Jharkhand is witnessing anger among doctors across the state. They have planned to launch a statewide agitation over pending service benefits, proposed amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act, and the demand for a Medical Protection Act. 

The doctors have also warned of an indefinite strike from October 22 if the state government fails to address their demands.

The protest began on Monday, with doctors from government hospitals, medical colleges and private healthcare facilities wearing black badges while continuing patient care until October 20. 

A symbolic strike is scheduled for October 21. The doctors have warned that the agitation will escalate into an indefinite strike if the state government fails to take concrete action.

One of the key demands is the introduction of time-bound Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP). The doctors’ association has argued that Jharkhand’s service benefits lag behind those in Bihar.

Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) secretary Dr Mrityunjay Singh said, ''Government doctors in Jharkhand lag five years behind their Bihar counterparts in terms of financial upgradation”.

The association pointed out that doctors in Bihar receive four financial upgradations over 20 years, whereas doctors in Jharkhand receive the same number over 25 years. It also highlighted the absence of DACP rules for specialist doctors, despite the state framing their recruitment rules in 2015.

“The state framed recruitment rules for specialist doctors in 2015, but no DACP rules have been made for them in the past 11 years,” the representative said, calling for Jharkhand to align its service rules with those followed in Bihar, ET Healthworld reports.

Doctors are also seeking amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act. The Jharkhand chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded that hospitals with up to 50 beds, nursing homes and clinics be exempted from the Act, arguing that smaller facilities are important for extending healthcare to remote areas. It has also called for a clear regulatory framework for establishments with more than 50 beds.

The demand for a Medical Protection Act has gained urgency amid reported incidents of violence against healthcare professionals. “The doctors need a Medical Protection Act in Jharkhand to ensure the safety and security of medical professionals,” the association representative said.

In September, the national president of the Indian Medical Association wrote to the Jharkhand chief minister, urging the government to address concerns raised by medical associations. The doctors have cited states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which have amended the Clinical Establishments Act to meet their respective requirements.

The proposed strike could affect healthcare services across Jharkhand if the dispute remains unresolved.