Sambalpur: The Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR) here has decided to resume cease work from May 1 to protest the non-fulfillment of their nine-point charter of demands by the State government.
“The State government had assured us that our demands would be fulfilled by April 30. But it has failed to keep its word. How will we work without the basic facilities of a medical college?” asked association president Shankar Ramchandani.
“There is no water supply to many operation theatres. In some cases, there is no lighting either. Medicines provided under Niramaya scheme are not sufficient for the patients,” he added.
The cease work is bound to affect medical services in VIMSAR, which is already struggling with large-scale vacancies.
“Today we had called heads of all the departments and asked them to ensure that patients should not suffer in any case. Leaves of all doctors have been cancelled. Besides, those who are on leave, have also been asked to join immediately. Mobilisation of associate professors, assistant professors and senior residents in key points such as casualty and ICU has been done,” VIMSAR director Sunamali Bag said.
“We welcome the reason behind the strike. We must try our best to solve the prevailing issues,” VIMSAR principal Brajamohan Mishra said.
Last month, the JDA had gone on cease work but withdrew after the State government sought time till third week of April to resolve the issue and meet their demands. The JDA had then decided to put on hold their cease work till April 30.