Patna: The Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) on Wednesday called off its strike at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) with immediate effect after receiving assurances from the state’s health department on its key demands, bringing relief to thousands of patients affected by the disruption of services.Healthcare services at the state’s largest govt hospital had been severely affected since Tuesday. The outpatient department (OPD) remained closed on Wednesday morning, planned surgeries were postponed, and several patients had to return without treatment.JDA president Dr Satyam Kumar said the association ended the agitation after holding a meeting with health secretary Kumar Ravi. He said the department assured the junior doctors that the delay in stipend revision would be resolved within a month and issues related to security and assaults on doctors would also be addressed.The association also demanded that the Amrit Pharmacy be shifted closer to the emergency wing so that attendants can access essential medicines more easily during emergencies.The strike stemmed from a dispute between nurses and junior doctors following the death of a senior nurse’s husband. Both groups accused each other of physical and verbal assault, leading to disruption of hospital services.While the nurses withdrew their strike on Tuesday evening after the PMCH administration assured them of a fair inquiry into the incident, junior doctors continued their protest until Wednesday afternoon. They resumed work around 2pm after the meeting with health department officials.Hospital authorities have constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations made by both sides. The committee has been asked to submit its report within a week.With junior doctors returning to work, hospital authorities expect services at PMCH to return to normal.
