The strike by resident doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, has entered its third day, severely impacting healthcare services. The doctors are protesting against the alleged misconduct and "high-handedness" of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand.
Trigger and Allegations The dispute arose on Wednesday night when MLA Chetan Anand, along with his wife Dr. Ayushi Singh, and their security personnel, visited the trauma center of AIIMS Patna to see an acquaintance. Reports indicate that the MLA's security guards were stopped from entering the premises with weapons, leading to a heated exchange and, according to the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), a physical altercation.
The RDA has alleged that the MLA, his wife, and armed guards forcibly entered the hospital, physically assaulted security staff, threatened resident doctors with death, and brandished a firearm. They claim a hospital guard was injured, and doctors were subjected to threats and abuse. The association also raised concerns about the MLA's wife, a gynecologist, allegedly giving instructions to orthopedicians treating a bone fracture.
Impact on Healthcare Services The strike has brought many hospital services to a standstill. Resident doctors have boycotted work, leading to the shutdown of the Outpatient Department (OPD) and emergency services, including elective surgeries. It’s estimated that on Friday alone, approximately 85 surgeries were postponed, and over 3,400 patients could not be treated in the OPD. While senior faculty doctors are reportedly continuing with emergency services, the absence of resident doctors has significantly strained the hospital's capacity.
Demands of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) The RDA has put forth a list of demands to the AIIMS Patna administration, including: * Filing an FIR against Chetan Anand, his wife, and their security personnel. * Adequate security measures within the AIIMS Patna premises. * Public condemnation of the incident by the hospital administration. * Written assurance and a permanent security protocol to prevent such incidents in the future. * Withdrawal of a police case filed against a doctor and a guard. * Invoking sections of the Arms Act, citing concerns over weapons in a healthcare environment. * Release of CCTV footage related to the incident.
MLA's Counter-Complaint MLA Chetan Anand has filed a counter-complaint at the Phulwarisharif police station, alleging misbehavior and assault by AIIMS staff towards him and his wife. He claims that they were mistreated and that his wife sustained injuries. Anand stated that he was at the hospital to visit a supporter who had been injured and was denied entry with his security, which led to his wife's intervention and subsequent altercation.
Conflicting Accounts and Investigations The differing accounts of the incident have led to a standoff between the doctors and the MLA, with both sides seeking legal action. Police have registered FIRs based on complaints from both the AIIMS Patna administration and Chetan Anand. The police investigation is ongoing and includes an examination of CCTV footage to determine the sequence of events and verify the allegations made by both parties.
AIIMS Patna Administration's Response AIIMS Patna Director Saurabh Varshney has stated that the hospital administration stands with the doctors and is taking steps to address their demands. The administration has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and is initiating dialogue with the protesting doctors to resolve the situation.
Current Situation As of August 3, 2025, the strike continues, and representatives of the RDA held a general body meeting to discuss their next course of action. The medical community remains firm on their demands for security and accountability. The disruption of healthcare services persists, causing inconvenience and concern for patients seeking treatment at AIIMS Patna.
