Vadodara : Resident Doctors’ Indefinite Strike Cripples Services at Sayaji Hospital

Vadodara | Gujarat — Healthcare services at Sayaji Hospital in Vadodara were severely disrupted on Thursday after resident doctors launched an indefinite strike to protest a violent mob attack inside the postmortem room. The shocking incident has triggered widespread concern over the safety of medical professionals and forced authorities into urgent negotiations to restore normalcy.

Despite emergency services and OPD remaining functional, the absence of resident doctors has strained routine treatment and increased the burden on senior faculty and tutors, who have stepped in to manage patient care. Meanwhile, postmortem services at Sayaji Hospital were suspended, and seven bodies were shifted to Gotri Hospital for autopsy.

The protest erupted after a mob allegedly assaulted doctors on April 29 following a dispute over a decomposed body kept in cold storage. Resident doctors say the incident crossed every line of safety and dignity in the workplace.

Resident doctor Dr. Chintan Solanki described the incident as horrifying. “There was a mob of around 30 people for nearly one and a half hours. A female resident was dragged nearly 400 meters and beaten. Another doctor’s shirt was torn. The family’s anger is understandable, but violence cannot be justified,” he said.

Doctors claim that the attack has exposed glaring security lapses within the hospital campus. Resident doctor Dr. Prachi Shah highlighted safety concerns, particularly during night shifts. “Many areas in the hospital lack lighting. Even the lab where we work at night is poorly lit. There is constant fear when stepping out after dark. We are demanding CCTV cameras, better lighting and permanent security arrangements,” she said.

The striking doctors have filed a police complaint and insist they will not resume duties until concrete security measures are implemented. Their demands include round-the-clock security, installation of CCTV cameras and improved infrastructure in vulnerable areas of the hospital.

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ranjan Iyer confirmed that the government has taken the matter seriously. “The District Collector and Joint Police Commissioner have held detailed discussions with resident doctors and hospital officials. The aim is to resolve their concerns at the earliest and ensure their safety,” he said.

Authorities have already made arrests in connection with the assault. According to Additional Police Commissioner Sudhir Desai, the violence erupted when family members arrived to collect the body of an elderly person and found it in a decomposed condition, triggering anger and confrontation with hospital staff. “A case has been registered under multiple IPC sections, along with stricter provisions of the Medical Service Persons and Institutions Act. Further investigation is underway using CCTV footage and technical evidence,” he said.

The Vadodara District Collector has appealed to the doctors to end the strike to prevent hardship for patients, especially the poor and needy. However, the resident doctors’ association says the strike will continue until firm assurances are given.