Ten Medical Organisations Unite to Demand Doctors’ Safety, Better Service Conditions and Healthcare Reforms
Ranchi, October 13, 2026: Doctors across Jharkhand have launched a statewide Black Badge Programme from October 13 to 20 under the IMA Jharkhand Joint Medical Movement to highlight their demands for doctors’ safety, dignity, improved service conditions and strengthening of the state’s healthcare system. During an online meeting held on October 12, representatives of government and private doctors and various medical organisations unanimously decided to continue the previously announced democratic agitation. Ten organisations are participating in the movement, including IMA Jharkhand State Branch, JHASA, IMA Hospital Board of India (IMA HBI), AHPI, IMA Women’s Wing, JDA, JDN, FAIMA, MSN and IDA.
The doctors are demanding effective implementation of the Jharkhand Medical Protection Act, practical amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act, time-bound career progression under DACP and regular appointments. Their demands also include resolving the issues faced by junior doctors and medical students, implementing DACP for dental surgeons, addressing problems related to Ayushman Bharat, introducing a single-window licensing system for healthcare institutions and ensuring the safety and dignity of women doctors. On October 14, participating medical organisations will hold joint press conferences at all district headquarters and submit memorandums to the respective Deputy Commissioners, seeking administrative intervention and action on their demands.
According to the announced programme, a statewide protest will be held on October 21. If the demands are not addressed through concrete action, a complete work boycott is proposed from October 22. The medical organisations have clarified that the movement is not against patients but aims to ensure a safe and respectful working environment for doctors and strengthen healthcare services for the people of Jharkhand. They have appealed to the state government and concerned authorities to initiate constructive dialogue and take time-bound action on their legitimate demands. The organisations have also emphasised the need to safeguard emergency and life-saving medical services during the agitation.
