SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 16: MBBS students and interns at Phulo Jhano Medical College Hospital (PJMCH), Dumka, launched an indefinite dharna (protest) today, demanding basic amenities such as water, power, and functioning lift facilities in the college’s eight-storey hostel.
Lack of Basic Amenities and Safety Concerns
In their memorandum to the PJMCH authorities, the students highlighted several ongoing issues, including the lack of proper water arrangements, which force them to carry water to their rooms in the hostel.
The hostel’s lift has been out of service for the past one and a half years, making it difficult for students to move between floors.
Additionally, the power supply system has been severely compromised since a main power line was burnt seven months ago in a fire. Since then, the system has been running on a single wire that crosses through the hostel corridors, posing a potential safety risk. Despite numerous requests, the college authorities have not taken action to repair or improve these facilities.
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Intern Hostel Not Allocated and Transportation Woes
Although an intern hostel has been built, it has not been allocated for use, forcing two interns to share a single room. This overcrowding makes it difficult for them to manage their duties and rest.
The college is located about 5 km from Dumka Sadar Hospital, which has been designated for clinical duties. The 400 MBBS students rely on a single bus service to travel back and forth for clinical shifts, causing significant hardships.
Concerns Over Fees and Lack of Action
The college administration also faced criticism for collecting Rs 9,800 from each intern without prior notice, providing only a receipt, which has raised concerns as this practice is not followed in other medical colleges.
Despite several written appeals to the college superintendent and principal, no action has been taken. The students have also reached out to the Dumka Deputy Commissioner (DC), but there has been no response thus far.
Jharkhand Junior Doctors Network Appeals for Action
Dr. Sushil Kumar, Chairman of the Jharkhand Junior Doctors Network (JDN), has expressed serious concern over the situation. In response to the students’ protest, he sent a letter to Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, urging him to intervene and address the crisis.
Dr. Kumar also informed the Dumka DC, A. Dodde, about the students’ demands, requesting that he direct the concerned authorities to resolve the issues promptly.
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Dr. Kumar emphasized that the students’ protest is a serious issue, noting that when college authorities fail to address critical problems, students are forced to resort to drastic measures.
“These students are only asking for basic amenities to survive and complete their course. As the state government plans to open new medical colleges, the problems at existing institutions must be prioritized and resolved first,” he said.
