City Reports

Doctors clash with police during protests against Right to Health Bill in Jaipur 

More than 2400 private hospital operators took to the streets to oppose the Right to Health Bill being tabled in the assembly by the government.

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March 20, 2023, 5:25 pm

doctors clash police

Doctors alleged they were thrashed and manhandled by police.

JAIPUR: A protest by doctors against the state government’s ‘Right to Health’ bill turned violent when they were thrashed by the police. The doctors were marching towards the state assembly when the police tried to stop them. This led to a clash between the doctors and the police. 

More than 2400 private hospital operators took to the streets to oppose the Right to Health Bill being tabled in the assembly by the government. The doctors and hospital administrators presented their arguments against the bill in an auditorium at Jaipur Medical Association. Later, they marched towards the Trimurti Circle via JLN Marg and Narayan Singh Circle, reaching the Statue Circle in front of Central Park. From there, they were to match towards the assembly. 

The police stopped the doctors near Statue Circle, resulting in a scuffle between the two parties. The doctors sat on a dharna at the site, and during this, the protesters became furious and clashed with the police. The police allegedly assaulted both male and female doctors, tearing their clothes in the process.

The Joint Action Committee, which previously supported the bill, is now opposing it. Dr. Vijay Kapoor, the Secretary of the Private Hospital and Nursing Society said, “If the government does not listen to us, then whatever has to be done will be done.” Another doctor said that the police suddenly started showering sticks on the secretary, and the crowd was moving ahead, but the police didn’t help.

The Joint Action Committee supported the bill after a meeting with the select committee in the assembly on March 15. However, one group continuously opposed the bill, and as the movement grew, other members of the committee also came out against it, alleging that the government did not include their suggestions in the bill. 

First published: March 20, 2023