- JHASA to launch phased agitation against state government.
- Indefinite work boycott by 1,200 doctors from October 22.
- Key demands include DACP, regular appointments, retirement age.
Jagran Correspondent, Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JHASA) on Sunday decided to launch a movement against the state government following its general body meeting at the IMA building, attended by over 120 doctors from across the state.
The meeting discussed several issues, including Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), regular appointments, contract appointment rules, and retirement age regulations, demanding service benefits in line with central government and Bihar standards.
Timeline Of Phased Agitation
JHASA Secretary Dr Mrityunjay Thakur said that before the agitation, the union will submit a formal memorandum outlining its demands to the Additional Chief Secretary to allow the government an opportunity for talks and resolution.
However, if its demands are not met, the union said that the agitation will proceed according to the following schedule:
- October 5: Launch of a phased agitation.
- October 22: Indefinite work boycott by approximately 1,200 government doctors of the state, directly affecting services at Sadar hospitals and rural medical centres.
The union passed a resolution warning of a firm response, including potential disruptions to health services, if any arbitrary transfers or strict actions are taken against union officials without clear grounds. JHASA stated that the health department will be held responsible for any disruptions during the protest period.
Core Demands
DACP Implementation
Dr Ajit Kumar noted that although a specialist physician cadre was created in 2015, a clear DACP system for specialist doctors has not yet been established. JHASA requested DACP for specialists in line with central and Bihar norms, as well as four DACPs over 20 years for MBBS doctors. The union also pointed out that dentists in Jharkhand receive three DACPs, compared to four provided under central and Bihar frameworks.
Regular Appointments And Recruitment Rules
JHASA President Dr Vimlesh Singh called for recruitment to fill 1,422 vacant doctor positions under the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and requested a regular examination calendar.
Regarding contractual hiring, the association objected to existing rules stating that qualified local doctors should receive employment opportunities before hiring doctors from other states on contract.
Retirement Age Reduction
The association raised opposition to reducing the retirement age for government doctors from 67 to 65 years, requesting that representatives of relevant organisations be consulted before making decisions. At the meeting, doctors also called for the timely resolution of issues related to service benefits and promotions.
The meeting was attended by JHASA President Dr Vimlesh Singh, Secretary Dr Mrityunjay Thakur, Convener Dr Sharad Kumar, Dr PP Shah, Dr Stephen Khes, Dr Mohan Paswan, Dr Khalid Ahmed, Dr Chaman Bhardwaj, Dr Sanjay Kujur, Dr Ashutosh Tigga, Dr Balkrishna Mahato, Dr Sabyasachi Mandal, Dr Anupam Kishore, Dr S Baski, Dr Sujit Kashyap, Dr Preetesh, Dr Akhilesh Jha, Dr RK Singh, Dr Ranju, Dr Rashmi Prasad, Dr Ajit Kumar, Dr Vikas, Dr Rohit, Dr Mukesh, Dr Krishna Murari Singh, Dr Rohit Singh, Dr Ravi, and Dr Vivek Vidyarthi, along with doctors from various districts.