Doctors complain about working conditions

PATNA: An interactive session with doctors of Bihar proved an eye-opener for Population Stabilization Fund executive director and Union ministry of health's joint secretary Dr Amarjeet Singh on Wednesday with the doctors narrating details of the poor working conditions in the state.
As Dr Singh sought active assistance of the members of Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Bihar Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (BOGSY) for population control and reduction in maternal mortality and infant mortality rates in the state, the IMA and BOGSY members complained about the lack of infrastructure and staff shortage at the primary health centres in the villages.
Responding to Dr Singh's talk in which he spoke about the achievements of Gujarat in checking population as well as maternal and infant mortality rates, senior IMA member Dr Ajay Kumar said the situation is different in the two states. He said doctors working in rural areas in Bihar get fewer incentives compared to those working in urban areas.
State IMA president Dr Ramesh Prasad Singh said the guidelines issued by the Centre are used for political gains in the state. "Doctors here feel insecure as they are beaten by attendants," he said. He also suggested deputation of one IMA member in each girls' school to make girls aware about legal age of marriage.
Former IMA president Dr Manju Geeta Mishra lamented that there are no facilities in PHCs and APHCs for lady doctors. "How can a lady doctor work in a rural area if she is not provided accommodation?" she asked.