Raipur: The Junior Doctors Association (JDA) of Chhattisgarh has announced the next phase of its agitation regarding long-pending demands concerning the state’s government medical colleges and affiliated hospitals. According to the association, a boycott of OPD services will begin across the state tomorrow. However, to minimize inconvenience to patients, arrangements will be made to operate parallel OPDs outside the hospitals to provide medical consultations to those in need.
According to the JDA, the association had presented its key demands during a meeting with Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal on September 18. During the discussion, the Health Minister had sought seven days to resolve the issues. Consequently, the JDA had deferred its proposed agitation and continued providing regular medical services during that period.
No Concrete Decision Even After Seven Days
The JDA states that despite the completion of the stipulated seven-day period, no concrete decision or official order regarding the association’s three main demands has been issued so far. As a result, the association has decided to boycott OPD services across the state.
The JDA has clarified that parallel OPDs will be operated outside hospitals to ensure patients continue to receive medical advice during the agitation.
Plans to Affect Emergency Services from September 28
According to the association, if concrete action towards resolving the demands is not taken within the specified timeframe, the next phase of the agitation could commence on September 28. This phase proposes the withdrawal of PG residents, MBBS interns, bonded medical officers, and senior residents from emergency services across the state.
JDA Chhattisgarh stated that the association’s objective is not to cause distress to patients. The association is seeking a time-bound and policy-based resolution to the long-pending demands of doctors and medical students.
According to the JDA, priority has so far been given to dialogue and peaceful, democratic means. The association has appealed to the government to take a concrete decision soon, keeping in mind the interests of both patients and doctors.
