Ranchi, September 27, 2026: The medical community in Jharkhand has opened a united front over its long-pending demands, announcing a phased statewide agitation. A state-level joint medical meeting was held in Ranchi on September 27, bringing together representatives and office-bearers of various medical organisations. After detailed discussions, the organisations adopted a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) as their shared agenda and announced a phased joint action plan.
The issue of safety of doctors and healthcare workers emerged as one of the key demands. The medical organisations called for stronger security for doctors, healthcare workers and medical institutions, prompt legal action in cases of violence, and effective implementation of the Jharkhand Medical Protection Act. They also sought priority protection for government and private doctors, junior doctors, medical students and women doctors.
Demand for Changes in Clinical Establishment Act
The organisations have also demanded practical and public-interest-oriented amendments to the Clinical Establishment Act. According to the joint medical organisations, changes are necessary to ensure safe, affordable and accessible healthcare while improving medical access in remote and rural areas.
The organisations referred to recommendations made by two high-level committees constituted by the state government and demanded that hospitals with up to 50 beds, nursing homes and clinics be exempted from the scope of the Clinical Establishment Act, with necessary amendments to the rules. For healthcare institutions with more than 50 beds, they have sought a clear, practical and proportionate regulatory framework.
Dynamic ACP and Career Progression
Another major demand is the implementation of DACP/Dynamic ACP for government doctors. The organisations have sought a time-bound career progression system on the lines of the Central Government and Bihar, along with an end to unnecessary delays in promotions of eligible doctors.
For junior doctors, the demands include timely salary payment for Bond SRs, maternity leave and benefits, resolution of contractual issues, implementation of a “Jharkhand First” policy, and a regular and transparent recruitment calendar.
Ayushman Bharat and Private Healthcare Issues
The medical organisations have also raised issues concerning Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY and private healthcare. They have demanded fair package rates and timely payments, resolution of HEM 2.0 and pending claims, and an end to unnecessary deductions and rejections.
They have also called for restrictions on administrative overreach and spot punitive action, along with an effective grievance redressal system.
Single-Window System for Hospitals
The joint organisations have demanded a simple, transparent and time-bound Single-Window System for hospital licences, approvals, renewals and regulatory compliance.
They have also demanded timely stipend payments for medical students and a ban on unauthorised deductions from stipends in private medical colleges.
October 21 to Witness Statewide Show of Strength
The medical organisations have prepared a detailed roadmap for the agitation. From September 27 to October 4, the focus will be on organisational preparation, including formation of a Joint Action Committee, appointment of nodal representatives and district coordinators, preparation of a joint memorandum and finalisation of the CMP.
From October 5 to 8, a public awareness campaign titled “Why Are We Protesting?” will be conducted through pamphlets, digital leaflets, social media campaigns, doctors’ videos and community outreach.
On October 9, a statewide Black Badge Programme and press conferences will be organised. A state-level press conference will be held in Ranchi, while district-level press conferences will take place across the state to publicly present the CMP and key demands of the joint memorandum.
From October 10 to 20, district-level mobilisation will be carried out, including doctors’ meetings and collection of pending local issues.
The next major step will come on October 21, when a statewide protest involving government and non-government doctors is scheduled.
October 22: Complete Work Boycott if Demands Remain Unresolved
The biggest escalation in the announced action plan is scheduled for October 22. According to the joint medical organisations, if concrete action is not taken on the major demands by October 21, a complete work boycott will be implemented from October 22 as per their joint decision.
The organisations said the campaign is aimed at ensuring the safety of doctors, a dignified working environment, a practical and transparent regulatory system, and strengthening Jharkhand’s healthcare system. They said their objective is to ensure that doctors remain safe, healthcare institutions function effectively, and the public receives quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible.
The joint medical organisations also made it clear that patient care will remain their highest priority and expressed their expectation that the state government will take concrete, time-bound and effective action on all pending issues.
