On Saturday, the state's medical and health department also issued a notice to agitating doctors, stating that the strike was against the high court order asking them to resume work by Friday.
As the in-service government doctors' strike in the state entered Day 6 on Saturday, the state once again attempted to break deadlock by inviting leaders of striking doctors to negotiate. However, even as 11 doctors were arrested across districts under Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act (RESMA) on Saturday morning, the government claimed that many doctors had resumed duties.
The arrests came after the deadline set by the government for the medical practitioners to resume work expired on Friday evening. ADG (Law and Order) NRK Reddy said 43 doctors returned to work to avoid arrest. In Jaipur, no arrest was made because, as per the police, all doctors and their leader went underground. Although, Dr Ajay Chaudhary, president of the All Rajasthan In-Service Doctors Association (ARISDA) was part of a live show's panel, he could not be reached for comment.
On Saturday, the state's medical and health department also issued a notice to agitating doctors, stating that the strike was against the high court order asking them to resume work by Friday.
Meanwhile, the ARISDA will meet with the health minister for negotiation talks. "The meeting with a five-member delegation of ARISDA is scheduled for 2 pm on Sunday," health minister Kalicharan Saraf said. "From the government's side, the ACS finance, commissioner home, principal secretary health, secretary medical education and secretary finance will be there in the meeting with me," said Saraf.
One of the major demands of the doctors is of higher pay scale and promotions.
Asked about the issue, Director of Public Health Dr V K Mathur said, "We are trying to reach an amicable solution through talks."
It has been reported that Saraf has directed district collectors to appoint new doctors at a salary of Rs 56,000 per month. "At an urgent basis, 24 doctors have been appointed," said Saraf.
—With agency inputs
Cops and docs
No arrests were made in Jaipur as the doctors and leaders went underground
43 doctors have returned to work to avoid arrest
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