Doctors' strike hits patients hard in Rajasthan

Jaipur: Patients continued to have a harrowing time in Rajasthan where doctors' indefinite strike for promotions and better pay entered seventh day on Tuesday with no significant sign of thaw between the agitating medicos and the Ashok Gehlot government.

About 60 people have died in the state since the beginning of the strike allegedly due to non-availability of medical help.

Private doctors and medical college teachers in Jaipur also struck work for a few hours in support of the agitating government doctors, whereas Indian Medical Association warned the state government that it would join the protest if the issue was not resolved.

About 60 people have died in the state since the beginning of the strike allegedly due to non-availability of medical help.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has appealed to the agitating doctors to give up their "adamant attitude" and resume duty for the sake of people. Meanwhile, alternative medical arrangements have been made with the support of Army, BSF, railways, private hospitals and retired doctors.

"I once again appeal to the agitating doctors to leave the adamant attitude and resume duty for the sake of people," Gehlot told reporters on the sidelines of a function. "They can protest against government by holding dharnas, shouting slogans but they cannot create trouble for patients."

Gehlot claimed that the people of the state were against the doctors' strike. "Milkmen in Kota decided to not supply milk in doctors' houses, it shows 'feeling' and it should be appreciated."

Accusing the state government of misguiding and provoking people, Dr RC Yadav, a representative of medical college teachers' association here, said, "The government does not want to initiate dialogue with the agitating doctors and

misguiding people over the issue. Doctors who were arrested are being treated like criminals, it is highly condemnable."

Over 6,000 government doctors working at district hospitals, dispensaries, primary health centres across the state are demanding pay hike and time-bound promotions.

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