Strike by homeopathy students in Odisha

The students of Government-run Utkalmani Homeopathy Medical College and Hospital (UHMCH) have raised their concerns over the poor state of affairs at their institution. The 106 students group has reported an indefinite strike to mark their protest.

Their prime demands include immediate recruitment of qualified faculty members, as well as a continuous holding of clinical classes. Besides, the strike also reflects on the lack of adequate equipment and facilities in laboratories and further calls for remedial measures for effective management of UHMCH.

Their main agitation is against the fact that even though they have paid money as a taken for caution, they are still deprived of the basic facilities for medical practice at the institution. The students don't even have equipment's to work in the laboratories, with teaching in classes also suffering due to the regular absence of permanent faculty members.

The group of students from first to final year locked the administrative block and reportedly staged a dharna in front of the main entrance at the institution.

As reported by the Express, students claimed that they have paid caution money, but are deprived of medical practice at Rourkela Government Hospital. Though money is charged for equipment, they are not given any during practicals. While permanent faculty seldom take classes, 11 guest lecturers too have been detached without alternative arrangement.

The agitation would continue till the director of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Odisha, personally takes stock of the situation, the students said. Principal, UHMCH, Dr SK Rout is on leave and was unavailable for comment.