Pune: Resident Doctors’ Strike at BJ Medical College Impacts Patient Services

Pune, 17th August 2024: Yesterday marked the fourth day of the strike initiated by resident doctors at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (BJ) Government Medical College, Pune. Now, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students have also joined the strike. As a result, patient care at Sassoon General Hospital has been significantly impacted, with a noticeable decrease in both the number of outpatients and surgeries.

The strike was prompted by the recent rape and murder of a female resident doctor at a medical college in Kolkata. Following this tragic incident, resident doctors across the country have called for a strike to address concerns about doctors’ safety. On Friday, resident doctors from BJ Government Medical College, as well as those from private medical colleges in the city, participated in the strike. As a result, patient care at all hospitals affiliated with these medical colleges has been severely affected.

Sassoon Hospital has 566 resident doctors, of whom 180 are working in essential services while the rest are on strike. Additionally, 250 MBBS students have joined the strike. This has severely impacted patient care at the hospital, leading to a decrease in both outpatient visits and the number of surgeries performed.

Resident doctors from BJ Medical College have also participated in the strike, affecting patient care at Sassoon Hospital. As a result, the college administration is relying on teachers to maintain patient care, causing a halt in academic activities.

Participation in Strikes:
– Total Resident Doctors: 566
– Resident Doctors on Strike: 386
– Resident MBBS Students on Strike: 250

Patient Care at Sassoon:
– 13th August: 42 major surgeries, 66 minor surgeries
– 14th August: 31 major surgeries, 80 minor surgeries
– 16th August (until 2 pm): 21 major surgeries, 33 minor surgeries

Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of BJ Medical College, stated, “The strike by resident doctors has affected other services, including the outpatient department. However, essential services and surgeries are continuing smoothly. We are utilizing the help of college teachers for patient care.”