SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 3: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has held Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and former Chief Minister Raghubar Das responsible for the deteriorating state of healthcare in the state.
Following its state executive meeting in Dhanbad, IMA Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh criticized the governments of CM Hemant Soren and Raghubar Das for failing to fulfill their promises of improving healthcare. He stated that despite commitments to provide healthcare to the state’s most vulnerable, these assurances remained mere slogans.
The IMA executive committee discussed measures to enhance healthcare services and address existing deficiencies. However, Dr. Singh emphasized that quality healthcare is only possible when doctors feel safe, a sentiment currently lacking among medical professionals in Jharkhand.
Medical Protection Act Yet to Be Implemented
The IMA highlighted that 25 states, including Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, have already implemented the Medical Protection Act (MPA), while Jharkhand lags behind.
Two separate committees—one led by former Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Health Arun Kumar Singh and another under present ACS Health Ajay Kumar Singh—recommended MPA’s implementation.
Despite the former Health Minister Banna Gupta’s personal efforts and cabinet approval on two occasions, the draft was discarded in the assembly during both Raghubar Das’s and Hemant Soren’s tenures.
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Medical Colleges Struggling with Faculty Shortages
The IMA raised concerns over the severe faculty shortages in medical colleges, warning that some institutions are facing the risk of de-recognition. Despite this, the government continues to open more medical institutions.
Additionally, senior residents at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) have not received their honorariums for the past five months.
Private Hospitals to Halt Ayushman Bharat Treatments
IMA also said that private hospitals in Jharkhand will discontinue treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to outstanding payments exceeding ₹1 crore. The IMA stated that healthcare centers are financially unable to continue providing services without receiving their dues.
No Conflict with Government, but Action Likely
IMA President Dr. AK Singh clarified that the association does not seek conflict with the government but is committed to improving healthcare services and ensuring the safety of doctors and hospitals. He warned that if the situation does not improve, doctors may be forced to stop practicing.
JSHSA Extends Support to IMA
JSHSA Secretary Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh expressed full support for the IMA’s movement to enhance healthcare services in Jharkhand.
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Key Officials Attend IMA Meeting
The meeting, chaired by IMA President Dr. AK Singh, saw the participation of several key officials, including State Vice President Dr. BK Pankaj, Dr. IM Singh, IMA Coordinator Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, JSHSA President Dr. Bimlesh Singh, and Secretary Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh. Also present were Patron Dr. PP Sah, IMA Dhanbad Chapter President Dr. BN Gupta, Secretary Dr. Rakesh Inder Singh, along with the presidents and secretaries of all 24 districts.
