Nearly 1,200 postgraduate doctors from Ahmedabad’s BJ Medical College went on strike on Monday, demanding a 40% raise in their stipends instead of the 20% rise that the Gujarat government had previously approved. Significant dissatisfaction within the medical community has been highlighted by the withdrawal from emergency services and outpatient departments (OPD) as a result of this protest.
On August 31, 2024, the Gujarati government announced a rise in the stipend that will take effect on April 1, 2024. This decision deviates from the 40% stipend increase that has been applied every three years since 2009. The state government’s decision, according to the Junior Doctors’ Association, which represents the striking doctors, breaks from precedent and fails to keep up with the rising costs of living and education.
The group asserts that its expectations for a 40% raise have not been met, even after filing 25 written representations to the state government. The Junior Doctors’ Association Vice-President, Shashank Ashara, stressed that the decision to go on strike was not made hastily. Although the doctors have left non-emergency tasks and the OPD, they have made sure that emergency services continue to operate in order to prevent any negative effects on patient care.
In Gujarat, postgraduate physicians are currently paid an estimated stipend of Rs 84,000. The Junior Doctors’ Association notes that Gujarat has fewer government medical colleges—just six as opposed to 15 to 30 in other states—despite the state government’s claims that this stipend is competitive when compared to other states. Due to this gap, a large number of pupils are forced to attend expensive private or grant-in-aid schools, which adds to their financial load. The group also points out that the discontent in Gujarat is exacerbated by the fact that other states, such as Delhi, offer yearly stipend increases.
In a related occurrence, on Monday, Class 4 workers at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital went on strike in protest of different perks, joining letters, pay slips, and ID cards. Negotiations with hospital authorities, however, resulted in the resolution of this strike. This episode highlights a larger trend of dissatisfaction among hospital staff members, which is indicative of persistent problems with contract employment and wage equity.
The postgraduate doctors’ strike brings to light a serious problem with Gujarat’s healthcare system, underscoring the necessity of prompt and sufficient changes to stipend rules in order to preserve employee happiness and guarantee the provision of high-quality patient care.
SOURCE :
ETV BHARAT
