Stipend Hike and Better Working Conditions at Core of Protest
Junior resident doctors across Jharkhand have intensified their agitation, demanding a stipend hike, fair salaries, and improved working conditions. On Monday, doctors staged a protest by wearing black bands during duty and warned of a statewide indefinite strike starting April 6 if their demands remain unaddressed.
The protest is being carried out under the banner of the IMA–Junior Doctors’ Network, with participation from five major medical college hospitals, including MGM Medical College Hospital in Jamshedpur.
Third Consecutive Week of Demonstrations
This marks the third consecutive Monday of protests, highlighting growing frustration among the medical fraternity. Doctors have urged the state government to take immediate action, stating that their demands have been pending for a long time despite repeated assurances.
According to representatives, the current stipend is not commensurate with the heavy workload and responsibilities handled by MBBS interns and postgraduate resident doctors.
Key Demands: Salary Revision, Timely Payments, and Workplace Reforms
The protesting doctors have outlined several key demands, including:
- Revision and increase of stipends in line with other states
- Timely disbursement of salaries
- Improvement in working conditions across hospitals
They emphasized that months of inaction have forced them to resort to protests as a last measure.
Indefinite Strike from April 6; Emergency Services to Continue
Announcing an escalation of their agitation, the doctors stated that they will launch an indefinite statewide strike from April 6. However, they assured that emergency medical services will remain operational to avoid critical disruptions in patient care.
FAIMA Extends Support, Slams Government Inaction
The Federation of All India Medical Association has extended strong support to the protesting doctors and criticised the state government for its continued inaction.
In a letter to the Health Minister, FAIMA highlighted that resident doctors are the backbone of the public healthcare system and deserve fair treatment. The association warned that further delays could demoralise healthcare workers and negatively impact patient care across the state.
IMA and JSHSA Back the Agitation
The Indian Medical Association has also thrown its weight behind the protest. The Jharkhand state unit of IMA has formally backed the agitation and urged authorities to resolve the issue promptly.
Additionally, the Jharkhand State Health Services Association expressed solidarity with junior doctors, calling their demands genuine and justified.
Growing Pressure on Government Ahead of April 6 Deadline
Dr. Raghavendra, State Secretary of IMA-JDN, stated that despite repeated protests, no concrete steps have been taken so far. He reiterated that if the government fails to act, junior doctors across medical colleges will proceed with the indefinite strike from April 6, except those handling emergency services.
The situation puts increasing pressure on the Jharkhand government to act swiftly and prevent a potential disruption in healthcare services statewide.
