Buxar Government Hospitals Suspend OPD Services Amid Doctor Safety Protest
The outpatient department (OPD) services at all government healthcare facilities across Buxar district remained completely suspended on Thursday. This disruption affects primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and the district's Sadar hospital following a three-day boycott call issued by the Bihar Health Services Association (BHASA).
Incident Triggering the Protest
The protest was triggered by an unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday night at Buxar Sadar Hospital. Following the death of a female patient, family members allegedly created significant unrest on the hospital premises, accusing medical professionals of negligence. Hospital sources indicate the situation escalated into verbal abuse and physical altercations, creating heightened tension that persisted late into the night.
Doctors' Safety Concerns and Association Decision
In response to this incident, the district unit of BHASA convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday. During this gathering, doctors expressed serious concerns about their personal safety while performing their duties. The association unanimously decided to suspend OPD services across all government hospitals in the district, citing repeated incidents of violence that have created a climate of fear among medical professionals.
Dr Sanjay Kumar, the district secretary of BHASA, emphasized that doctors have been consistently demanding enhanced security arrangements at government hospitals. "No concrete steps have been taken by the district administration so far to address our security concerns," he stated. "In protest, we have boycotted OPD services at all government hospitals in the district on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Senior authorities have been informed about our decision."
Dr Kumar issued a stern warning: "If effective security measures are not implemented soon, the agitation may be intensified. The option of disrupting emergency services in the future also remains open."
Impact on Patients and Community Response
The boycott has caused significant inconvenience to hundreds of patients who rely on government facilities for routine medical consultations and follow-up care. The suspension affects not only the Sadar hospital but also PHCs and CHCs throughout the district.
Ramesh Kumar, a patient from Dumraon, shared his experience: "I arrived early Thursday morning for my scheduled follow-up check-up, only to find the OPD closed. Private healthcare treatment is financially beyond our means."
Another patient, Sunita Devi, expressed a nuanced perspective: "While we understand the legitimate problems faced by doctors, it is impoverished patients who suffer most severely when hospital services are suspended."
Administrative Response and Current Status
The district administration has not yet issued any official statement regarding the ongoing protest and service suspension. When contacted, Dr Shiv Kumar Prasad, Buxar's civil surgeon, clarified the current situation: "Only OPD services have been suspended across the district as doctors have boycotted these services. Every medical professional deserves the right to work with both freedom and adequate security."
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between healthcare providers seeking safer working environments and patients dependent on accessible government medical services. With the boycott scheduled to continue through Friday, the district awaits potential intervention from authorities to address the security concerns raised by medical professionals while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare access for the community.
