Row over abusive language | Govt doctors withdraw ‘mass resignation’ after meet with DM: ‘Differences resolved’

In the letter, it is also alleged that over the past four months, doctors have been facing “harassment” by the officers. “Hence, we are submitting this mass resignation letter and are boycotting work. It is not possible for us to work with the two officials,” read the letter. After a stalemate between the doctors and district administration for 24 hours, a meeting was convened on Saturday during which the doctors, CDO and DM discussed the issue.

After the meeting, Dr Ashok Kumar Choudhary, who was among those who signed the resignation letter, said, “The differences have been resolved. We have withdrawn our resignation letter and started work. We were told that a clarification has been demanded from the CDO over the verbal abuse issue.”

An official in Basti told The Indian Express that the issue between the doctors and the administration was over functioning of private pathologies, and doctors indulging in private practice – which is against the rules. “There was also some issue with regard to completion of Ayushman Bharat cards’ process,” said the official, who did not wish to be named.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Saturday, Basti DM Andra Vamsi said, “We have spoken to the doctors and have told them to complete the Ayushman Bharat cards.” However, asked if an explanation has been sought from the CDO, Vamsi said, “No. This is not true.” “The CDO had told them to complete the process for Ayushman Bharat cards within a week and the row started over that. He had told them that if it is not done, the ACMO’s salary would be withheld,” added the DM.