Rajasthan: 16 dead as doctors? strike enters third day

Jaipur : At least 16 people have died in Rajasthan in three days till Tuesday as medical services in government-run hospitals have been severely hit in several districts by a strike by resident doctors.

Doctors of state-run hospitals in five major districts, including Jaipur and Ajmer, have been on a strike since Sunday protesting alleged baton-charge on medicos in Jodhpur after a purported minor scuffle between medical staff and attendants of a patient.

As the strike entered the third day, medical services were very badly hit, with out-door patients department virtually closed in the state-run hospitals while the indoor hospitals were under the care of the nursing staff.

Reports said at least 16 people, including infants, have died in Jodhpur alone since Sunday due to alleged lack of medical facilities.

Some reports put the toll as high as 50.

State Health minister AA Khan is holding discussions to end the deadlock.

He urged the doctors to call off the strike as chief minister Ashok Gehlot has assured of looking into their grievances.

Union minister of state for health Dinesh Trivedi has also expressed concern at the situation and said, ?Even one person should not die because of this kind of negligence and irresponsible behaviour of the doctors. People like doctors are supposed to save lives and I don’t think anything could be as sad if someone loses his life because of the strike.?