The medical crisis in Rajasthan due to an indefinite strike by doctors,which has crippled health services and left over a dozen patients dead,deepened on Friday with 5,000 doctors submitting their resignations. All doctors in government hospitals,dispensaries,primary health centres and resident doctors of all six medical colleges are on strike since December 21,demaning a pay hike and time-bound promotions. On Friday,private doctors and medical teachers also stopped work for four and two hours respectively in support of the protesting government doctors. All Rajasthan Doctors Association handed over resignations of 5,000 doctors Friday. Several other doctors in different districts have also forwarded their resignation to respective district collectors, said vice-president of the association Mahesh Sharma. Sources said due to unavailability of medical assistance,around a dozen patients have died so far. It is very painful that around 12 patients have died at different hospitals but it is all due to the state government, Sharma said. State medical and health minister Duru Miyan said that the government is open to talks.
