Posted By :  Admin1

Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh): Under the aegis of Himachal Medical Officers Association, doctors working in hospitals of Bilaspur district are going to protest from January 18 regarding their five-point demands. In June 2023, doctors, expressing their key demands, adopted a two-phase approach, initially donning black ribbons and subsequently engaging in a pen-down strike. The strike was eventually called off following Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's assurance to address their concerns. But now after seven months the doctors have once again decided to protest by wearing black ribbons from January 18 regarding their five-point demands. Dr. Bhupendra Sharma, the president of the Bilaspur unit of the Himachal Medical Officers Association, stated that the union has persistently presented its demands to the state government over an extended period. These demands primarily involve the implementation of NPA during the appointment of new doctors, reinstating the Health Director as the Project Director of AIDS Control Society, revising and restoring the authority of the Principal and Senior Health Superintendent in the Medical College, and granting a one-and-a-half-year term for the Block Medical Officer. Notably, there has been a lack of promotions in the positions of District Medical Officer and Deputy Director. As part of their requests, the medical professionals are urging for the inclusion of benefits under the Dynamic Career Progression Scheme, mirroring the Central Government model, and a salary increase for doctors stationed in remote areas, where their compensation falls behind that of the Central Government and states like Bihar. On one hand, Dr. Bhupendra Sharma mentioned that doctors will commence their protest by wearing black ribbons from January 18 and on the other hand, this protest will persist until all their demands are met. If their demands are not addressed in the coming days, the protest may escalate into more intense actions as per the instructions of the state leadership of the Himachal Medical Officers Association. Due to this, patients visiting the hospitals may encounter difficulties. Therefore, Dr. Bhupendra Sharma has appealed to the Chief Minister and the Health Minister to promptly address the demands of the doctors as soon as possible.