Jaipur, May 9, 2026: Healthcare services across Jaipur were severely affected after private hospitals in the city announced an indefinite shutdown in protest against the alleged assault and intimidation of a doctor’s family members inside court premises. The strike has disrupted OPD, IPD, and emergency services at a large number of private hospitals, leaving thousands of patients stranded.
The protest was launched by multiple medical organisations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jaipur Medical Association (JMA), and other private healthcare bodies, following the controversy involving neurosurgeon Dr. Sondev Bansal.
What Triggered the Shutdown?
According to reports, the issue escalated after members of Dr. Sondev Bansal’s family were allegedly assaulted and threatened by a group of lawyers inside the Jaipur court complex. The incident reportedly took place during proceedings linked to a case involving alleged irregularities under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS).
Medical associations claimed that despite a medical board reportedly not finding negligence in treatment, an FIR had been filed earlier against Dr. Bansal, leading to his arrest. The alleged attack on his family members later triggered outrage among doctors and hospital operators across Jaipur.
Doctors’ groups have demanded:
- Immediate action against those involved in the alleged assault
- Better security for doctors and their families
- Protection from intimidation and violence during legal proceedings
Private Hospitals Suspend OPD, IPD & Emergency Services
The shutdown has impacted most private healthcare facilities in Jaipur. Hospitals participating in the protest suspended:
- OPD consultations
- IPD admissions
- Elective surgeries
- Pathology and diagnostic services
- Emergency admissions for new patients
However, hospitals reportedly continued treatment for patients already admitted before the shutdown began.
The strike has created major inconvenience for patients dependent on private healthcare, especially those requiring follow-up treatment, surgeries, or chronic disease management.
Thousands of Patients Affected
According to local reports, the shutdown could impact nearly 45,000–50,000 OPD patients, while approximately 1,200–1,500 surgeries may be postponed if services remain suspended.
Several patients arriving at private hospitals on Friday reportedly found gates closed or services unavailable, forcing them to shift to government hospitals for treatment.
Government Hospitals Witness Heavy Rush
With private hospitals closed, major government medical facilities in Jaipur witnessed a sudden rise in patient load. Hospitals including:
- SMS Hospital
- RUHS Hospital
- JK Lone Hospital
- Janana Hospital
reported increased crowds at OPD counters and emergency units.
According to reports, government hospitals saw a 25–35% increase in patient footfall due to the shutdown.
Rajasthan Health Minister Responds
Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar appealed to doctors not to suspend medical services and urged them to continue patient care while the matter is investigated.
He reportedly stated that strikes in the healthcare sector directly affect common citizens and can put patients’ lives at risk.
Growing Concerns Over Doctor Safety
Doctors’ organisations have argued that incidents of violence, intimidation, and legal pressure against medical professionals are increasing, making it difficult for doctors to work without fear.
The latest protest has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between sections of the medical and legal communities in Rajasthan.
Conclusion
The indefinite shutdown by Jaipur’s private hospitals has triggered a healthcare crisis in the city, with thousands of patients struggling to access treatment. While doctors demand strict action over the alleged assault on a colleague’s family, authorities now face pressure to quickly resolve the dispute and restore normal medical services across Jaipur.