In Kolkata, doctors are outraged after a fellow doctor was raped and murdered. Across the country, doctors are on strike, demanding justice, safety, and better laws. While these demands are valid, the situation for patients in hospitals tells a different story.
At Delhi’s major hospitals, AIIMS and Safdarjung, the conditions are dire. News18hindi found patients lying in pain, unable to receive treatment. OPD rooms are locked, and patients who came months ago for surgeries are still waiting. There’s no information on when doctors will return. Patients are left without answers, struggling with their health.
Kidney Failure, Dialysis Halted
At AIIMS, a woman named Rukhsana lay on the roadside near the pediatric emergency department, in pain. Her daughter Seema was helpless, hoping for treatment. They came to AIIMS on August 12 because Rukhsana’s kidneys had failed. She has been getting treatment at AIIMS for eight years, but now the dialysis is on hold due to the strike. They were sent away from other hospitals as well. With no money for rent, they are stranded outside AIIMS, hoping the strike ends soon.
Patients in Pain
At Safdarjung Hospital’s orthopedic OPD, many patients are waiting. One patient, Govinda, came from Gurgaon after an accident. He is in severe pain because a rod was inserted into his leg. He has been trying to see a doctor since yesterday but hasn’t been able to. He expressed frustration, saying, “We are human too, and we are in pain. Why is this injustice happening to us?”
Family Struggling with Infant’s Heart Condition
Ankush Yadav came to AIIMS with his 2.5-month-old baby who has a heart defect. They were referred from Bareilly. They were supposed to see a doctor today, but the strike prevented that. They were told to return the day after tomorrow, but with the strike ongoing, they don’t know when they’ll get the help they need.
Patient Forced to Return Home
Dinesh Saluja from Gwalior came to AIIMS for a leg amputation due to gangrene. But due to the strike, he was turned away. In severe pain, Dinesh decided to return to Gwalior, saying he won’t come back to Delhi for treatment.
Patients Left in Limbo
Nisha from Faridabad came to AIIMS with her daughter, who has neurofibroma, for an eye examination. However, due to the strike, the examination could not be done. Disheartened, they had to leave without treatment.
Questions Left Unanswered
Patients who left AIIMS and Safdarjung without treatment are questioning the fairness of the strike. They ask: What is their fault in this fight for justice by doctors? Who is responsible for their pain and suffering? Is this strike unfair to patients?
