Doctors in Banka district boycotted OPD services on Wednesday following a call from the Bihar Health Services Association. This protest was in response to a violent incident involving the Civil Surgeon at Arwal Sadar Hospital. As a result, OPD services remained closed at Sadar Hospital Banka and various other government hospitals across the district, causing inconvenience to hundreds of patients, many of whom had to return without treatment. Emergency services, however, continued to operate normally.

Dr. Shailendra Kumar, In-charge Deputy Superintendent of Sadar Hospital Banka, stated that despite five days passing since the incident at Arwal Sadar Hospital, no concrete legal or administrative action has been taken against the culprits. This has created an atmosphere of insecurity and anger among doctors. He urged the government to take strong measures for the safety of doctors and strict action against those involved in the incident. Dr. Kumar warned that if prompt action is not taken, doctors might intensify their protest.

Unaware of the strike, a large number of patients arrived at Sadar Hospital from early morning. Patients reported that they had no information about the strike and came for treatment. After waiting for several hours, they could not receive medical attention and had to return. Patients from remote rural areas faced particular difficulties. Alpana Singh, Health Manager of Rajaun, also confirmed that OPD services were closed on Wednesday, while emergency services remained operational.