Doctors' associations in Jaipur suspended their agitation on Sunday after the police assured the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the arrest of Dr Somdev Bansal over allegations of a multi-crore fraud in the RGHS scheme. However, the boycott of the RGHS scheme will continue across Rajasthan, including in Jaipur, as doctors stated that the state government has not taken concrete steps to address pending issues and irregularities in the scheme.
Decision at Joint Meeting
The decision was taken during a joint meeting of medical organizations at the Jaipur Medical Association auditorium. Private hospitals and clinics resumed treatment services immediately, citing patient interest and the inconvenience caused by the shutdown. Dr Vijay Kapoor, president of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, said the medical community would closely monitor further developments.
Details of the Protest
IMA Rajasthan zonal secretary Dr Anurag Sharma explained that doctors had been protesting for two days over the alleged assault, threats, and misconduct by a group of individuals against Dr Bansal's family members at the Rajasthan High Court premises, and to seek justice for Dr Bansal. An FIR was registered on Saturday at Ashok Nagar police station in Jaipur by Dr Bansal's family.
A delegation of office-bearers from various medical organizations met the Jaipur police commissioner and detailed the sequence of events. They alleged that a group had created an atmosphere of threats, pressure, disruption, and fear, and had interfered in Dr Bansal's bail hearing. The delegation also raised concerns over the safety of doctors and their families and demanded an impartial probe and security arrangements.
Police Assurance
The police commissioner accepted the demand for an SIT and announced its formation. According to Dr Sharma, the police administration assured the organizations that the matter would be investigated impartially, action would be taken against those found guilty, and special instructions would be issued for the security of doctors and their family members.
Ongoing Concerns
Despite suspending the work boycott, medical organizations said anger and concern remain within the community. They warned that if such incidents recur, they may resume agitation.
