Bhopal: 15K Doctors To Protest For DACP, Despite HC Warning

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Around 15,000 doctors from government hospitals across the state are gearing up for a state-wide protest demanding the implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), despite a clear warning from the High Court. The protest, organised by the Junior Doctors Association (JUDA), is set to begin on February 20.

The doctors will sport black badges as a mark of protest while continuing their regular duties. The call for action comes after months of failed talks with health department officials regarding the formation of a high-power committee, which was promised by the state government to address the DACP issue.

According to JUDA, despite multiple rounds of discussions, no tangible results have been achieved. The doctors had earliergone on strike in May 2023, prompting the High Court to intervene with an order dated May 3, 2023.

The court directed the MP Medical Officers' Association, MP Govt Doctors' Association, and other related bodies to refrain from going on strike without obtaining leave from the High Court. The court's order reminded the respondents of their responsibility to adhere to this directive.

Dr. Kuldeep Gupta, president of JUDA, emphasised the frustration of doctors, saying, "We have been waiting for the government to act on the formation of high-power committee as promised. But nothing has been done so far. This time, our protest will begin with black badges, and we will continue to fight for our rightful demands for DACP." With this renewed protest, doctors are pushing for the much-needed career progression and better pay scales in their profession, as negotiations remain stalled.