SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 13: A delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Junior Doctors Network (JDN) met with Principal Secretary for Health, Ajay Kumar Singh, today to discuss the long-pending demands of medical professionals in the state. The delegation focused on key issues, including the increase in stipends for senior and junior residents in medical colleges.
Key demands raised
During the meeting, the delegation reiterated their demands for:
- An increase in the stipends of senior and junior residents.
- Relaxation in the Rs 30 lakh penalty for breaking the bond agreement.
- Reduction of the bond period.
- Posting of departmental toppers at prestigious institutions like the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi or AIIMS Deoghar.
Dr. Raghvendra, IMA JDN State Secretary, informed that the principal secretary assured the delegation that the matter would be reviewed, and necessary actions would be taken.
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Bond period and penalty concerns
Currently, postgraduate doctors in Jharkhand are required to serve for three years under a bond agreement with the state, which imposes a penalty of Rs 30 lakh if the bond is broken. The JDN is demanding a reduction in both the bond period and the penalty.
The delegation expressed their urgency, hoping the demands would be addressed before the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming elections is implemented.
The delegation had previously met Health Minister Banna Gupta last month in Jamshedpur, where he promised to discuss these matters.
Dr Ganesh, Dr Sneha, Dr Manish, Dr Ragini, Dr Bikash, Dr Vikash, Dr Neetu, Dr Medhavita (all from MGMMCH Jamshedpur) and Dr Neetu from SBMCH Hazaribagh were the members of the delegation.
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Stipend Proposals for Junior and Senior Residents
At the meeting, the Principal Secretary assured to enhance the stipend of senior resident and junior resident doctors at par with their counterparts of Bihar.
In the meeting, the JDN proposed the following stipend structure:
Senior Residents
– Rs 85,000 for the first year
– Rs 95,000 for the second year
– Rs 1,05,000 for the third year
Junior Residents
– Rs 82,000 for the first year
– Rs 95,000 for the second year
– Rs 99,200 for the third year
– Rs 82,000 for junior residents in non-academic roles
Additionally, JDN requested Rs 30,000 as a stipend for interns and externs, noting that externs currently receive no stipend.
Dr. Raghvendra, JDN State Secretary, expressed optimism, stating that the principal secretary responded positively to each demand. The JDN delegation included doctors from medical institutions, including MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, and SBMCH, Hazaribagh. They are hopeful the state government will implement the proposed changes in the near future.
