Jharkhand Doctors Protest for Safety and Service Conditions
Doctors in Jharkhand protest for improved safety and service conditions, demanding key reforms and the implementation of protective laws.
Ranchi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Hundreds of doctors across Jharkhand have taken to the streets to demand better safety and service conditions. Under the banner of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), healthcare professionals demonstrated on Wednesday by wearing black badges during their duties. In Ranchi, at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Sadar Hospital, both government and private doctors, including junior and senior staff, participated in the protest. A delegation later submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to the director’s office.
According to the IMA’s Jharkhand unit, the primary goal of the protest is to ensure the safety of medical professionals and strengthen the healthcare system in the state. Key demands include the strict implementation of the Jharkhand Medical Protection Act, practical amendments to the Clinical Establishment Act, and the introduction of a Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) for medical, dental, and specialist doctors, similar to provisions in Bihar and at the central level.
Additionally, the doctors are calling for the resolution of outstanding payments under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, simplification of the licensing and registration process through a single-window system, improvements in the appointment and service conditions for junior doctors, and the establishment of safe workplaces for female doctors. The medical associations have emphasized that this movement is not against patients or healthcare services but aims to enhance doctors’ safety and provide better treatment for patients.
Emergency and life-saving medical services remained fully operational during the protest. The IMA has stated that if the state government does not respond positively to their demands, a statewide protest will be held on October 21. Should no substantial action be taken, doctors across Jharkhand may resort to a complete work boycott starting October 22, 2026.
The protest in Ranchi saw notable participation from IMA Jharkhand Secretary Dr. Pradeep Singh, IMA HBI State Coordinator Dr. Abhishek Ramadhin, Dr. Shambhu Singh, representatives from the Jharkhand Medical Service Association, Junior Doctors Association President Dr. Vikas, Dr. Jaydeep, and other health workers, including Jharkhand Health Employees Federation President Mo. Adil.
