The agitation, called by the Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA), followed an incident in the emergency ward of Saharsa Sadar Hospital, where seriously ill children were undergoing treatment. The association alleged that some people entered the emergency area, recorded videos and disrupted medical work.According to the BHSA, doctors on duty and the hospital superintendent objected to the unauthorised recording, citing patient privacy, safety and medical protocols. It alleged the doctors were subsequently subjected to misbehaviour and a “trial” based on what it termed false and fabricated facts.The BHSA criticised the health department for taking disciplinary action against the two doctors without, it alleged, an impartial inquiry. It said the action had adversely affected the morale of doctors across the state.At Ara Sadar Hospital, OPD services remained shut, leaving a large number of patients without regular consultations. Several patients, including those from neighbouring districts, were seen enquiring about the closure.Bhojpur civil surgeon Dr Shivendra Kumar Sinha said additional doctors had been deputed to the emergency department to ensure patients did not face inconvenience. However, a large number of patients and attendants gathered there seeking consultations.OPD services were also shut in Siwan, Chhapra and Araria, according to local reports, affecting patients requiring routine consultations and follow-up treatment.The BHSA has demanded withdrawal of action against the Saharsa doctors, stronger security for doctors and paramedical staff, filling of vacant posts and withdrawal of salary withholding based on biometric attendance.The association said emergency and trauma services would continue. BHSA spokesperson Dr Vinay Kumar warned the agitation could be extended indefinitely if the disciplinary action was not withdrawn and said the association could consider suspending emergency services if its demands remained unaddressed.(With inputs from Praveen in Ara)
