The decision to go on strike was taken in a meeting called by Doctors Joint Action Committee (DJAC) to protest gainst "inordinate" delay in raising their pay grades.
Over 4,000 junior doctors today began an indefinite strike protesting against the state government for "inordinate" delay in raising their pay grades, affecting health services across Jammu.
The decision to go on strike was taken in a meeting called by Doctors Joint Action Committee (DJAC) here yesterday, officials said.
The work in hospitals was affected in Jammu as about 4000 junior doctors took part in the indefinite strike, a spokesman of DJAC Satyainder Singh said.
DJAC accused the state government of indifferent attitude towards their demands despite assurances given by the finance minister, health minister and minister for medical education to them.
Earlier on September 13, DJAC had served a final ultimatum to the government to fulfil their demands till September 30, failing which they will go on strike.
The junior doctors have been demanding higher pay grades, integration of post graduate stipend with that of the house or assistant surgeon, time bound promotion.
Work was badly affected in Government Medical College and several hospitals in Jammu district today, officials said, adding, however, emergency services were being run by senior doctors in the district. The strike affected work in health care services in Kathua, Billawar, Basholi, Rajouri, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Batote.
Taking a strong exception to the strike, minister for medical and technical education RS Chib and minister for health Sham Lal Sharma said that the government would not succumb to the pressure tactics of the association and stern action will be initiated against those trying to disturb the health care services.
The government will not hesitate to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma) against the striking medicos, Chib said.
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