Around 20,000 doctors across Jharkhand began a statewide protest on October 13 by wearing black badges while on duty, warning that healthcare services could be completely withdrawn from October 22 if the state government does not resolve their demands on career progression, legal protections and administrative reforms.
The agitation is being held from October 13 to 20 under the banner of a joint conglomeration of 10 organisations representing government and private doctors, junior doctors, dental professionals and other medical personnel. Doctors are seeking time-bound implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act and effective implementation of the Medical Protection Act.
Jharkhand State Health Services Association secretary Dr Mrityunjay Singh said the health department had agreed to the doctors’ demands, but implementation would require approval from the finance department. He said the protest was intended to seek a safer working environment and improve healthcare services, rather than target patients.
According to Singh, government doctors in Jharkhand receive four financial upgradations over 25 years, while their counterparts in Bihar receive the benefits over 20 years. The doctors’ organisations have asked the state to align its rules with those followed in Bihar. Although Jharkhand framed recruitment rules for specialist doctors in 2015, DACP rules have not been designed in the 11 years since then, the report said.
The demands also include regular recruitment, resolution of issues affecting junior doctors and medical students, DACP for dental surgeons, and action on concerns linked to Ayushman Bharat. The organisations are seeking a single-window licensing system for healthcare institutions and stronger protection for doctors, including women doctors.
The doctors have proposed a joint monitoring mechanism involving the government and medical organisations. On October 14, they are scheduled to submit memorandums to deputy commissioners in districts across the state. A statewide protest has been planned for October 21, followed by the proposed complete withdrawal of services from October 22 if the demands remain unresolved.
Representatives of the doctors’ organisations met health department Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh on October 12. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday. A statement issued by the health department said the government was hopeful that the meeting would produce a positive result.
