SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Oct 3: The Jharkhand government doctors have decided to cancel their planned indefinite strike scheduled to begin on October 4, following the Sahibganj deputy commissioner’s (DC) withdrawal of all controversial orders affecting medical professionals.
Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, secretary of the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA), announced that the proposed strike was called off in light of the DC’s decision to withdraw all three controversial orders and the upcoming assembly elections.
Controversial orders withdrawn
The JHSA had initially announced the statewide indefinite strike on September 30 in protest against orders issued by Sahibganj DC Hemant Sati.
The DC has lifted the ban on salary payments for the civil surgeon (CS), revoked the DDC’s role as nodal officer of Sadar Hospital, and removed his authority to sign doctors’ pay slips.
Dr Singh expressed gratitude towards the health minister and the principal secretary of health for their efforts in resolving the issues and addressing the doctors’ demands.
“The JHSA is grateful to the health minister and principal secretary of health who took positive steps in resolving the issues and conceding the demands of doctors,” said Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh.
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Background of the dispute
The conflict arose after the death of a Paharia girl from a mysterious disease at Sadar Hospital on September 9, which led to the DC’s ban on the civil surgeon’s salary.
Earlier in April, the DC had appointed the DDC as the nodal officer for the Sadar Hospital and authorised him to sign on doctors’ pay slips.
In response to these developments, doctors in Sahibganj began boycotting outpatient department (OPD) services on September 16. After the JHSA’s intervention, the OPD boycott was lifted on September 27, leading to serious discussions with the health minister and principal secretary.
Health Minister Banna Gupta and the Principal Secretary of Health addressed the issue during a meeting with the JHSA and IMA, emphasising the seriousness of the situation. They directed the Sahibganj district officials via mobile phone to suspend any actions against the doctors.
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District administration’s interference
Dr Singh stated that the Sahibganj incident could serve as a milestone for district administrations in the state, as it may prompt future DCs to think twice before issuing controversial orders.
“The Sahibganj incident will prove a milestone for districts in the state as now DC of a district will think twice before issuing controversial order,” he said.
He emphasised that while the JHSA is not opposed to district administration monitoring, it should not interfere with established medical systems.
He noted that Sahibganj Sadar Hospital has received numerous awards but has faced operational challenges since the DDC took on the role of nodal officer.
DC has not withdrawn FIR letter
Although the DC has rescinded his three controversial orders, the DC’s letter to the civil surgeon regarding the filing of an FIR has not been withdrawn.
Dr Mohan Paswan, who coordinated the agitation in Sahibganj, pointed out that the main demand for the withdrawal of the FIR has not been addressed. The Jirwabari police station has not provided an FIR number, citing that the civil surgeon has not submitted the necessary letter for action.
