Ukhrul doctors intensify stir
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, February 28 2023:
Health services continued to be crippled in Ukhrul district with emergency services on standstill as doctors in the district intensified their agitation.
Reportedly, the doctors have stopped attending to patients as well as admitting new ones, leaving the people requiring medical assistance in distress.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on the other hand, stated on the floor of House today that the OPD services of district hospitals and health centres have resumed.
The Chief Minister drew the attention of the House by stating that OPD services at Churachandpur, Noney, Imphal East, Imphal West and other districts have been resumed from today onwards.
|
Speaking to media persons, the protesting doctors conveyed that they took the extreme step to show their resentment against the 'indifferent attitude' of the State Government towards the health workers.
They also said that they endorse the demands raised by All Manipur Health Services Doctors' Association (AMHSDA) and will continue to close all emergency health services indefinitely until their demands are entertained.
The demands of AMHSDA are time-bound promotion, extension of the superannuation age of doctors to 65 years, non-prac- tising allowances as per the 7th Central Pay Commission and major amendments to the 'outdated' Medical Health Services Rules 1982 .
Ukhrul district hospital located at Hungpung wore deserted looks due to closure of OPD, casualty and other emergency health services.
The doctors went on to claim that the State Government hasn't invited them for negotiations to sort out the difference.
The Chief Minister's announcement to engage doctors on a daily wage basis is condemnable, they said.
According to them, the doctors' demands have been reduced from eight to four to show their willingness to serve the public, "but the Government intimidated them instead" .
All health related services including the National Health Mission programme will be suspended with immediate effect, stated the doctors.
Meanwhile, a sick person coming from a distant village spoke about his health problem and the urgent medical assistance he needed.
He said that Ukhrul district hospital has been closed since February 14, and is waiting for the services to resume.
Following the reports of shutting down the district hospital, the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul Krishna Kumar, SDO Maibam Suranjoy, Addl Superintendent of Police Samir rushed to the spot and interacted with the agitating doctors.
Although the Ukhrul police opened the district hospital, the doctors remained insistent on their demands and didn't attend duties.