Plan indefinite strike from April 6; IMA extends support
Jamshedpur: Junior doctors across all five medical college hospitals in Jharkhand, including MGM Medical College Hospital Jamshedpur, staged a protest on Monday by wearing black bands while continuing their duties. This marks the third consecutive Monday of such demonstrations, as their demand for an increase in stipend remains unresolved.
The protest is being carried out under the banner of the IMA–Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA-JDN). The doctors have urged the state government to address their long-pending demands at the earliest. They have also announced that if no satisfactory action is taken, they will begin an indefinite strike from April 6. However, emergency medical services will continue to function during the strike period.
According to representatives, the demand for a stipend hike for interns and senior residents has been pending for a long time. The doctors say the current stipend is inadequate considering their workload and responsibilities.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has extended full support to the agitation. During a recent meeting, the Jharkhand State unit of the IMA decided to back the protest led by the IMA-JDN. The association has also sent a letter to the state Health Minister, urging prompt intervention and resolution of the issue.
In addition, the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) has expressed solidarity with the junior doctors and assured support to the movement. Both organisations have termed the demand for stipend revision as genuine and justified.
Dr. Raghavendra, State Secretary of IMA-JDN, said that despite repeated protests, no concrete steps have been taken by the authorities so far. He reiterated that from April 6, junior doctors across medical college hospitals in the state will go on an indefinite strike, except for those engaged in emergency services.
