Agitating doctors threaten OPD shutdown from Nov 19
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 17 2022: Of the eight demands made by All Manipur Health Services Doctors' Association (AMHSDA), four were taken up for discussion during a preliminary negotiation held at the office chamber of Health and Additional Chief Secretary (Family Welfare Services) in the presence of Health Services director, AMHSDA president, general Secretary and Working Committee members on November 14, wherein various resolutions were adopted.

According to a statement released by AMHSDA general secretary Dr Loli P Mao, the Association will be intensifying its ongoing protest by closing down OPDs under Manipur Health and Family Welfare Services from November 19 onwards.

The same has been intimated to the authority concerned in writing on November 15 .

The first demand of AMHSDA, which is largest organised body in the state, for time bound promotion is not related to vacancy.

The time bound promotion of Manipur Civil Services and Manipur Police Services is 4 years but doctors do not get their first promotion even after 15 years, thus many get retired without ever getting promoted.

The second demand related to superannuation is in conjunction with PM Narendra Modi's announcement for extending the retirement age of doctors up to 65 years.

The hill districts of the state lack medical officers.

Opening of new medical colleges and upgrade of health centres, which are underway, will require large number of doctors.

The service superannuation age of doctors in Bihar has been extended up to 68 years, while in Uttar Pradesh up to 70 years and in Assam up to 65 years.

In Manipur's context, the superannuation age of doctors (administrative) in JNIMS has been extended up to 65 years and for non-administrative up to 70 years.

The BJP government first extended the superannuation age of doctors up to 65 years on August 30, 2017, and later lowered the same to 62 years on January 17, 2020.Regarding its third demand for fixation of NPA with retrospective effect from January 1, 2016 as per 7th CPC, AMHSDA said it is not seeking special provision but the benefits are related to vacation, no night duty and calls during odd-hours.

Even the veterinary doctors are covered under NPA, and doctors of JNIMS under 7th CPC as well.

Medical health doctors have been demanding for the same since January 1, 2016.College teachers do not have any night duty but are given summer and winter vacation and they are paid way more than the doctors who are working extra hours.

Meanwhile, the fourth demand seeks the revision and amendment of the outdated MHS Rules, 1982.This will help resolve some of the inconveniences and issues faced by the doctors, the release conveyed.

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