Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) have suspended outpatient department (OPD) services from Saturday, September 26, demanding stronger security measures and action over recent incidents of violence against doctors at PMCH and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).
The Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA), PMCH, said OPD services would remain suspended from September 26 until further orders. However, emergency services, intensive care units (ICUs) and other essential life-saving services will continue to operate, the association said.
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DOCTORS DEMAND ACTION OVER RECENT ATTACKS
The first major demand raised by the junior doctors concerns security and violence against medical professionals.
The association has sought immediate action over recent incidents involving attacks on doctors at PMCH and DMCH. It has demanded institutional filing of FIRs in such cases and effective security arrangements across medical facilities.
The doctors have called for measures to ensure the safety of medical staff while they perform their duties. The association has also urged the health department to engage with doctors and address their concerns within a fixed timeline.
Dr Satyam Kumar, president of the PMCH JDA, is expected to elaborate on the association’s demands.
REVIEW OF ACTION AGAINST SAHARSA DOCTORS
The second issue raised by the junior doctors concerns doctors in Saharsa.
The JDA has sought a fair review of action taken against Dr Sushil Kumar Azad and Dr Roshan Lal. The association has called for the circumstances surrounding the action against the two doctors to be examined.
The demand forms part of the broader set of issues that the junior doctors want the state health authorities to address.
DEMANDS OVER BOND-POSTED DOCTORS
The JDA has also raised concerns regarding doctors posted under bond arrangements.
The association has demanded changes in the salary structure, appropriate designations and revisions in remuneration for bond-posted doctors. It has sought a review of the existing arrangements governing their service conditions.
According to the association, these issues need to be addressed by the health department along with the security concerns raised by doctors.
JUNIOR DOCTORS SEEK CHANGES IN NOC POLICY
The fourth demand concerns the state’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy.
The junior doctors have sought changes to the existing policy and urged the health department to consider their concerns as part of the ongoing discussions on doctors’ service conditions.
The JDA has appealed to the health department to initiate immediate talks with representatives of junior doctors and take time-bound action on the issues raised.
While OPD services have been suspended, the association has made it clear that emergency departments, ICUs and other essential life-saving services will continue to function.
The suspension of OPD services is expected to affect routine consultations and non-emergency treatment at PMCH until the association decides to withdraw the action or reaches an understanding with the health department.
The doctors have said their demands centre on workplace security, service conditions and action on recent incidents involving medical professionals.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
