Jodhpur — Resident doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur began an indefinite strike on Wednesday after the death of a first-year resident in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, prompting the institute to set up an internal inquiry and appeal for restoration of services.
Institute forms panels, urges resumption of services
In a letter dated 23 September, AIIMS Jodhpur Executive Director Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri said the institute had constituted an in-house inquiry committee to look into the circumstances of the "unfortunate incident". The letter noted that the matter was already under police investigation and named the Dean (Academic) as head of the internal committee.
The administration also acknowledged concerns raised by resident doctors about their working conditions. A separate committee has been constituted to examine these grievances, and the administration requested that resident representatives submit proposals and suggestions to that panel.
Colleague found unconscious during OT break; later declared dead
The deceased was identified as Dr Rajnaresh Yadav, a first-year resident in the Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department. According to the institute communication, Yadav was found unconscious in the bathroom of a doctors' resting area during a break from duty at the operation theatre on Tuesday afternoon and was subsequently declared dead.
"The institute expresses its deepest condolences over the tragic and untimely demise," the administration said, while urging calm and cooperation with ongoing inquiries.
Strike impact and demands
Following the death, resident doctors launched an indefinite strike demanding accountability, compensation and institutional reforms. After discussions among students and colleagues, protesting residents decided to suspend elective operation theatre procedures and routine outpatient department (OPD) services.
- Strike began on Wednesday after the death reported on Tuesday afternoon.
- Elective OT procedures and routine OPD services were suspended as part of the protest.
- Protesters held a candle march in the evening to pay tribute to the deceased resident.
The strike has widened beyond a call for investigation into Yadav's death. Resident doctors have sought institutional accountability, compensation for the family and systemic reforms to address duty hours, workload and welfare — issues they say affect their ability to provide safe patient care.
What the institute says and next steps
The institute communication reiterated that the police were investigating the circumstances and that the in-house inquiry would examine events leading up to the incident. The separate committee set up to examine resident grievances is intended to create a formal channel for airing problems related to working conditions and other concerns while on duty.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Resident found unconscious | Tuesday afternoon (reported) |
| In-house inquiry letter issued | 23 September |
| Resident doctors begin indefinite strike | Wednesday (following day) |
AIIMS Jodhpur has appealed to resident doctors to call off the strike and cooperate with the internal and police enquiries. The institution also expressed condolences for the family of Dr Yadav and said it recognised the need to address the concerns raised by residents.
As the inquiry proceeds, the suspension of elective procedures and routine OPD services may affect scheduled patient care. City health administrators and patients awaiting elective treatments will be watching developments closely for announcements on service restoration and any interim arrangements made by the institute.
The administration's dual-track response — a police investigation supported by an internal inquiry and a separate grievance committee — aims to address both the immediate circumstances of the death and the longer-term welfare concerns raised by residents. It remains to be seen whether the measures and consultations will be sufficient to end the strike and resume normal services.
