Protests Erupt in Jaipur Over New Medical College Regulations
Mass Resignations by Hospital Superintendents
In a significant protest against the government’s newly imposed regulations, superintendents from 12 hospitals affiliated with SMS Medical College in Jaipur have collectively resigned. This action stems from a ban that prohibits principals and superintendents of government medical colleges, along with their associated hospitals, from engaging in private practice. The doctors expressed additional concerns regarding a directive that limits their teaching responsibilities to no more than 25% of their time as professors or senior professors.
Submission of Resignations
The resignations were formally submitted on Monday to the Secretary of the Medical Education Department, facilitated by SMS Medical College principal Deepak Maheshwari.
Government’s Response
In a bid to address the situation and prevent further resignations, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar convened an urgent meeting with the protesting superintendents. Unfortunately, this initial discussion failed to yield a resolution. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at SMS Medical College to further explore the issues raised.
Background on New Guidelines
The protest was triggered by the Rajasthan government’s recent guidelines designed to enhance the operational efficiency of medical institutions. These rules not only restrict private practice for medical college leaders but also impose limitations on their teaching commitments. The announcement was made public by the Rajasthan Medical Education Department on Thursday.
Opposition from Medical Community
The Rajasthan Medical College Teachers’ Association (RMCTA) has strongly opposed these regulations, labeling them “arbitrary and biased.” A memorandum was submitted to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma outlining their grievances.
Reactions from Medical Associations
In response to the unfolding events, an Executive Member of the Rajasthan Chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed concern on social media platform ‘X’. They stated, “This is unprecedented. All Medical Superintendents of SMS Medical College have collectively resigned in support of RMCTA against the latest orders of the Medical Education Department.” The member urged senior officials in administrative roles to support junior doctors, warning that failure to unite could lead to further erosion of their authority to bureaucracy.
Related Developments
This situation follows another recent incident where the Dean of Patan Medical College faced an inquiry over allegations of private practice, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding medical regulations in the state.