Posted By :  Admin1

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh's health services were significantly impacted today as doctors in all government hospitals, with the exception of medical colleges, collectively took mass casual leave. According to Dr. Vikas Thakur, Secretary of the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA), "More than 90 percent of doctors participated in the mass casual leave across health facilities, spanning from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to district hospitals. Meanwhile, in medical colleges, doctors showed their support for our demands by wearing black badges." The mass casual leave taken by doctors resulted in significant inconvenience for patients statewide. Dr. Thakur explained, "Doctors prioritized emergency services and indoor patients, while only outdoor patients experienced the effects of the mass casual leave." Moreover, over 2,600 doctors have been engaged in a pen-down strike from morning till noon for over two weeks, advocating for the restoration of Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) for new appointments and the implementation of a career assured progression scheme. Additionally, timely promotions and amendments to the postgraduate policy have been among the doctors' demands. HMOA office-bearers are also frustrated by the fact that a committee, established in 2016 to compile a seniority list of doctors, has failed to fulfill its responsibilities even after eight years. "We initiated our protest by wearing black badges around 50 days ago, yet the government has not addressed our reasonable demands," he stated. With the impasse persisting, doctors intend to escalate their protest starting Monday. Dr. Thakur mentioned, "We will discuss our next steps during the upcoming central committee meeting." Additionally, on Saturday, doctors will resume their pen-down strike from morning until noon.