SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 30: Ayush doctors in Jharkhand are set to take a decision soon on whether to join the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) or the newly formed Jharkhand Medical Association (JMA).
According to Dr. Digvijay Bhardwaj, president of the of Ayush Association of Jharkhand (AAJ), Ayush doctors already have a dedicated state-level body comprising both government and private practitioners.
However, both JSHSA and JMA are exclusive to government medical professionals, and discussions are ongoing in the house about whether government Ayush doctors should be allowed to join either group. “No resolution has been taken on this issue so far,” Dr. Bhardwaj said.
AAJ in Dialogue with Both Associations
Dr. Bhardwaj, who is based in Deoghar, added that AAJ is holding discussions with both JSHSA and JMA regarding the possibility of membership. “Since JSHSA has always extended moral support to Ayush doctors, many members are in favour of aligning with it. But a final decision is expected soon,” he said.
JMA Extends Membership Offer to Ayush and Homoeopathic Doctors
The formation of JMA, which represents government doctors, has stirred debate within the health department by offering membership to Ayush and homoeopathic doctors employed by the government.
JMA founder and president Dr. Sidheshwar Baskey stated that, as employees of the health department, Ayush and homoeopathic doctors should be included in JMA. He has formally extended an invitation for their membership.
JSHSA Yet to Consider Ayush Inclusion
Meanwhile, JSHSA has remained silent on the inclusion of Ayush and homoeopathic doctors. Though the association has added dental professionals to its membership, it has not made any move to include Ayush practitioners.
Dr. Sumant Mishra, JSHSA’s founder secretary and former Director-in-Chief of Health, clarified that the association has traditionally limited membership to government allopathic doctors. “Even teachers from medical colleges were excluded. It is solely a body for non-teaching health service doctors and BDS professionals,” said Dr. Mishra.