Bhopal, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Intern doctors at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal have declared a complete shutdown of the Outpatient Department (OPD) on September 9, 2026. Their demands include an increase in their stipend to ₹30,000 and compensation for injured protesters.
Dr. Rakesh Malviya, President of the Medical Teacher Association, stated that all doctors and interns have been on strike for two days. He emphasized that interns are not merely students but doctors in their own right. In solidarity, junior doctors have also ceased work. They are calling for the government to engage in meaningful discussions.
Malviya noted that negotiations with the government have not progressed adequately. The interns’ two primary demands are a stipend increase and action on previous discussions. All doctors are united in this cause, with senior doctors also lending their support.
He expressed concern that there has been no clear communication from the administration. Until meaningful dialogue occurs, the doctors will continue their protests. “We are striving for a swift resolution, as this unrest is not beneficial,” he added.
Today, junior doctors closed the OPD, which senior doctors managed temporarily. Tomorrow, apart from emergency services, senior doctors will also suspend all other services. Doctors have been coming in throughout the day to show their support.
Intern Dr. Naveen Biroulia shared that no assurances have been made by the administration. He reiterated the demand for a stipend increase from ₹14,336 to ₹30,000, stating that mere promises will not suffice. He urged the Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister to address the situation directly, emphasizing that previous assurances did not lead to any real change.
Biroulia recounted an incident during a peaceful protest yesterday when police used water cannons, resulting in injuries among some interns. He called for immediate suspension of the officers responsible for the excessive force.
Dr. Tanya Jain highlighted that their demand for a stipend increase is reasonable, noting that students have not asked for anything extravagant. She pointed out that other states have already raised their stipends.
Additionally, Jain condemned the police’s use of force against peaceful protesters, asserting that such treatment is unacceptable. She called for accountability against those who issued the orders for the crackdown.
Tensions continue to rise as the interns and their supporters await a response from the administration regarding their demands.
Leave a Comment