28 more doctors join protest in Rohtak

The fourth day of the HCMS doctors’ strike saw a significant increase in participation, with 28 more doctors joining the protest on Thursday, according to official figures. This brought the total number of striking doctors to 90 across the district.

“On Wednesday, 62 HCMS doctors took part in the strike, but today the number has risen to 90. On Tuesday, 59 doctors joined the protest, while the first day, Monday, saw 23 participants,” said Dr. Ramesh Chand, Civil Surgeon. At the Civil Hospital in Rohtak, 31 doctors observed the strike on Thursday, up from 21 the previous day. However, alternative arrangements are being made to ensure the continued smooth functioning of health facilities throughout the district.

Despite the ongoing strike, Dr Chand said 15 cataract surgeries, three LSCS (Lower Segment Caesarean Section) procedures, and one orthopedic surgery were successfully carried out at the Civil Hospital on Thursday. “For now, alternative arrangements continue to provide significant relief to patients,” he added.

Patient numbers have been declining due to the strike, with many non-emergency patients opting to wait for the protest to end before seeking follow-up treatment. Some patients are also choosing to visit PGIMS rather than the Civil Hospital due to the strike.

Local office-bearers of the HCMS Association claimed that over 95 per cent of doctors in the district participated in the strike, deeming it an almost total success.

Meanwhile, Dr Kundan Mittal, Medical Superintendent of PGIMS, denied reports that elective surgeries were being postponed. “There is no impact from the HCMS doctors’ strike on PGIMS. We have our own surgeons, and surgeries continue as usual. In fact, we have provided 51 senior and junior residents to the health authorities in Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri and Rohtak as part of our alternative arrangements to ensure smooth hospital operations in these districts,” Dr Mittal explained.