AIIMS Jodhpur resident doctor's death triggers protest, OPD disrupted
Synopsis
A 29-year-old anaesthesia resident found unconscious in a hospital bathroom, an injection and syringe at the scene, and a medical fraternity that erupted in protest — the death of Dr Ramnaresh Yadav at AIIMS Jodhpur has exposed a raw nerve about duty-hour pressure and institutional accountability in India's top public hospitals.
Key Takeaways
Dr Ramnaresh Yadav , a 29-year-old resident doctor in Anaesthesia at AIIMS Jodhpur , died on duty on Tuesday, 23 September 2026 .
He was found unconscious in a restroom at approximately 1 pm ; an injection and syringe were reportedly found at the scene, but the exact cause of death is not yet established.
Resident doctors launched protests disrupting OPD services and reportedly affecting surgeries; protesters blocked a hospital entrance with wheelchairs and stretchers .
AIIMS administration formed an internal inquiry committee headed by the Dean (Academic) ; a separate committee was set up to address resident doctors' grievances.
Police are conducting an independent investigation; the exact cause of death awaits medical examination findings.
A demand for ₹5 crore compensation for the deceased doctor's family is reportedly circulating on social media.
Tension gripped AIIMS Jodhpur on 24 September 2026 following the death of Dr Ramnaresh Yadav, a 29-year-old resident doctor in the Department of Anaesthesia, with fellow residents launching a protest that has disrupted OPD services and reportedly affected surgeries and other medical procedures at the premier institute. The AIIMS administration has constituted an internal inquiry committee, and police have launched a separate investigation.
How the Death Unfolded
According to reports, Dr Yadav abruptly left the Operation Theatre (OT) while on duty on Tuesday. At approximately 1 pm, he was found unconscious in the bathroom of the AIIMS restroom. Fellow doctors reportedly attempted immediate first aid, but he could not be revived. His body was subsequently moved to the AIIMS mortuary, and his family was notified.
Reports indicate that an injection and a syringe were found at the scene, leading to preliminary speculation about a possible drug overdose. However, the exact cause of death has not been established, and the final determination will depend on the ongoing investigation and relevant medical examination.
Protests Disrupt Hospital Services
Resident doctors and medical staff launched protests following the death. The AIIMS administration resorted to using the campus public-address system to inform patients about the disruption to OPD services. Protesters reportedly blocked an entrance by placing wheelchairs and stretchers across a passage, intensifying pressure on the administration. A candlelight march was held on campus late Wednesday night as colleagues paid tribute to Dr Yadav and demanded an impartial investigation.
Inquiry Committees and Police Probe
The AIIMS administration has constituted an internal inquiry committee headed by the Dean (Academic) to investigate the circumstances of the death. A separate committee has been formed to address the grievances and concerns raised by resident doctors. In parallel, police are conducting an independent investigation into the case. Despite these measures, the protest was ongoing as of Wednesday.
Who Dr Yadav Was
Dr Ramnaresh Yadav hailed from the Bada Jod area of Alwar, Rajasthan. He had completed his MBBS at AIIMS Jodhpur and was pursuing postgraduate studies in Anaesthesia at the same institute. His elder brother is reportedly a doctor at AIIMS Delhi, while his father lives in their native village.
Wider Concerns and Social Media Outcry
The death has triggered grief and anger among resident doctors. An emotional video featuring a resident doctor circulated on social media, in which the doctor appeals to colleagues, faculty, and teachers to collectively raise their voices over the incident. The doctor highlights concerns over long duty hours and work pressure faced by resident doctors, and acknowledges that fear of reprisal has silenced many. A demand for ₹5 crore in compensation for Dr Yadav's family is also reportedly circulating on social media, though this has not yet been officially endorsed. Protesting doctors have called for comprehensive inquiry and accountability if responsibility is established against any individual or institution.
This incident comes amid a broader, recurring national conversation about the mental health and working conditions of resident doctors in India's public medical institutions — a concern that has periodically erupted into protests at hospitals across the country.
Point of View
Combined with an emotional viral video citing fear and silence among colleagues, points to a culture where systemic pressure on resident doctors goes largely unaddressed until a crisis forces it into the open. Two inquiry committees and a police probe may satisfy procedural requirements, but what the protest circuit really demands is structural reform — capped duty hours, mental health support, and whistle-blower protection. India has seen this pattern before, from RG Kar Medical College to other AIIMS campuses, and each time the conversation dissipates without lasting policy change.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dr Ramnaresh Yadav die at AIIMS Jodhpur?
Dr Ramnaresh Yadav, a 29-year-old resident doctor in Anaesthesia, was found unconscious in a restroom at AIIMS Jodhpur at approximately 1 pm on Tuesday while on duty. He could not be revived despite first aid from fellow doctors. An injection and syringe were reportedly found at the scene, leading to preliminary speculation about a possible drug overdose, but the exact cause of death has not been officially established pending investigation and medical examination.
Why are AIIMS Jodhpur doctors protesting?
Resident doctors and medical staff are protesting to demand a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation into the circumstances of Dr Yadav's death. Protesters have also raised broader concerns about long duty hours and work pressure faced by resident doctors, and are calling for accountability if any individual or institution is found responsible.
What steps has the AIIMS Jodhpur administration taken?
AIIMS Jodhpur has constituted an internal inquiry committee headed by the Dean (Academic) to investigate the death. A separate committee has been formed to address resident doctors' grievances. Police are also conducting an independent investigation. Despite these measures, protests were continuing as of Wednesday evening.
Who was Dr Ramnaresh Yadav?
Dr Ramnaresh Yadav was a 29-year-old resident doctor from the Bada Jod area of Alwar, Rajasthan. He had completed his MBBS at AIIMS Jodhpur and was pursuing postgraduate studies in Anaesthesia at the same institute. His elder brother is reportedly a doctor at AIIMS Delhi.
What is the compensation demand being made for Dr Yadav's family?
A demand for ₹5 crore in compensation for Dr Ramnaresh Yadav's family is reportedly circulating on social media among protesting doctors. This demand has not been officially endorsed or responded to by the AIIMS administration as of the latest reports.
