SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 28: The upcoming elections for the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA), a body representing state government doctors, promise an intense contest. Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh, former secretary of Ranchi Sadar Hospital, has officially announced his candidacy for the position of president.
As of December 27, 14 candidates have submitted their nominations for various posts within the organisation. The nomination deadline is December 30, and voting is scheduled for January 20, 2025.
Presidential Race and Nominations
Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh, who did not participate in the 2022 elections, is currently the only nominee for the presidential position. Meanwhile, the outgoing president, Dr. P.P. Sah, has yet to file his nomination, despite the process beginning on December 16.
Vice-Presidential and State Convener Nominations
The vice-presidential race has attracted five candidates:
- Dr. Ravi Raj (Ranchi Sadar Hospital, Dental Wing)
- Dr. Niket Choudhary (Bokaro Sadar Hospital)
- Dr. Anupam Kishore (Gumla, South Chotanagpur seat)
- Dr. Sanjay Kumar (Bokaro, North Chotanagpur seat)
- Dr. Mohan Paswan (Godda, Kolhan seat)
Also Read- Jharkhand News: MMCH Daltonganj struggles with acute faculty shortage
For the role of state convener, three candidates have filed their nominations:
- Dr. Sharad Kumar (Deoghar)
- Dr. Sidheshwar Baskey (Ranchi)
- Dr. Santosh Kumar (Ranchi)
Secretary, Treasurer, and Joint Secretary Nominations
For the position of secretary, Dr. Krishna Murari Singh from Ranchi is currently the sole nominee. The outgoing secretary, Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, along with his rival, Dr. Mritunjay Kumar Singh, have yet to submit their nominations.
The present treasurer, Dr. Stephen Xess, has filed for re-election, aiming to secure a second term.
The race for joint secretary includes three candidates:
- Dr. Ajit Kumar (Laparoscopic Surgeon, Ranchi Sadar Hospital), who is a former president of the Junior Doctors Association at RIMS
- Dr. Bal Krishna Mahto (Gumla)
- Dr. Rahul Kumar (Hazaribagh)
Also Read- Jharkhand News: Young doctors from MGMMCH, RIMS receive IMA National Award
Election Oversight Committee
To ensure fair and smooth elections for JHSA 2024, a four-member election oversight committee has been formed.
The committee is chaired by Deputy Director Dr. Lal Majhi, who will serve as Chief Election Commissioner. Other members include:
- Dr. Pankaj Kumar
- Dr. R.K. Singh
- Dr. Vikash Kumar Gupta (both from Ranchi Sadar Hospital)
The stage is now set for a keenly contested election as candidates prepare to vie for key leadership positions within the JHSA.
