MP: 15K Doctors Across State Protest For Time-Scale Pay; On-Duty Doctors Spotted Wearing Black Badges At Bhopal's GMC; Sit-In Held At Indore's MY Hospital

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Around 15,000 doctors in Madhya Pradesh began their protest on Thursday, demanding the implementation of the time-scale pay scale (DACP  Dynamic Assured Career Progression equivalent). As part of the protest, doctors across the state wore black badges while working.

Doctors continued their duties while wearing black badges to mark their protest at Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital and GMC (Gandhi Medical College).

Key Demands Of The Doctors

Formation of a High-Level Committee – A high-level committee should be formed, including officials from the Medical Federation, to resolve doctors’ pending demands. The committee should meet regularly, and the Chief Minister should review its progress every three months.

End Administrative Interference – Administrative officers should not interfere in hospital departments.

7th Pay Commission Benefits – As per the MP Council of Ministers’ decision on October 4, 2023, medical teachers should receive benefits under the 7th Pay Commission. The basic salary and NPA (Non-Practicing Allowance) of doctors in all departments should also be determined accordingly.

Implement Time Scale Pay Scale – The approved time scale pay scale (DACP equivalent) for doctors should be implemented within a fixed time frame.

New Director General Posts – The government should create the posts of Director General of Public Health and Director General of Medical Education, and only senior doctors should be appointed to these positions.

Better Security for Doctors – After the incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the National Task Force, formed under a Supreme Court order, gave recommendations for the safety and work conditions of doctors and paramedical staff. These recommendations should be implemented immediately, and the government should arrange extra funds for this.

Planned Activities

February 20-21 – Doctors will wear black badges as a mark of protest in hospitals, including Hamidia and GMC.

February 22 – A token protest will be held outside workplaces for half an hour (emergency services will remain operational). A symbolic burning of substandard medicines will take place at selected hospitals.

February 24 – A state-wide mass fast will be observed. Doctors will not eat and will protest outside their workplaces for one hour (emergency services will remain operational).

February 25 Onwards – A state-wide aggressive protest will begin.

Doctors Protest At Indore's MY Hospital

Similarly, doctors at MY Hospital in Indore staged a protest by wearing black badges and holding a sit-in at the main gate as part of the statewide agitation by doctors and junior doctors that began on February 20.