Resident doctors at SSG Hospital (SSGH) in Vadodara went on strike on Thursday to protest an alleged assault by relatives of a 78-year-old woman, Ranjan Vyas, whose body had decomposed in the hospital mortuary after being kept there since Monday evening. The strike was withdrawn late Thursday after their demands for enhanced security were met. Sources indicated that among other measures, a special team of guards will be maintained to respond to any emergency.
Incident Details
The body of the deceased woman, which was awaiting the arrival of relatives from the United States, was found decomposed. This led to a ruckus by the relatives and an assault on hospital workers on Wednesday. Security personnel and police later brought the situation under control.
Doctor Demands
After the alleged violence, resident doctors launched a strike, while faculty members submitted representations to authorities demanding action against those involved. The doctors demanded enhanced security on campus, improved CCTV coverage, and better lighting, alleging that existing security arrangements are inadequate. They claimed that four or five such incidents targeting doctors have occurred in the past three months. Resident doctors stated that only emergency and outpatient department (OPD) services would continue during the strike.
Official Response
District collector Anil Dhameliya and senior police officials visited the hospital and held discussions with the administration and junior doctors. The Gujarat Medical Teachers Association (GMTA) has also taken up the matter with the state government, with medical teachers issuing a 48-hour deadline for action.
