Junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) have returned to work after calling off their strike on Thursday afternoon. The decision came after the hospital administration provided written assurances addressing their security concerns, which were triggered by an alleged incident of abuse against a female junior resident doctor.
Agreement Reached After Day-Long Disruption
The Junior Doctors' Association (JDA) withdrew their protest following a meeting with the administration. PMCH Principal Dr. Kaushal Kishore confirmed that the hospital responded with three immediate solutions to the doctors' grievances. These included the formation of a dedicated security committee, enhanced security with police protection around the emergency department, and a directive for police to investigate the matter without delay.
Dr. Kishore emphasized that the strike did not severely disrupt patient care, as senior residents and interns continued to work throughout the period. The protest was prompted by an event on Wednesday where a junior female doctor was reportedly abused and threatened by the family of a deceased patient. The patient, a 70-year-old with a history of hypertension, had been admitted in critical condition and later died.
Key Security Measures Implemented
A central part of the resolution is the creation of an eight-member security committee. This body will be led by the Head of the Gynaecology Department, Dr. Geeta Sinha. The committee will include six heads of departments present in the emergency area, along with two representatives from the JDA.
"The committee's purpose is to point out and report lapses in security within PMCH," stated Dr. Kishore. He added that the committee is expected to submit its report within a week, enabling the administration and hospital superintendent to address any gaps promptly.
In a significant move to bolster safety, the Bihar government has deployed round-the-clock police forces in front of the emergency department. The principal specified that this deployment consists of five police guards and one officer in charge during each shift.
Doctors' Association Cautiously Optimistic
Dr. Satyam Kumar, president of the PMCH JDA, stated that the association decided to end the strike immediately in the interest of patient care, considering the administration's constructive response and written guarantees. "The administration is committed to ensuring a safe working environment, with strict action against any kind of violence," he said.
However, Dr. Kumar issued a warning, indicating that the JDA would closely monitor the implementation of the promised measures. "Any deviation or delay will lead to reconsideration of future actions," he added. The incident on Wednesday was reportedly the third such clash within a span of three days, which necessitated a strong collective response from the junior doctors.
An FIR regarding the abuse incident has been filed at the Pirbahore police station, marking a formal step in addressing the grievances of the medical staff.
