Srinagar October 23 (Vijay Kumar)-J&K Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday made it clear that all possible steps would be taken to protect the interests of general public and ensure the patient care in view of the adamant stand of a section of junior doctors to continue their strike.
In a jam packed press conference here today,he said that government will not hesitate in taking appropriate steps to ensure that at no stage, patient care in the hospitals is affected due to the on going strike.
Earlier, Abdul Rahim Rather while apprising the media persons about the role of government in solving the crisis, said that the junior doctor of Jammu are on strike since October 5 and the Kashmir doctors joined them on October 9. He said that there was no reason to strike because government had assured redressal by October 31.Without waiting for darbar move, the doctors proceeded on strike and created numerous problems and sufferings for the sick.
Referring to recent meetings held on October 21 and 22, Rather said that the government assured the doctors that their genuine demands would be fulfilled within 8 days and thereafter there was no reason to continue strike. But after seeking more time for discussion among their ranks, the striking doctors today categorically stated that they will not withdraw their strike. Therefore, the government has no option but to take strict action against them under law.
Later, interacting with the media persons present in the press conference, Finance Minister said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has constituted a high level committee to discuss the issue with the striking doctors and simultaneously the authorities including senior officers of Health, Finance, and Planning are already at job to mitigate the grievances of doctors.
Replying to another question regarding trust deficit, Rather said that the doctors have already been given the corresponding grade in accordance to sixth pay commission recommendations. Now they are complaining of lesser grade already given to them before the implementation of sixth pay commission.
Referring to the action being taken by the government under given circumstances, Rather said that all possible measures shall be taken in accordance with law and government has to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of protecting public health.
Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Davinder Singh Rana, Advisor to Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, were also present in the press conference.
On the other hand the striking doctors also put up a brave front shiting,once again, the blame on the state government who according to them was indulging in mere lip service than taking concrete action to mitigate the sufferings of the common populace.
Addressing press persons here inJammu representatives ofthe Junior doctors association said , "for last 17 days we are requesting the state government to understand that they are not running after money and only needed a written assurance fromthe state government that their demands would be fulfilled".
Instead of addressing the genuine concerns raised by the doctors fraternity the state government is bent upon confusing the basic demand of doctors by maintaining that their demands would bemet before hte durbar move and the strike was illegal. How can we trust the state government which has not bothered to address our basic demands for last couple of months only on verbal assurances.
"We are not adamant we are only demanding a written assurance to end the stalemate, spokesperson of the junior doctors association maintained.
Striking Doctors placed under suspension
While taking serious notice of the problems faced by the people in different Institutions of the Health Services due to strike by the Junior Doctors Associations of Jammu/Srinagar, the following action were taken by the Government:
a)The Doctors undergoing PG Course, who have been placed under suspension as per University Statutes relevant to the said course are as follows:
1. Dr. Neeraj Sharma Medicine
2. Dr. Irfan-ul Shamas ENT
3. Dr. Dhirender Singh Surgery
4. Dr. Masood Rashid Anesthesiology
5. Dr. Anchal Kotwal Surgery
6. Dr. Ikhlas Pediatrics
7. Dr. Pritpal Singh Medicine
8. Dr. Suhail Pediatrics
9. Dr. Sheikh Yasir Islam Medicine
10. Dr. Irfan Ortho
11. Dr. Zulfikar Ali Medicine
12. Dr. Majid Psychiatrics
13. Dr. Balvinder Singh Orthopedic
14. Dr. Dilawar Ophthalmology
15. Dr. Javed SPM
16. Dr. Narinder Medicine
17. Dr. Mahpara Gyne
18. Dr. Sanjay Fotedar Medicine
19. Dr. Nawaz Gyne
20. Dr. Nidha Medicine
21. Dr. Sandeep Koul Surgery
22. Dr. Bashir Gyne
23. Dr. Anirudh Kaul ENT
24. Dr. Ankush Blood Bank
25. Dr. Asim Rathore Radio Diagnosis
26. Dr. Mehraj-ud-din Dermatology
b) The following Assistant Surgeons were reverted back from Medical Education Deptt. to Health Deptt.
1. Dr. Kulsum Asstt. Surgeon
2. Dr. Adaresh Bhagat -do-
3. Dr. Neelofar -do-
4. Dr. Haroon Salaria -do-
5. Dr. Sudhir Sabharwal -do-
6. Dr. Shugufta -do-
7. Dr. Bilques -do-
8. Dr. Rajiv Gupta -do-
9. Dr. Mumtaza -do-
10. Dr. Anjumnoor -do-
11. Dr. Masrat -do-
c) Further, Dr. Satinder Singh working in Distt. Kathua has been placed under suspension, pending enquiry
b) The Registrars & Demonstrators who have been reverted back to Health Deptt. are as follows:-
1. Dr. Anayat Registrar Medicine
2. Dr. Parvez -do-` Anesthesiology
3. Dr. Mudasir -do- Surgery
4. Dr. Imran Demonstrator Physiology
5. Dr. Gurdev Singh Rana Registrar Surgery
6. Dr. Sandeep Bhat -do- -do-
7. Dr. Rajesh Bhagat -do- Medicine
8. Dr. Gagan Bali -do- Surgery
9. Dr. Satish Parihar -do- -do-
10. Dr. Ravi Parihar -do- Pediatric
11. Dr. Sushil Kumar Sharma -do- Medicine
12. Dr. Arshid Bhat -do- Radiology
13. Dr. Ashwani Sharma -do- Surgery
The above orders will find immediate effect.