Jamshedpur, May 16: Health services in government institutions suffered as more than doctors abstained from their duty to protest against attacks and press for implementation of the Medical Protection Act in the state.
Authorities at two of the biggest state health centers, MGM Medical College and Hospital at Sakchi and Sadar Hospital at Khasmahal expressed their helplessness to make alternative arrangement for functioning of the OPDs.
Health services were hit in the district as under the banner of Indian Medical Association and Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JHASA) doctors observed strike for implementation of the Medical Protection Act in the state.
The Act, which aims to protect doctors, nurses and hospitals from violent attacks, was approved in 2013. But it is yet to be implemented owing to public displeasure. The Act mandates three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 for attacking doctors, nurses and medical establishments.
According to information, OPDs at the state-run 18 primary health centres, nine community health centers (CHC), sub-divisional hospital in Ghatshila, Sadar Hospital in Khashmahal and MGM Hospital in the district remained closed since morning.
Only the emergency units were functional at the state-run health institutions, private nursing homes and clinics across district.
Dr Bhartendu Bhusan, deputy superintendent of MGM Medical College and Hospital the rush of patients was at emergency as the OPDs were closed.
IMA city unit president, Dr Umesh Khan said that they were forced to adopt such a stance. “Medical Protection Act is the need of the hour as it is implemented in 18 states of the country.
But in Jharkhand we have only been receiving assurance from the state. This has forced IMA state unit to decide for closing down OPDs as otherwise we are not feeling secure in discharging our duties.
We will chalk out future course of our agitation depending on the government decision,” said Dr Khan who is also vice-president of IMA state chapter.
The IMA delegation also handed over a memorandum addressed to state chief minister Raghubar Das through East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Amitabh Kaushal at the district collectorate demanding for early implementation of the Medical Protection Act.
Senior Congress leader SRA Rizwi Chabban also said that the state government must taken steps to implement the Act.