SAMBALPUR: With an aim to restore normalcy in VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department Arati Ahuja on Friday held marathon meetings with the hospital authorities, line department officials and Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) over their 10-point charter of demands.
It is learnt that Ahuja assured the JDA that their grievances would be redressed and MRI would be installed before March 31.
JDA president Shankar Ramchandani said a final decision on continuation of their suspended stir over the demands would be taken after a general body meeting on February 9. The striking medicos had put their agitation on hold on January 21 after the Government gave an assurance to act on their demands by January 31. Last week, they extended the deadline by a week till February 9.
Though the JDA has been constantly demanding presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, he is yet to visit the hospital. As health services were paralysed for 12 days last month following a cease work, the State Government was left with little choice but to buy truce.
Prior to the meeting, Ahuja inspected various departments in the medical and interacted with the patients. She also held discussions with the heads of departments in presence of Director, VIMSAR, Dr Sonamali Bag, Principal Dr BK Dutta and Superintendent Dr L K Dash.
She has reportedly stressed on strengthening infrastructure as VIMSAR was a referral hospital and directed line department officials to send in their proposals over the demands and initiate work.