Members of the contract doctors’ association at the news meet on Sunday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Health services might be hit from August 9, if contract doctors go ahead with their proposed indefinite strike charging the state government with not fulfilling their demands after assuring them of regularising their services.

Dr Amitabh, the president of Bihar State Contract Doctors’ Association (BSCDA), said: “The six-month deadline fixed by the government would expire on July 16 and the department has not yet initiated steps for regular appointment of contract doctors.” On January 16, the doctors had observed a daylong strike. At that time, the health department had assured them of fulfilling their demands.

Dr Amitabh added: “We have come to know that the government is planning to recruit doctors at government hospital (on regular basis) through open advertisement. Doctors from other states would also be eligible for appointment. This would be unfair on contract doctors in Bihar.”