OPD services remained paralyzed at the Anugrah Narain Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH) in Gaya for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, as striking junior doctors remained adamant and refused to accept promises made by officials.
Medicos Demand Action, Not Promises
A 2024-batch student expressed frustration, stating, "For several years we have lived on promises, and this time we want action, not promises. More than 400 medicos have been deprived of hostel accommodation, and nobody seems to be bothered."
Impact on Patients
According to estimates, an average of 1,500 patients who visit the OPDs each working day were affected due to the strike. OPD services are provided in several departments, including surgery, medicine, gynaecology, eye, ENT, and paediatrics. Special OPD services for dog bite victims, handled by the preventive and social medicine department, were also disrupted.
Emergency Services Exempted
Hospital insiders reported that although emergency services were initially affected on Sunday, the striking junior doctors agreed to exempt emergency services from the agitation after much persuasion. As a result of the strike, patient registration in the emergency ward has also decreased, as patients and attendants, particularly those of serious patients, are seeking alternatives.
Hospital Administration's Efforts
Hospital superintendent Dr. Anand Prakash Anand stated that he, along with principal Dr. Lata Shukla Dwivedi, has held several rounds of talks with the striking medicos, but they remain unrelenting. The superintendent further mentioned that the striking medicos said they would consider deferring the agitation if concrete actions, such as internal road construction and lighting work, begin.
Dr. Anand has apprised health department secretary Kumar Ravi of the situation on the hostel premises. He said the health secretary has promised to expedite hostel construction work. On issues like construction or repair of internal roads, encroachment removal, and eviction of illegal occupants, the health secretary said he would discuss these with the Gaya District Magistrate.
Hostel Accommodation Crisis
Nearly 400 medical students from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 batches live outside the hospital premises because two of the dilapidated hostel buildings have been declared condemned, and one hostel is under illegal occupation by intruders. When asked about the immediate provocation, given that the hostel problem is an old issue, former hospital superintendent Dr. K.K. Sinha said he had no idea, as everything was running smoothly during his tenure. Dr. Sinha retired about a week ago.
