Doctors in Bihar begin three-day strike, OPD services shut
Doctors in government hospitals across Bihar began a three-day strike on Thursday, shutting down Outpatient Department (OPD) services statewide in protest against unaddressed concerns over salaries, safety, and staff shortages.
The strike, called by the Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA), is expected to severely impact patients, particularly those from rural areas who rely on government healthcare facilities.
Despite the OPD shutdown, emergency and trauma services will continue to operate.
Dr. Vinay Kumar, BHSA spokesperson, stated that repeated appeals to the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, regarding critical issues—such as doctors’ safety, salary disputes, local postings, and inadequate facilities—have been ignored.
“The government’s silence has left us with no choice but to strike,” Dr. Kumar said.
Doctors also expressed frustration over an incident in Sheohar, where they were allegedly mistreated during a meeting with a District Magistrate.
The strike has led to OPD service suspensions in all medical colleges, Sadar hospitals, referral hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Bihar’s 38 districts.
Patients with scheduled surgeries and treatments must reschedule or wait until the strike ends.
“Poor patients, especially those from rural areas, will suffer the most as they cannot afford private healthcare,” a hospital official said.
The BHSA has warned of an escalation if the government fails to act by March 29.
“If our demands are not met, we will intensify the strike,” Dr. Kumar added.
With government hospitals serving as a crucial healthcare source for rural populations, the strike raises concerns about access to essential medical services for economically weaker sections.
