Healthcare paralysed as Chamba doctors go on mass casual leave

Chamba, March 7

The health services remained crippled across Chamba district on Thursday as doctors went on a ‘mass casual leave’ to press their demands.

The doctors’ stir has left patients stranded and struggling to access essential medical care. The strike, called by the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association (HMOA), is a result of unresolved grievances and demands of the doctors. The absence of the doctors from hospitals and healthcare facilities has severely impacted the delivery of medical services, resulting in patients at OPDs and indoor wards facing inconvenience.

In January, the doctors protested by wearing black badges and since February 20, they have been observing a two-and-half-hour pen-down strike every day.

The doctors have been protesting for the restoration of the Non-Practising Allowance (NPA), besides assured career progression, implementation of the Dynamic Career Progression Scheme, handing over the responsibilities of project director to the health director, and promotion as per eligibility and seniority.

Voicing their discontentment, the doctors said they had presented their demands before the Chief Minister, Health Minister and senior officials, but to no avail. Their demands were not considered despite them observing a pen-down strike for over a fortnight.

Dr Dilbag Singh, president of HMOA’s Chamba unit, said their pleas for assurance regarding these demands have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them with no choice but to resort to strike work.

Therefore, in accordance with the call given by HMOA, doctors across Chamba today took mass casual leave. The doctors from across the district also registered their presence at the General House held in Chamba, said Dr Singh.

While expressing gratitude to the government for recent directives on promotions,

Dr Singh said their other legitimate demands should also be accepted at earliest.