Did Junior Doctors at PMCH End Their Strike After Security Guarantees?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, junior doctors at PMCH have ended their 48-hour strike following assurances of enhanced security. The strike was triggered by a violent incident, leading to a demand for better safety measures. With police presence now established, hospital services are gradually returning to normal.
Key Takeaways
- PMCH juniors ended strike after security assurances.
- Bihar Police deployed for enhanced safety.
- Violence erupted following patient’s death.
- Significant disruptions to hospital services occurred.
- Both sides have filed FIRs; investigations ongoing.
Patna, Dec 4 (NationPress) The 48-hour work stoppage by junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), the largest government facility in Bihar, concluded on Thursday evening following assurances from the Patna district administration regarding increased security measures within the hospital grounds.
PMCH Principal Dr. Kaushal Kishore confirmed that all junior doctors returned to their duties at 5 p.m.
He stated that the strike was called off after district officials provided commitments for robust security arrangements in light of the violent incident that occurred on Wednesday.
As per the directives from the district administration, personnel from the Bihar Police have been stationed at the main entrance of the PMCH emergency ward and other critical areas, which has helped rebuild confidence among the junior doctors and other healthcare workers.
On Wednesday, turmoil erupted in the PMCH emergency ward following the death of a 70-year-old patient, Suresh Singh, who was a resident of Sultanganj. He had been admitted to PMCH three days earlier after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
His family claimed that he did not receive prompt and adequate treatment, which they believe led to his demise. In their anger, they reportedly attacked the junior doctors present in the emergency ward. The doctors, in their complaint, asserted that the patient's family became aggressive and even assaulted a female doctor on duty.
The hospital administration reported that several medical staff members were injured during the altercation, and the situation escalated for a while.
In response to the need for safety, junior doctors promptly ceased their work, resulting in the suspension of OPD services and significant disruption across both the emergency and outpatient departments.
Thousands of patients were forced to leave without treatment, and many urgent cases could not be admitted, leading to considerable chaos on the hospital grounds and significant inconvenience for the families of patients.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased also alleged that they were attacked by the junior doctors and hospital staff. The son of the deceased, Aman Singh, claimed that trouble began during an ECG examination on Wednesday when his sister inquired about their father's condition.
Aman alleged that the doctor reacted angrily to the question, verbally abusing him, calling him “stupid,” pushing him, and even seizing his iPhone, which heightened tensions even further.
Both parties have filed separate FIRs at the Pirbahore police station. The incident is currently under investigation, and statements from multiple witnesses are being collected by officials.
With police presence established and discussions between the administration and hospital authorities ongoing, services at PMCH are slowly returning to normal, with OPD and emergency services being reinstated gradually.
Point of View
I believe that the recent strike by junior doctors at PMCH highlights critical issues surrounding healthcare safety. While it is alarming that violence erupted in a medical facility, the prompt response from the administration in assuring enhanced security measures is a positive step towards restoring trust among healthcare professionals. Such incidents must be addressed proactively to ensure patient safety and staff protection.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the strike by junior doctors at PMCH?
The strike was initiated following a violent incident in the emergency ward after the death of a patient, which raised concerns about the safety of medical staff.
How long did the junior doctors' strike last?
The strike lasted for 48 hours and ended after security assurances were provided.
What measures were taken to ensure the safety of doctors at PMCH?
Bihar Police personnel were deployed at key points within the hospital to enhance security and restore confidence among the staff.
What was the impact of the strike on hospital services?
The strike resulted in the suspension of OPD services and significant disruptions in emergency and outpatient departments, affecting thousands of patients.
Are there ongoing investigations related to the violent incident?
Yes, both parties involved have filed FIRs, and the matter is under investigation by the police.
