SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 26: Doctors in Sahibganj district have returned to their OPD duties after a 10-day boycott, following directives from the Jharkhand Health Service Association (JHSA).
Govt intervention
Health Minister Banna Gupta intervened in the situation by meeting with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and JHSA.
During the meeting, Gupta instructed the Sahibganj Deputy Commissioner to cease actions against the doctors and removed the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) from his role as the nodal officer for the Sadar Hospital.
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Background of the boycott
The boycott began on September 16 when the district administration filed an FIR against two doctors in connection with the death of a girl. Additionally, the DDC was made a signatory on doctors’ pay slips, which further escalated tensions.
Resolution and future actions
Following discussions with Health Minister Banna Gupta and Principal Secretary of Health Ajay Kumar Singh, JHSA President Dr PP Shah and Secretary Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh issued a letter to the Sahibganj district JHSA chapter, urging them to end the OPD boycott in the interest of public welfare.
Dr Shah and Dr Singh stated, “Since the health minister has accepted all demands, the boycott call should be withdrawn. If demands are not implemented by September 30, a state-wide JHSA agitation will be launched.”
Dr Mohan Paswan, a representative of the Sahibganj district JHSA, confirmed that following the JHSA’s directives, all doctors resumed their OPD duties at hospitals and health centres in the district.
