133 Doctors and 3 SMOs in Sonepat Go on Strike; MLC Cases Referred to Khanpur Medical College
Media Report, Sonipat -

As part of a statewide protest against the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs), 133 doctors and three SMOs in the district remained on strike on Monday. Despite the strike, OPD services continued with support from ESI, NHM, and BAMS doctors, ensuring minimal disruption. Normally, around 1800 patients visit the OPD daily, but on Monday the number dropped to nearly 1600.

Patients who arrived for Medico-Legal Cases (MLCs) in the emergency department were referred to Khanpur Kalan Medical College. Later in the afternoon, the Civil Surgeon authorized a consultant doctor to handle MLCs considering the situation. Treatment continued largely as usual with alternative arrangements.

Except for pediatric, eye, gynecology, and obstetrics departments, other OPDs were managed by NHM, ESI, and BAMS doctors. Although the patient load remained normal, the shortage of doctors caused long waiting times.

Patients had to buy medicines from outside

Patients traveling from distant areas faced difficulties. While they received medical advice, the shortage of medicines in the hospital forced them to buy medicines from external medical stores. The lack of specialist doctors led many patients to wander from one department to another. They urged the government and doctors to resolve the issue quickly.

MLCs not conducted in emergency initially

An NHM doctor and a retired consultant were posted in the emergency room. Although they handled serious cases, they could not issue MLCs initially. Later, the Civil Surgeon allowed the consultant to conduct MLCs, offering some relief. Postmortem and maternity services continued without interruption. PG doctors from the medical college were also assigned duties at the hospital.

Strike may be extended

Four doctors staged a symbolic protest outside the emergency department. District President Dr. Nitin Falswal said that on December 8 and 9, all services—including OPD, emergency, postmortem, operations, maternity, and VIP duty—will remain completely shut. He added that direct SMO recruitment reduces promotion opportunities and undermines the experience of long-serving doctors. The strike may be extended if needed.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Jyotsna confirmed that 133 doctors and five SMOs are on strike. Their report has been sent to headquarters. A consultant has been authorized to handle MLCs, and OPDs are being run with additional doctors brought in from outside.