Jaipur: Doctors’ associations in Rajasthan escalated their protests on Sunday following allegations of misconduct by Barmer SDM towards an on-duty doctor.
Several medical bodies, including ARISDA, UPCHAR, IMA, MCTA, and PHNHS, representing both government and private healthcare professionals, gathered at the JMA building at SMS Hospital. They demanded the SDM’s suspension, the filing of an FIR, and the establishment of protocols for administrative officers inspecting government health facilities.
“If our demands are not met, we will intensify our protest,” warned Dr. Ajay Chaudhary, president of ARISDA. He noted that government doctors had been wearing black armbands while working in hospitals for over three days, yet the government had not responded to their concerns.
The medical fraternity alleged that during a February 1 inspection at Sedwa CHC in Barmer, SDM Badrinarayan Vishnoi had a confrontation with Dr. Ramswaroop Rawat during OPD hours. Despite Dr. Rawat explaining patient care procedures, Vishnoi allegedly became aggressive and threatened police action.
“All doctors’ associations have demanded that appropriate legal action be taken against SDM Badrinarayan for obstructing an on-duty doctor,” stated Dr. Anurag Sharma, secretary of Jaipur Medical Association (JMA), a branch of IMA.
In response to an IMA directive, doctors across Rajasthan wore black bands from 9 AM to 11 AM on Sunday as a symbolic protest.
Dr. Sharma stressed that the government must take concrete action to prevent disruptions to patient care. Dr. Jakir Khan, director of Doctors Welfare Federation (DWF), condemned the incident, stating that such defamation cases are becoming frequent, with some officials seeking attention through social media.
The PHNHS association called for immediate legal action against the SDM, with its president Dr. Vijay Kapoor warning of protests similar to those against the 2022 Right to Health bill if necessary measures were not taken.
PHNHS secretary Dr. Rakesh Kalra accused the Barmer SDM of misusing his authority and attempting to intimidate government doctors.
“In Sedwa tehsil, Barmer, our colleague Dr. Rawat, who was diligently performing his duties at the CHC, was subjected to inhumane treatment by the SDM,” said Dr. Bharat Pareek, UDF state president. He added that the government had been given a five-day ultimatum, after which a complete shutdown would be initiated.
