameti further noted that states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar offer higher stipends. Many government medical colleges exist in other states, while Gujarat has only six, with no new government medical colleges established since 1995. He emphasized that a strike is a last resort and that the government has reneged on its promises. The junior doctors at Ahmedabad’s BJ Medical College are prepared to fight for their rights, as senior doctors in other colleges pressure junior doctors to work excessively. Support from other doctors is expected, and they plan to strike in other government hospitals starting tomorrow.

Resident doctors in Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC)-run hospitals have not yet joined the strike. Doctors have been present for their duties as usual since morning, with resident doctors at Shardaben Hospital, Ellis Bridge Urban Eye Hospital, Maninagar LG Hospital, and SVP Hospital attending their morning OPDs. There have been no complications for patients so far; however, the doctors may decide to strike after 1 PM.

If the doctors go on strike in the afternoon, it could impact OPD services from 3 PM to 5 PM. So far, no decision has been made regarding the afternoon strike, and this information has been communicated to the Superintendent of Hospitals, though no official notice has been issued.

The Civil Hospital has prepared an action plan in response to the resident doctors’ strike. Dr. Rakesh Joshi mentioned that emergency and OPD services may be affected. They have requested additional medical officers from the government and have been allotted 50 additional medical officers, along with 25 non-teaching staff. An additional 36 doctors will also be present, and all doctors’ leave has been canceled. Non-emergency surgeries will be rescheduled, with an estimated 50% of surgeries and planned operations postponed. Emergencies will be prioritized, and patients who cannot return will be admitted today. OPD services are ongoing but may face delays. The issue regarding bonuses and pay slips for Class IV employees has been discussed, and both agency and Class IV employees have met to address concerns. Currently, Class IV employees have returned to work.

In Surat, services at the New Civil and SMIMER Hospitals are continuing as usual, with no strike participation from resident doctors. A decision regarding the strike by resident doctors in Vadodara will be made after a meeting. Presently, all services remain operational at Sayaji Hospital and Gotri Hospital. DeshGujarat