More than 1,500 private hospitals in Ahmedabad went on strike on Aug  17, leading to the cancellation of approximately 15,000 outpatient department (OPD) appointments and over 2,000 planned surgeries across the city.

The 24-hour strike was part of the nationwide protest against the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Aug 9. 

Patients affected 

Government hospitals also witnessed a more than 40% reduction in OPD services and surgeries, as junior doctors joined in the protest. 

Services were severely curtailed at the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, which typically handles around 2,200 OPD consultations on Saturdays. Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi reported that only 22 surgeries were performed on the day of the strike, compared to the usual 40. Similarly, Civil Hospital at Sola saw 700 surgeries cancelled.

Emergency services continued to operate, with 3,000 people receiving urgent care during the day. However, hundreds of patients with viral infections and mosquito-borne diseases were forced to self-medicate due to the unavailability of OPD services.

Safety for docs

Dr Mukesh Maheshwari, vice president of the Ahmedabad Medical Association, stated that over 1,000 doctors participated in a morning rally, carrying banners demanding justice. In the evening, more than 600 doctors joined a candlelight march.

In response to the Kolkata incident, the Gujarat branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded a security bill for doctors. 

Meanwhile, Dr Joshi of the Civil Hospital outlined several security measures being implemented at the Medicity campus in Asarwa. “Lighting has been increased throughout the hospital premises. The canteen opposite the old trauma centre, which was frequented by miscreants, has been closed. Local and police patrolling has been increased. Access to the trauma centre and ICU will be restricted, and additional family members will not be allowed,” he said. 

Police “She Teams” will be deployed near the postgraduate hostel at night, and they will accompany female doctors during emergencies.  Additional speed breakers have been installed to ensure that anyone attempting to flee after an incident can be apprehended, he added. 

With services in private hospitals set to resume on Aug 18, OPDs are expected to see long queues as patients seek delayed care. The strike has underscored the urgent need for improved security measures for healthcare workers across the country.

Also read:

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