Gujarat equates bond service during COVID with senior residency, doctors call off strike

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2021-08-13T09:30:00+05:30 | Updated On 13 Aug 2021 9:30 AM IST

Gujarat equates bond service during COVID with senior residency, doctors call off strike

Ahmedabad: After 10 days long agitation of doctors in Gujarat, the state government has finally issued an order stating that the Senior Residency (SR) years of the resident doctors would be considered as part of the bond period in the ratio of 1:1. While the state has equated the bond service to senior residency, the service period still stands at 1:1.

With this, the junior doctors of BJ Medical Colleges (BJMC) have called off their strike and agreed to join their duty.

The Junior Doctors' Association of BJ Medical College proudly stated that this is the first time in the history of Gujarat that Senior Residency (SR) years are being made a part of the bond period. The Government has also assured of forming a committee to decide on provisions for the 2019 and 2020 batches. No stipend or leave will be deducted for absence during the strike.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that in April this year when COVID-19 cases were on the rise, the state government had announced that one day of COVID-19 duty will be considered equivalent to two days of bond duty. However, in July, when COVID-19 cases dropped significantly, a new notification was issued stating that the ratio has been restored to 1:1 instead of the previous 1:2.

Also Read:Resident doctors strike illegal: Gujarat Govt threatens to invoke Epidemic Diseases Act

Condemning the move, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) of Gujarat started an agitation demanding that their mandatory medical bond service be considered in the ratio of 1:2, that is one day of service be counted equivalent to service of two days. Members of certain prominent associations of PG medical students including the Junior Doctors Association in Ahmedabad and Surat had also boycotted work over pending demands. The associations like FAIMA, FORDA and IMA JDN also extended their support to the protest.

Junior Doctors at BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad announced a strike resulting in paralyzing services. However, the doctors decided to resume COVID duties and Emergency services (Trauma Center) after the authorities promised to raise their issues in front of the Health Minister but the doctors decided to continue their demonstration until written orders would be issued from Health Department.

Also Read: Gujarat Strike Update: BJ Medical College doctors resume COVID duties, emergency services

On Thursday, the state health department finally issued a GR mentioning that the Senior Residency (SR) years of resident doctors would be considered as part of the bond period in the ratio of 1:1. They will also get deputation at district or sub-district hospitals; However, the junior doctors will only get a stipend for it, and no DA or other benefits can be claimed but them.

"The doctors on bond will have to complete the period according to the new arrangements. The arrangement is only for the 2021 batch and won't serve as a precedent for the future. Senior residency provisions will remain the same,' the GR states.

The GR also revoked the order which previously directed the junior doctors to vacate hostels.

Now that the government has finally issued the GR, JDA of BJMC stated, "After 10 days of successful struggle, our unity and strength paid off and we have got Government Resolution from stating 1 year of SRship equal bond for 2018 batch, this has occurred first time in the history of Gujarat. This all has occurred because of the continuous efforts, sheer willpower, unity, strength of JDA BJMC. This is a victory of JDA BJMC that stood united till the last moment till GR came. JDA BJMC is officially calling off the strike from now onwards. We are grateful and indebted to FAIMA for their support at a crucial time and for boosting our morale."

JDA has also shown gratitude towards the other medical associations which supported their cause.

BJ medical collegeJunior Doctors AssociationCOVID dutyResident doctorsbond service7th pay commissionJDAsenior residencygujaratdoctor strike

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.