Jharkhand News: Patients suffer as doctors’ OPD boycott continues in Deoghar

SUBHASH MISHRA

Deoghar, April 24: The ongoing OPD boycott in Deoghar district, which began on Wednesday, has intensified the problems for patients, as government and private doctors continue their strike for the second consecutive day.

Indefinite Strike Over Assault on Dr. Kundan Kumar

The indefinite strike was called by the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in protest against the district administration’s failure to arrest the assaulters of Dr. Kundan Kumar.

Since Wednesday morning, all outpatient departments (OPDs) in both government and private hospitals have remained shut, with only emergency services operational.

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Dr. Prabhat Ranjan, Secretary of JSHSA Deoghar, mentioned that the police informed him about the arrest of two suspects via phone. However, the striking doctors have stated they will only call off the strike after confirming the identities of the arrested individuals. The situation remains tense as the doctors continue to demand justice.

Dr. Kundan Kumar, a doctor at the Sadar Hospital, was assaulted in his own home on April 20. The assailants attacked him with an iron rod, causing severe head injuries and a broken arm. Despite the 48-hour deadline given by JSHSA and IMA to the district administration for the arrest of the suspects, the police’s failure to act led to the doctors’ decision to go on indefinite strike.

Deoghar IMA and Medical Fraternity’s Outrage

The IMA Deoghar chapter is deeply aggrieved over the incident. Dr. Gauri Shankar, IMA Secretary, voiced the frustration of the medical fraternity, criticizing the police’s inaction in arresting the identified suspects.

Dr. Shankar, who had voluntarily assisted in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed concern over the safety of doctors in Deoghar. “We want to provide the best care, but in this situation, we are forced to reconsider taking critical cases,” he said.

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Support from JSHSA Santhal Division

Dr. Mohan Paswan, Vice-President of JSHSA Santhal Division, expressed solidarity with the Deoghar doctors. He emphasized that the state body is closely monitoring the situation, and any decisions will be made based on directives from the state leadership. The strike continues as doctors await further developments.