Jharkhand News: JDN threatens strike over attack on SBMCH lady doctor

SUBHASH MISHRA

Dhanbad, June 7: The Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN), Jharkhand chapter, has warned of a potential strike across all six medical colleges in the state if any punitive action is taken against Dr. Akanksha Singh, a postgraduate bond doctor at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital (SBMCH), Hazaribag.

JDN Chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar and Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar emphasized that Dr. Akanksha is not guilty of medical negligence. They further stated that if disciplinary measures are imposed under political pressure, senior resident doctors across the state’s medical colleges would strongly protest and refuse to remain silent.

Strong Support from Medical Associations

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand chapter, represented by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, along with the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) Secretary Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, have expressed full support for JDN’s stand in defending Dr. Akanksha.

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Dr. Raghvendra Kumar also mentioned that although a political leader accused of attacking Dr. Akanksha’s residence has been arrested, JDN demands stricter actions to ensure the safety of medical professionals.

Incident Details: Attack After Patient Referral

The incident occurred late on Thursday night when a political party leader and his supporters attacked Dr. Akanksha’s room at SBMCH. The attack was reportedly triggered after she referred a critically ill female patient to RIMS Ranchi due to her deteriorating condition.

The patient, a delivery case, had dangerously low haemoglobin levels and was at high risk of uterine rupture due to a previous cesarean section. Dr. Akanksha advised the attendants to transfer her to RIMS Ranchi for specialized care.

Instead, the patient’s family admitted her to a private hospital. Upset by the referral, the political leader came to the hospital at night, repeatedly knocked on Dr. Akanksha’s door, made a video claiming she refused to open it, and then physically attacked her room.

Dr. Akanksha, who was deployed at SBMCH just last month and resides in hospital quarters, is currently under pressure after the attack.

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Hospital Superintendent’s Adverse Report Sparks Concern

Sources reveal that the SBMCH superintendent, under pressure from local political representatives, issued an adverse report against Dr. Akanksha alleging she was absent from duty.

Dr. Raghvendra Kumar criticized the hospital management, stating, “Jharkhand hospitals are not following Supreme Court directives issued after the RG Kar Medical College Hospital incident in Kolkata regarding the safety of lady doctors. If Dr. Akanksha is harassed due to political influence, JDN, representing senior residents, will be compelled to escalate the agitation.”