Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday warned doctors not to threaten him with any ultimatum or a strike.

Nitish added that if they do so, he would not either consider their grievances or even look at their demands.

Nitish's remarks have come after Bihar Health Service Association (BHSA) members announced to go on strike from July 6 to 13 in support of their several demands, including providing proper security to the doctors under the Bihar Medical Service Institution and Person Protection Act.

The chief minister warned them in front of top doctors, including over 2,000 doctors posted in rural areas, on the occasion of Swasth Samagam organised by the JDU medical cell at SK Memorial Hall. Without naming the Lalu-Rabri regime, he not only warned but also reminded them the eras in which kidnapping of doctors were regular affairs.

Before warning the doctors, he made his point very clear that he does not expect anything in return of the good work he had done for the state and it was up to them to decide whom to support in terms of vote bank as well.

"It is seen that doctor loses patience quite easily which should not happen. Time and again, I find that doctors are giving ultimatum, going on strike. Let me say it very clearly that never give any ultimatum to me because I never work under any pressure. You should be aware of my nature that I do not look towards those people who send me ultimatum. If you will politely ask me anything, I will even give my life but if anything under ultimatum, just forget about your demands," said Nitish.

Nitish added that there was a dearth of doctors in the state and the government was seriously working to keep the contract doctors on permanent pay scale.

Indian Medical Association, Bihar chapter president Sahjanand Prasad Singh said: "The person who runs the administration something speaks like that and I think whatever he had said to the doctors was on a lighter vein. At the same time, I have asked the BHSA not to go on a strike."

On the other hand, BHSA general secretary Ranjeet Kumar said they would stick to their decision. "Just by threatening the doctors will not help and our demands are genuine. He is the chief minister of the state and he must fulfil our demands," said Ranjeet.

However, Nitish said the demands could not be met in a day as the government would need time for it.