AIIMS resident doctors on indefinite strike, surgeries cancelled for Friday
Resident doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) went on an indefinite strike on Thursday. The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) demanded suspension of a senior doctor, who allegedly slapped a resident doctor, in front of patients and staff members. Due to the strike, all scheduled surgeries for Friday were cancelled. The outpatient services, that is visited by 8,000 patients, will run in a restricted manner.
The incident happened on Wednesday when the senior doctor allegedly lost his cool because he didn't find the patient supposed to be shifted in the examination room, said an RDA member. He then slapped the resident doctor. The victim went back to his folks and is said to be in depression. Reportedly, he feared complaint against the senior would sabotage his career.
According to an official, the senior doctor has repeatedly apologized for his mistake. The resident wrote to the director saying he accepted the apology, and no further action should be taken. "The director also instituted a five-member committee to be chaired by the dean (research) to inquire into the incident. Further, the concerned faculty member offered to proceed on leave," said the official.
Along with the senior doctor's suspension as department head, the RDA wants him to tender a written apology. They have also demanded his removal as a mentor. They alleged he threatened to fail residents in exams, thus he shouldn't be allowed to take examinations. Dr. Harjit Singh Bhatti, president of AIIMS RDA, said a code of conduct should be circulated from administration to faculty members.
As a result of this strike, exams are postponed indefinitely, and outstation clinics will run in a restricted manner. "The director has appealed to the RDA to call off this illegal strike in the interest of patient care," a hospital spokesperson said.
