Pune: Long queues of patients were seen at the Sassoon General Hospital’s OPDs on Tuesday after they reopened following two days of public holidays.
With resident doctors still on strike many patients from neighbouring districts, who had travelled far for medical care, were asked to return later as most diagnostic services remained closed.
Hospital authorities said the strike, which began last Tuesday, has had a serious impact on admissions. “We average about 190-200 admissions per day. That dropped to 132 on Tuesday,” said Sassoon’s medical superintendent, Dr Yellapa Jadhav. He said the number of cardiology procedures and deliveries has also dipped.
Patients TOIspoke to on Tuesday said they failed to get care because there were no doctors to attend to them.
Rajendra Phadnis, who had come from Solapur to get his leg checked, said he tried desperately to find help.
“I’m diabetic and the swelling on my leg, from an injury I suffered in July, has not reduced,” said Phadnis, who is in late 40s. “I had heard about the strike, but I’m in unbearable pain. I had no choice but to try my luck. I couldn’t find a doctor though. I’ll go home to Solapur and return after the strike has been called off,” he said.
However, as of Tuesday, there are no signs the doctors’ strike at Sassoon will be called off soon.
Dr Shivaji Munde, president of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) chapter at BJ Medical College, said: “We want assurance and implementation of strict measu res against violence on doctors. These things must not at all happen in Maharashtra. We want a safe workplace while we try to save lives. Doctors are more prone to violence as relatives are emotionally charged, especi ally at a tertiary care centre.”
Dr Munde added: “While we demand the implementation of the Central Protection Act and that decision needs to be taken by the central govt, the state too can form laws similar to CPA and pro vide security to healthcare workers. People do not commit violence against police personnel on duty, but when it comes to doctors who are actually saving lives, they are beaten up, raped or even killed.”
