JNU ABVP protest over health centre facilities enters fifth day

An indefinite protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Jawaharlal Nehru University has continued over demands for improved healthcare facilities on campus and action following an alleged altercation involving student activists at the university’s Health Centre.

According to ABVP, more than 250 students have joined the sit-in, which began after activists visited the Health Centre over complaints concerning medical equipment, availability of specialist doctors and the treatment of patients.

The organisation has alleged that security personnel manhandled some of its activists during an argument at the Health Centre. ABVP has said three activists were injured in the incident. These allegations have not been independently verified.

What are the protesters demanding?

The protest has expanded beyond the alleged altercation, with ABVP calling for changes to the functioning of the university’s Health Centre.

The student organisation has demanded that essential medical equipment be made available, specialist doctors be adequately provided and students receive timely and appropriate medical care. It has also sought an inquiry into the functioning of the Health Centre and an audit covering its medical, administrative and financial operations.

Other demands include installation of CCTV cameras at the Health Centre, a formal grievance-redressal mechanism for students and the establishment of a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra on the JNU campus to provide medicines at affordable prices. ABVP has also sought action against security personnel it alleges were involved in the confrontation.

The organisation has called for the resignation of Chief Medical Officer Dr Fauzia and another staff member whom it has named in connection with its complaints.

Protest focuses on wider healthcare concerns

ABVP leaders have said the agitation is not restricted to the incident involving its activists. The organisation has raised concerns about the availability of medical equipment, specialist consultations and the way students seeking treatment are dealt with at the university facility.

JNU’s official website says its Health Centre has provided healthcare services to students since 1973. The university also lists specialist outpatient services, including cardiology, general and gastrointestinal surgery, and nephrology.

The university’s website also lists emergency contacts for the Health Centre and ambulance services.

As the sit-in continues, ABVP has said it will maintain the agitation until its demands relating to medical facilities and accountability are addressed.