Citing the suffering of the people of the 10 hill districts due to the indefinite shutdown of all the district hospitals and health centres in Manipur, the All Manipur Health Services Doctors’ Association (AMHSDA) on Friday drew the attention of MP (outer) Lorho S Pfoze to help fulfil its demands.
In protest against the non-fulfilment of the agreed four demands, the AMHSDA has imposed indefinite shutdown of all district hospitals and health centres in Manipur since February 14.
As a result, the marginalised people in the hill districts of the state are suffering due to unavailability of other healthcare services, though the affordable ones and the valley people can get treatment from private hospitals, RIMS or JNIMS.
The agitating doctors are demanding time-scale promotion, extension of superannuation age of doctors to 65 years as administrative post, 7th pay scale and amendment of MHA Rules.
A memorandum submitted to the MP (outer) by AMHSDA stated that despite assurances and promises to put up their demand in the earliest cabinet meeting, nothing was discussed in the cabinet meeting which was held thrice during January and February.
Since the government did not take any seriousness and neglected the demands agreed, all the health institutions in the state have been shut down indefinitely since Tuesday as declared by AMHSDA in the press conference on February 11.
The memorandum urged the MP to redress the grievances and plight of the doctors in Manipur.
It may be mentioned that Health Minister S Ranjan during a programme held on February 7 had cautioned to initiate stringent action against doctors, who defy their duties. In contrast, there is no report of taking up any actions against those doctors who are on strike.
Also Read: Doctors resume strike; indefinite shutdown paralyses state health services in Manipur
