Jharkhand doctors announce three-day strike

Ranchi, Sep 22: Jharkhand doctors will go on a three-day strike from September 28 to press for various demands, including implementation of the Medical Protection Act.

The Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHASA) announced on Thursday that the strike call is supported by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and its Jharkhand chapter will observe strike on September 30.

"We have submitted a memorandum to the state Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and other officials demanding implementation of the Medial Protection Act and other demands. If our demands are not fulfilled, then we will move on a three-day strike," JHASA Secretary Vimlesh Kumar told IANS.

Besides implementation of the Medical Protection Act, the doctors have opposed a move by the state government to ban private practice without giving non-practising allowances. They have demanded that working hours be fixed and also opposed the biometric attendance system.

"If our demands are not taken note of, we will opt for mass resignation. All the doctors will submit resignations by October 2 which will be handed over to the Chief Minister on October 15," Kumar said.

The state IMA has supported the demands of the government doctors.

"Doctors dedicate their lives to treatment of the people and we only want respect. There are several examples of nursing homes and doctor clinics being vandalised by the patients' relatives. The Medical Protection Act will instil a sense of protection among the doctors," Bharti Kashyap, IMA member, told IANS.

IANS