Resolve AMHSDA issue: ATSUM to Government
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, February 22 2023:
Taking serious note of the grievances of patients owing to the indefinite strike launched by All Manipur Health Services Doctors' Association (AMHSDA), All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has urged the state government to sort out the problems with the association and bring the strike to an end at the earliest before it affects public healthcare services severely.
The students' body stated that as a result of the ongoing indefinite strike enforced by AMHSDA, poor patients, who are in need of hospitalisation but could not afford private hospital fees, are bearing the brunt of the standoff between the government and the doctors.
It also stated that the prolonged strike by the doctors will prove disastrous to the public and as such the issue needs to be settled at the earliest.
ATSUM stated that it has been learned that the indefinite strike was called by the association as a final course of action as the government failed to consider the demands of the doctors despite repeated appeals and assurances made for discussing the issues in the cabinet meetings.
The demands of the doctors include time-bound promotion, enhancement of superannuation age to 65 years, creation of several posts of directors, NPA as per 7th Pay Commission, implementation of proposed MHS Rules 2020 among others.
Recalling the statement of the health minister, who reportedly, on record, stated that the demands are legitimate and need to be addressed, ATSUM wondered as to why the government is sitting on the demands of the doctors for so long if the charter of demands is considered legitimate.
Urging the government to resolve the issue at the earliest, ATSUM stated that the government has to come up with a reason able explanation and sort out its problems With the association and bring this strike to an end.