State health minister Banna Gupta on Wednesday asked healthcare providers and medicine shop owners to serve people without fear.

He was interacting with more than 100 private nursing home operators and medicine shop owners at his Samvad (personal interaction) programme, which was organised for the first time after the change of government in the state.

The programme started at 11.30am and continued till 2pm.

Amar Kumar Sinha, secretary of the Jharkhand Chemist and Druggist Association, complained to the minister about harassment by drug inspectors.

“In case any drug inspector comes and harasses you without any justified reason, kindly send his photo and if possible a recording of his voice; we will take action against him within 48 hours,” Gupta told Amar Sinha.

Dr Anant Sinha, president of the Association of Health Care Providers (India), presented a charter of demands. The demands included a single-window system for all clearances of hospitals and nursing homes such as pollution, disposal of medical and non-medical waste, smoother functioning of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, rebate in electricity tariff, availability of land on outright sale, and concessions to local healthcare organisations.

“Do your job fearlessly,” Gupta said. “I am always with you people. I am your brother, not minister. I will discuss all the issues with the department concerned and do all that is required for the betterment of health services in the state.”

Later, delivering a short speech, the minister said he would communicate one to one with each stakeholder of health services. He promised to collect “correct feedback” and “act properly” to improve the system to ensure better health care for people of the state.

“The minister is very positive. I see great potential in him,” Dr Sinha said later.