Relief for patients as doctors end 2-day strike

Prayagraj: Patients across the city as well as neighbouring districts on Wednesday breathed a sigh of relief as doctors unofficially called off their two-day-long strike and returned to clinical duties.The resident doctors held their protest on the SRN Hospital campus on Tuesday and Wednesday after one of their colleagues, Dr Monish Ali, was allegedly detained by police in Rampur. Moreover, doctors associated with the Allahabad Medical Association had also demanded his release, threatening to go on strike if the demand was not met.On Wednesday, the resident doctors were informed that Dr Monish had been released and had safely returned to his home in Rampur.Following the assurance, the resident doctors called off the protest and resumed their duties.“Resident doctors have undoubtedly assessed the grim condition of patients wandering from one place to another in search of medical attention. Acknowledging all these factors, we did not hesitate to bring things back to normal,” said an office-bearer of the Resident Doctors’ Association.Astha, a patient from Kaushambi who arrived at SRN Hospital for treatment, said, “I came along with my family for a doctor’s consultation in the OPD. The doctors patiently attended to me and prescribed treatment.”Even though the protest was symbolic in nature, elaborate security arrangements were in place in and around the SRN Hospital campus on Wednesday.