SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 19: A delegation from the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA), the leading organisation representing government doctors, is set to meet Chief Minister Hemant Soren to protest against the alleged harassment of doctors by the Sahibganj district administration and to demand the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
JHSA State Secretary, Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, stated that the Chief Minister will visit Sahibganj on September 25, where the JHSA delegation plans to submit a memorandum regarding the issue.
“Sahibganj’s DC has crossed the line by filing an FIR for culpable homicide against a doctor who was involved in a post-mortem. The JHSA delegation will raise all these concerns before the Chief Minister and demand the transfer of the DC,” Dr Singh said.
Dispute over FIR against doctor
Dr Thakur further emphasised the unusual circumstances surrounding the case, pointing out that the cause of the girl’s death has not been clarified. He noted, “It’s unclear whether the girl died at the hospital or was brought in dead, yet the DC filed an FIR for culpable homicide against the doctor.”
He also warned that if the demands of the doctors in Sahibganj are not met, the ongoing strike in the district could spread across the state.
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OPD boycott enters second day
The boycott of outpatient department (OPD) services by doctors in Sahibganj district’s government hospitals continued for the second consecutive day.
Despite efforts from the district’s Civil Surgeon, who visited Sadar Hospital, Referral Hospital, Divisional Hospital, and several CHCs to restore normalcy, the strike remained in full effect. Health centres across the district appeared deserted due to the protest.
Dr Mohan Paswan, the JHSA representative overseeing the strike, reiterated the resolve of the protesting doctors. “Until all our demands, including the withdrawal of the FIR against the doctor, are met, the agitation will continue,” he stated.
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Impact of the boycott on health services
Doctors have been reporting to their health centres on time but continue to boycott OPD services in protest against what they describe as “torture” by the district administration.
Despite the significant impact on poor patients in the district, no steps have been taken by the district administration in the last 48 hours to address the standoff. The protesting doctors have also reported receiving no communication or offers of negotiation from district officials.
