12-hour protest impacts OPDs in four major medical colleges
Key Points:
• Dawn-to-dusk fast by junior doctors affects OPD services in Jharkhand
• Protest in solidarity with Kolkata doctors on hunger strike
• Emergency services exempted from the agitation
RANCHI – A 12-hour fast by junior doctors has significantly disrupted outpatient services at four major medical colleges across Jharkhand, highlighting growing concerns in the medical community.
The dawn-to-dusk fast, observed from 6 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, severely impacted medical services.
Outpatient departments (OPDs) at four major medical colleges in Jharkhand were affected.
Dr. Raghvendra Kumar, IMA Junior Doctors Network state secretary, reported widespread disruption.
The protest paralyzed OPD services at RIMS Ranchi, MGMMCH Jamshedpur, SNMMCH Dhanbad, and MMCH Palamu.
Notably, this action was part of a nationwide call by the Indian Medical Association.
The fast aimed to support junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata.
Meanwhile, emergency services were exempted from the agitation.
At RIMS Ranchi, the protest saw strong participation from junior doctors and senior residents.
However, MGMMCH Jamshedpur faced complete OPD closure despite intervention attempts.
Interestingly, SNMMCH Dhanbad doctors organized a parallel OPD for poor patients while fasting.
The protest at MMCH Palamu led to a complete paralysis of OPD services.
Furthermore, even smaller institutions like Phulo Jhano Medical College Hospital Dumka participated.
On the other hand, the agitation at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital Hazaribagh was ineffective.
Dr. Kumar declared the protest "highly successful" in showing solidarity with Kolkata counterparts.
A healthcare expert commented, "This protest highlights the urgent need to address doctors’ concerns."
Moreover, the Federation of All India Medical Association has backed this nationwide protest.
The strike stems from anger over inaction in a Kolkata junior doctor’s murder case.
In conclusion, this protest underscores growing unrest among junior doctors across India.
