Bhopal: 3k jr docs on strike, OPD services hit

Bhopal: Around 3,000 junior doctors across Madhya Pradesh went on indefinite strike on Wednesday, demanding that the government withdraw an order to cancel the registration of three office-bearers of MP Junior Doctors Association (MP-JUDA) over a week-long agitation in July over stipend and other issues.

MP-JUDA representatives said they will continue the agitation until their demand is met. Their strike comes at a time when influenza and dengue are spreading like wildfire, and even Covid numbers are back on the rise. Outpatient department numbers dropped by almost half in Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital on Wednesday due to the strike. Government-run medical colleges in Sagar, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Rewa were also impacted. “We have been forced to go on strike after talks with government failed. We have had no response from them in the matter though it should be a simple matter. If the order for cancellation of registration of all other junior doctors has been withdrawn, why has directorate of medical education (DME) singled out three JUDA office bearers?” asked association representative, Dr Harish Pathak.