SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Oct 10: The Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA), representing government medical officers, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have announced a strike starting tomorrow in response to the inaction of the district administration regarding the assault of a doctor at Pakur Sadar Hospital.
Details of the incident
JHSA Secretary Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh said that the doctor was brutally assaulted by the family members of a patient on October 7. Despite the incident occurring 72 hours ago, no arrests have been made.
He expressed concern about the lack of action from the district administration, stating, “Despite giving a memorandum, the district administration has not taken action, which has created resentment and fear among medicos. So, the JHSA and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have decided to call a strike from October 11. All government and private doctors will boycott health services in the district from tomorrow.”
Dr. Singh confirmed that emergency services will be exempted from the boycott.
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Background of the case
This decision follows the tragic death of a critical cancer patient at the Pakur Sadar Hospital. The family members of the deceased blamed the doctor for her death and subsequently assaulted him.
The patient, suffering from advanced-stage breast cancer, was admitted to Pakur Sadar Hospital around 11 AM on October 7 due to breathing difficulties. Despite being provided life support, she passed away at 3 PM. Following her death, agitated family members and their supporters held the doctor responsible and severely beat him, leading to the filing of an FIR against the medical professional.
Second assault incident in Santhal Pargana within a month
This incident marks the second assault against doctors in the Santhal Pargana Division within a month.
Previously, the Sahibganj district administration filed an FIR against a doctor and suspended the salary payments of the civil surgeon following the death of a Paharia girl at the Sadar Hospital on September 9.
In that case, doctors initiated an OPD boycott from September 16. However, Health Minister Banna Gupta intervened, resulting in the withdrawal of actions taken by the district administration.
