Home guards deployed for security at the state-run MGM Medical College and Hospital in Sakchi, went on an indefinite strike from Thursday in solidarity with 10 of their colleagues who started an indefinite hunger strike near the hospital main gate. Several home guards including 30 women staged the demonstration near the MGM Hospital’s main gate to show support with 10 of their colleagues who undertook an indefinite hunger strike to protest non-payment of salaries for last 11 months.
“We have been denied the salaries from past 11 months and our families are suffering. We have met hospital superintendents, administrative officials and even the Chief Minister Raghubar Das during his visit to Jamshedpur recently. But still we just received only assurances,” said Ramesh Kumar, a senior functionary of East Singhbhum unit of All India Home Guard Welfare Association.
Officials of the hospital said that though home guard jawans are placed under State Home Department but their payment is done by the respective department which is taking their service in this case the State Health Department is responsible for payment. “Though private security guards are also working here but very few private security guards can be seen near emergency or OPD units. They do not do their job honestly,” noted an agitator.
Hospital superintendent R. Y Choudhary said that strike of home guards will certainly have an impact on the security machinery at the hospital. “ Though the private security guards are available with us but the lack of sufficient personnel will lead to problems. I have personally spoken to the health department and have been assured that payments will be cleared by Monday. But the home guards are not willing to listen to assurance and have threatened to continue with their strike till they get their salaries,” said Choudhary.
Established in 1961, MGM Medical College and Hospital is a government hospital with the facility of 520 beds. Everyday around 1000 patients come here for treatment. The college is situated in the outskirts of Jamshedpur near Dimna. The college's hospital is located in Sakchi.