SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 3: With efforts to achieve a unanimous selection of the state convener and Kolhan Division vice-president failing, the upcoming Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) elections for the 2024–26 term will now rely on ballots to determine the outcome of these key positions.
State Convener Race
Three candidates are contesting for the position of state convener:
- Dr. Sharad Kumar (Sadar Hospital, Deoghar)
- Dr. Sidheshwar Baskey (Ranchi Sadar Hospital)
- Dr. Santosh Kumar (CHC Silli, Ranchi)
The current state convener for the 2022–24 term, Dr. Md Shamim Akhtar, has filed his nomination for the position of state headquarters vice president. He is expected to win unopposed, as no other candidate has filed nominations against him.
Kolhan Division Vice-President Election
For the Kolhan Division vice-president post, two candidates are in the fray:
- Dr. Shahid Anwar (Jamshedpur Civil Surgeon’s Office)
- Dr. Jagarnath Hembrom (Saraikela Kharsawan)
The outgoing vice-president of Kolhan Division, Dr. Alok Ranjan, is not contesting this time due to personal reasons.
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Despite attempts by the local JSHSA committee to achieve a unanimous selection for the vice-president post, both candidates have decided to proceed with the election.
“Now, ballots will decide the fate of the candidates, and the Ranchi group will play a key role in the outcome,” said a former JSHSA office-bearer.
Efforts for Unanimous Selection
Dr. Shahir Pal, Jamshedpur Civil Surgeon and the senior-most medical officer in Kolhan, highlighted the democratic nature of the election process.
“In a democratic system, everyone has the right to contest, and no one can prevent interested candidates from participating. However, the last date for withdrawing nominations is January 4, and we will continue efforts to select a unanimous vice-president to ensure the formation of a strong JSHSA body,” he said.
Convener Post and Election Dynamics
Senior JSHSA members are still attempting to avoid an election for the state convener post—however, all three candidates—Dr. Sharad Kumar, Dr. Sidheshwar Baskey, and Dr. Santosh Kumar—remain unwilling to reach a consensus.
An outgoing JSHSA office-bearer pointed out that Dr. Sharad Kumar may face challenges, as he is from Deoghar, while the convener is typically based in the state capital. Meanwhile, the outcome for Dr. Sidheshwar Baskey and Dr. Santosh Kumar is expected to depend on the support of the ruling group.
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Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh, who has already been elected unopposed along with his group for other posts, stated that he would make further efforts to avoid elections for the convener position and work toward a unanimous selection.
The JSHSA elections will now focus on securing democratic yet effective leadership for the upcoming term, with ballots playing a decisive role in shaping the association’s future.
