Sharp divisions have appeared in the ranks of Provincial Medical Health Services (PMHS) over the issue of the proposed strike of doctors from September 22. One faction of the doctors is adamant on the strike call while the other one is advising that the Government should be given some more time as it is showing positive response on the issue of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.
These differences of opinion were clearly visible in the meeting of district unit of PMHS at Doon hospital on Friday. The District President of PMHS Dehradun Dr NK Khatri told The Pioneer that unnecessary confrontation on the issue of DACP should be avoided as the State Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Health Minister SS Negi have categorically assured that DACP would be implemented. He was of the view that at least 15 days more should be given to the State Government before going on strike.
Meanwhile, to build pressure on the State Government, the PMHS has started collecting the resignation letters of doctors which it would submit to the State Government on September 24.
The general secretary of PMHS, Dr SK Goswami started the resignation collection drive by securing the letter from the acting director general of Medical and Health service Dr NK Gusain. large number of doctors have submitted their post dated resignation letters to the office bearers. The Dehradun district President Dr Khatri however refused to be a part of the resignation drive which clearly shows that fissure lines are there among the doctors.
When contacted the general Secretary of PHMS Dr Goswami said the final decision regarding the strike would now be taken on September 22. He threatened that if the State Government fails to accept their demand till September 22 the doctors would go on a State wide strike.
One of the main demands of PMHS is the implementation of DACP according to which they get assured increase in their grade pay after 4, 9, 13 and 20 years of the service. The plea of the PMHS is that while this scheme is followed by the Central and many State Governments, the doctors of State Government are deprived of this benefit.