SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 25: The Jharkhand government has accepted nine key demands put forth by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Jharkhand Health Service Association (JHSA), including the amendment to the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA).
Clinical Establishment Act (CEA)
During a meeting between Health Minister Banna Gupta, Principal Secretary of Health Ajay Kumar Singh, and joint representatives of the IMA and JHSA, the government agreed to exempt hospitals with up to 50 beds from the CEA, similar to the exemption provided by the Uttar Pradesh government.
IMA State Secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh and JHSA Secretary Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh confirmed that the government would soon announce a notification regarding this exemption.
Dr Ajay Kumar Singh, Dr RS Das, Dr Shambhu Prasad, Dr Bilesh Singh and Dr Saurabh Chaudhary were members of delegation representing the doctors.
TA/DA for doctors during Shrawani Mela
The government has also accepted the demand to reinstate the payment of travel and dearness allowance (TA/DA) to doctors deputed for the Shrawani Mela in Deoghar. Before the formation of Jharkhand, doctors were given these allowances, and the practice will now resume.
Additionally, the state has agreed to pay doctors a 13-month salary, similar to what is provided to police personnel for their emergency services during this period.
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Resolution of Sahibganj doctors’ protest
Health Minister Banna Gupta also addressed the ongoing protests by doctors in Sahibganj, who had been boycotting OPD services since September 16. The protest was triggered by an FIR filed by the Deputy Commissioner against a doctor over the death of a child.
The minister intervened by speaking to the Sahibganj Deputy Commissioner, instructing them to halt action against the doctors and directing the removal of the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) from the post of Nodal Officer at Sadar Hospital. A government directive on this matter is expected soon.
Representation in NTF and Civil Surgeon to be DDO
The government has also agreed to include representatives from the IMA and the Junior Doctors’ Association in the National Task Force (NTF) for doctors’ security, which was formed on the directive of the Supreme Court.
Additionally, civil surgeons serving as in-charge in districts like Lohardaga will now be designated as Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDO), with a notification expected shortly.
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ACP, promotions, and female doctors’ safety
The state government reaffirmed its earlier commitments made during a meeting on August 23, 2024, between the Principal Health Secretary and IMA, and JHSA representatives.
These include the implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (ACP) on par with the central government and the creation of new promotional posts.
For the safety of female doctors, the government agreed to take necessary measures and include IMA representatives on divisional-level committees responsible for addressing these concerns.
These developments mark a significant step towards addressing the longstanding concerns of healthcare professionals in Jharkhand.