Mass Work Boycott by Resident Doctors Ends at Safdarjung Hospital

Background of the Protest

New Delhi: The indefinite mass work boycott initiated by resident doctors at Safdarjung Hospital has concluded after nearly six days. This protest was in response to an alleged assault on a senior Anaesthesia resident by the Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department, which reportedly occurred inside the Operation Theatre.

Resolution of the Strike

The strike was officially called off on Thursday following a verbal and written apology from the CTVS Head to the senior resident. After this development, the protesting doctors returned to their duties.

Details of the Incident

The incident sparked significant controversy at the hospital, prompting senior residents to engage in a mass work boycott. They demanded immediate action against the Head of the Department (HOD) and refused to work in the CTVS operation theatres and ICU until their demands were met.

Support from Medical Associations

Several doctors’ associations, including the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital, FAIMA, and FORDA, expressed strong concern over the alleged assault. They labeled the incident as ‘workplace violence’ and called for prompt action against the CTVS Head.

Demands from the Resident Doctors

The resident doctors collectively boycotted all duties related to CTVS, which included operation theatres and ICU work. Their demands included the removal of the CTVS HOD from active duties, suspension of his surgical privileges during the inquiry, the formation of an impartial committee to investigate the incident, and a mandatory psychiatric evaluation of the doctor due to concerns regarding his past behavior.

Conclusion of the Protest

The strike persisted for six days until the HOD issued an apology to the senior resident doctor, leading both parties to agree on a peaceful resolution.

Statements from the Involved Parties

A member of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at Safdarjung Hospital stated, “The strike has been called off, and resident doctors have resumed their duties.” Additionally, Dr. Arun Kumar, a senior resident at Safdarjung Hospital, remarked to The Tribune, “A consensus had been reached to amicably resolve the incident, with no intention of escalating the matter, in any form, from either side.”

Further Developments

For more information, see the related article on the call for an independent probe into the alleged assault on the anaesthesia resident doctor.