Disagreeing to have their leave applications approved by Mukhiyas, as decided by the Cabinet, medical professionals from across the State gathered for an agitation march to Chief Minister’s residence on Sunday.
The procession of doctors — both from public and private hospitals — was stopped near Raj Bhawan. The situation turned violent as police denied the protestors’ demand to move towards the CM residence. Magistrate Sanjeev lal told them that he can take a delegation there, but this only led to scrimmage between the doctors and police force.
More police personnel have to be called in to restrict the agitators’ advance, who then agreed to send a delegation to the CM office, instead of taking the march there. later a delegation of 11 doctors was taken to meet Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Kumar, as the CM was out.
In this meeting, Kumar consented to arrange another meeting with Chief Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Wednesday. Based on the outcome of the meeting with representatives from Jharkhand chapter of Indian Medical Association and Jharkhand State Health Services Association the State Government would take any call on the matter.
Director Health Services Dr. Sumant Mishra said, “The problem has been brought to notice of the Principal Secretary of Heath Department as well. We are planning a high level meeting with Secretaries of various departments by this Thursday to discuss this issue along with others pertaining to doctors of the state, such as one-time waiver, Medical Protection Act and many more.”
On the other hand, doctors working with public hospitals in the state have indicated towards continued protests if the decision does not conform to their expectations. “We will submit a memorandum to the authorities, demanding to curb Cabinet’s directive which undermines the integrity of doctors’ profession. If our pleas are not considered, we will continue with our agitation in coming days,” said Director-in-Chief (Food), Dr Praveen Chandra.
Doctors have called for a state-wide strike on November 2 if the conclusion meeting with the Chief Secretary does not rule in their favour. This will be followed by mass resignation on November 5, if the State Government does not alters its stand.
“The doctors are not against the strengthening of panchayat functionaries, but why only doctors are being bought under their thumb. If this is the way to go, why similar directives have not been issued regarding administrative and police officials too.
Doctors from Jharkhand are migrating to neighbouring states as facilities, opportunities and security to doctors is better there. State Government should try to keep doctors in villages by following the example of other states,” said head of women wing of Jharkhand IMA, Dr. Bharti Kashyap.