Resident doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday in response to the tragic death of a fellow colleague, Dr Raj Nilesh Yadav. The doctors are demanding Rs 5 crore in compensation for Yadav’s family, alongside accountability from the institution’s administration and reform in working conditions.

The strike has resulted in the suspension of regular outpatient department (OPD) services, although emergency OPD care and surgeries will remain operational. The protest followed the discovery of 31-year-old Dr Yadav in a hospital washroom during his duty. His death has sparked significant anger and concern among both students and staff at the institute.

The situation escalated when Yadav’s family arrived at the institute, confronting Director Dr Govardhan Dutt Puri. This confrontation lasted for several hours, hindering the post-mortem process. In the aftermath, resident doctors convened in front of the AIIMS porch and presented a memorandum outlining their demands. They declared that the strike would persist until their grievances were adequately addressed, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.

Protest Actions Taken by Medical Community

In a further act of solidarity, doctors and students at AIIMS expressed their distress by covering their mouths with tape, engaging in a silent demonstration. This gesture highlighted the emotional impact of Yadav’s death on the community. Participants voiced their concerns over the challenging working conditions, excessive duty hours, and overwhelming workloads experienced by resident doctors.

The president of AIIMS also participated in a two-hour work boycott, showcasing unity among the medical staff. Earlier in the day, tributes were paid to Dr Yadav by colleagues and staff, emphasising the loss felt throughout the institute. During the strike, regular OPD services were suspended, but emergency care for patients remained in effect to ensure that critical medical attention was not compromised.

As of now, AIIMS has yet to issue an official statement in response to the demands put forth by the resident doctors. In addition to the significant financial compensation, the protesters have requested all relevant benefits, outstanding dues, and insurance for Yadav’s family. They have also called for a public apology from the administration and an acknowledgment of the institutional shortcomings that contributed to this incident.

Investigation into Death of Dr Raj Nilesh Yadav

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr Yadav’s death. According to police reports, Yadav was engaged in his duties in the operating theatre on Tuesday, and it was during a break at around 1 pm that he went to the washroom. When he failed to return, his colleagues initiated a search and eventually discovered him unconscious.

Evidence found at the scene includes several syringes, leading police to suspect that he may have self-administered a lethal substance. He was subsequently transported to the emergency department, where he was pronounced dead. At this moment, no suicide note has been recovered, and further investigations are ongoing.

Police have seized Yadav’s mobile phone, and it is currently under examination by a forensic team alongside other pieces of evidence. Investigators are still awaiting the results of the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact factors contributing to his death. The outcome of this investigation may significantly influence the course of the ongoing protests by resident doctors and their demands for reform.

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