Members of the state branch of the Indian Medical Association, Ayush Doctors’ Association and Contract Doctors’ Association will join a rally by Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA) on July 14.

BHSA announced this at news meet at IMA hall on Wednesday. Association members said the rally was in support of their long-pending demands, like regularisation contract doctors, appointment of specialists at primary health centres, promotion and payment of non-practicing allowance.

Association spokesperson Ranjit said: “We are happy that members of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Ayush Doctors’ Association and Contract Doctors’ Association will participate in the rally. If the state does not take any decision regarding our demands before August 9, we will be forced to go on an indefinite strike. Members of Contract Doctors’ Association had threatened an indefinite strike on August 9. We have decided that we would also join if the government does not fulfil our demands before this period.”

Ajay Kumar, general secretary, BHSA, said: “The government is taking credit for the improved scenario in the health sector, but this would not have been possible without our support. In fact, if one looks at the health sector minutely, they would find many irregularities.

“Only 2,800 doctors are working against the 8,481 sanctioned posts in primary-level healthcare services. The government has not been able to fill the vacancies. We demand for more doctors in the primary sector,” said Kumar.

IMA member Basant Kumar said: “Adequate security for our doctors is one of our demands. We often hear about the kin of a dead patient assaulting doctors.

“Why can’t the government provide proper security at government hospitals? The situation of contract doctors is also pathetic, as they have been waiting for regularisation for a long time. BHSA is organising the rally to raise these issues. IMA will fully support this rally. We hope more IMA members will take part.”