Doctors initiate indefinite strike, OPD suspended for three hours
The patients at government hospitals faced inconvenience as the out-patient department (OPD) services remained suspended for the first three hours of the day with the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) cadre initiating its indefinite strike today.
During the protest, doctors raised slogans against the state government and accused it of running away from fulfilling its promises. The protest, being held under the banner of the PCMS Association, witnessed an impressive participation from the doctors.
Apart from Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial (JBMM) Civil Hospital in the city, services were also affected at Bakala Civil Hospital and Ajnala Civil Hospital, among other CHCs, PHCs and OOAT centres across the district.
Amritsar PCMSA president Dr Sumitpal Singh said, “With not avenues for promotion, the doctors are seeking revival of the assured career progression, which ensured a time-to-time promotion for medical professionals.” He said the government had suspended the scheme to not pay doctors their rightful dues.
Dr Madhur Poddar said incidents of violence against medical professionals were being reported daily but the government was indifferent. “After the boisterous claims to enhance security, the government functionaries are not even working in this regard,” said Dr Singh, adding that female employees at CHCs in far off areas feared for their life and dignity during night shifts.
The protesting doctors have also boycotted elective surgeries, medical examinations, reporting of various government schemes, official meetings and various other administrative assignments. The PCMSA has announced to intensify the protest after September 11 if the government fails to accept their demands. Association leaders stated that OPD services would be completely shut down from September 12.
Meanwhile the patients faced inconvenience as most of them were not aware of the strike. “It is going to be big trouble for poor patients who cannot afford to go to private hospitals if the protest continues,” said Raj Kumar, a patient.
