Bhopal, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated an investigation following reports of police action against intern doctors protesting for stipend increases in Bhopal. The incident, which occurred on September 8, involved the use of batons and water cannons as doctors marched towards Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence.
The protests have escalated across the state, resulting in the suspension of regular outpatient services at government hospitals, although emergency services remain operational. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that the doctors demanded a fair inquiry into the police’s actions from the previous day.
Shukla stated that he had spoken with Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar about the need for an impartial investigation. He assured that the Deputy Commissioner of Police would conduct the inquiry, with a report expected before the Chief Minister’s return. He emphasized that those responsible for mistreating the doctors would face consequences.
In the meantime, discussions are ongoing between representatives of the intern doctors and the administration to resolve the stipend issue. The police intervention occurred as the protesting doctors sought to present their demands directly to the Chief Minister.
Interns allege that the police response included baton charges and the deployment of water cannons to disperse them. Following the incident, tensions have risen between the protesting doctors and the state government, despite ongoing efforts to reach a resolution.
In Bhopal, interns maintained a sit-in at Kamala Park overnight. Security measures around the Chief Minister’s residence have been heightened, with barricades erected on access roads.
The protests have also impacted services at Hamidia Hospital, where routine outpatient services were suspended on Tuesday. Patients and their families were seen waiting, facing difficulties in consulting doctors and undergoing tests.
The Junior Doctors Association has voiced support for the interns in light of the alleged police actions. They are calling for an immediate increase in stipends and accountability for those responsible for the use of force.
Kavita Singh, Dean of Gandhi Medical College, also criticized the use of water cannons, stating it was inappropriate and unwarranted.
Tensions continue as the situation develops, with both sides seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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