SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, August 29: With only a few hours remaining in the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) Junior Doctors Association (JDA) to the administration, all eyes are now on Ranchi City Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajkumar Mehta.
JDA leaders have expressed concerns that MBBS students and junior doctors feel unsafe on their own campus. They are hopeful that the City SP, who has engaged with all stakeholders, will restore a sense of security among the doctors.
Ultimatum for action
On Wednesday, the JDA met with the City SP, RIMS Director, DSP, Home Guard Commandant, RIMS DMS, DSW, Dean Administration, all Heads of Departments (HoDs), and representatives of the Medical Students Network. The JDA has given a 48-hour ultimatum for action against the Home Guard personnel involved in the assault, threatening further measures if no action is taken.
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According to a press release from the JDA issued late in the evening, if the probe committee fails to submit its report within the given timeframe, junior doctors and students may initiate a ‘pen-down’ strike.
JDA not in favour of OPD boycott
Sources indicate that JDA leaders such as President Dr. Ankit Kumar, Executive President Dr. Abhishek Laguri, Secretary Dr. Om Prakash, and Vice-Presidents Dr. Abhishek Hansdak, Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Archna Kumari, Dr. Kumari Kirti, and Dr. Ansu Soni are not in favour of an OPD boycott as a protest. However, the majority of students and junior doctors are advocating for an amicable solution to ensure their safety on campus.
Concerns and support
A female MBBS student expressed that the brutal assault by Home Guard personnel on seven students in the tennis court on Tuesday night has left her shaken and fearful of security personnel. “This may be the first time security personnel have assaulted MBBS students on campus. We hope the probe committee will deliver justice,” she said.
Dr. Vikash Kumar, State President of the IMA Junior Doctors Network, and Secretary Raghvendra Kumar are also coordinating with senior JDA officials and have pledged support for any measures taken to ensure the safety and dignity of doctors.
