SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 7: The IMA Junior Doctors Network (JDN), representing senior residents across all seven medical colleges in Jharkhand, has issued an ultimatum to the state health department.
JDN has demanded the immediate release of three months’ pending salaries for senior residents at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad. Failure to address the issue will result in protests, the organization warned.
Dr. Sushil Kumar, JDN State Chairman, criticized the state government for leaving doctors unpaid for such an extended period.
“The government binds doctors to service obligations but neglects their basic sustenance. It’s impossible to continue working without salaries,” he said, adding that the situation has forced JDN to consider agitation as the only option.
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Disparity in Payments Across Colleges
More than 60 senior residents at SNMMCH have not received their honorarium for three months, creating a financial crisis.
Meanwhile, senior residents at other medical colleges, including MGMMCH Jamshedpur, PJMCH Dumka, SBMCH Hazaribagh, and MMCH Palamu, have been paid regularly. Even tutors at SNMMCH, who fall under the principal’s jurisdiction, are receiving timely payments.
SNMMCH Superintendent Prof. (Dr.) SK Chourasia acknowledged the issue and stated on Tuesday that he has contacted the health department, requesting the immediate release of funds to address the pending payments.
JDN Plans Strategy, Seeks National Support if Needed
JDN State President Dr. Vikash Kumar and General Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar have been actively coordinating with affected senior residents and health department officials to resolve the matter.
State JDN Chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar stated that repeated memoranda and request letters for clearing the pending honorarium have yielded no results, leaving agitation as the only remaining option. Before taking any drastic measures, JDN plans to convene a meeting with office bearers from all medical colleges to finalize the course of action.
“If necessary, we will involve the JDN national body to address the crisis faced by SNMMCH senior residents,” he stated.
