Resident Doctors Threatened to End Strike: BJ Medical Dean Warns of Suspension, Failure

A strike by residency doctors is ongoing in Gujarat. However, this strike is currently confined to Ahmedabad. To curb the strike, the Dean of BJ Medical College has issued a warning that disciplinary action will be taken against those who participate in the strike. The Dean has also informed the Shahibaug Police about the strike. The Gujarat Junior Doctors’ Association (GJDA) alleges that threats of failure and suspension are being made against them. They claim that they are being harassed, with teachers refusing to teach surgery, not signing their thesis, and threatening to fail them in exams or suspend them.

Statewide Support for the Struggle – Junior Doctors

Junior doctors at BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, are strongly opposing the government’s 20% stipend increase and five-year fixation policy. They have been compelled to adopt a full strike as a protest. Their main demands include a stipend increase in line with the health minister’s solid assurances, and the implementation of a fixed policy to adjust the stipend annually according to inflation. Factors such as rising inflation and the unbearable fee hikes in medical colleges justify their demands. They are determined to continue their struggle with the support of junior doctors across Gujarat.

Junior Doctors Association’s Allegations Against Professors

Resident doctors are striking at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The All Gujarat Junior Doctors Association (AGJDA) has accused professors of refusing to sign theses, threatening to fail students in exams, and suspending them to prevent the strike from continuing. The medical dean has also warned that if the resident doctors are not on duty by 9 AM, disciplinary action will be taken.

Mental Harassment by Teachers – Allegation by JDA

The All Gujarat Junior Doctors Association (AGJDA) has written letters to deans and medical superintendents of all medical colleges in Gujarat, stating that they are protesting for a stipend increase. However, students from several medical colleges have complained that teachers in various departments are mentally harassing them. Teachers are reportedly refusing to teach surgery, not signing theses, threatening to fail students in exams, and suspending them.

JDA Accuses Teachers of Private Practice

In the letter, the AGJDA further accused the teachers of not fulfilling their duties regularly. The entire operation of the hospital relies on resident doctors, while the teachers are irregular in their attendance and are engaged in illegal private practice. As this movement is affecting their private practice, students are being threatened. The AGJDA has stated that they will take legal action against these teachers.

Orders to List Present and Striking Doctors

The Dean of BJ Medical College has issued a notice stating that resident doctors and interns must be informed that if they do not report to duty by 9 AM today, disciplinary action will be taken against them. Additionally, all heads of departments (HODs) have been asked to prepare a list of doctors who are present and those who are on strike.

Dean Informs Shahibaug Police

On Monday, September 2nd, the Dean of BJ Medical College informed the Shahibaug Police about the strike. The doctors have been notified not to strike, as government hospitals should not be used to protest against the government. Steps have been taken to ensure that no untoward incidents occur due to the strike.