Doctors start indefinite strike, OPD suspended for 3 hours

Patients at government hospitals faced lots of 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 from Monday.

During the protest, doctors raised slogans against the state government and alleged that the ruling dispensation was running from fulfilling its promises. The protest being held under the banner of the PCMS Association witnessed impressive participation of doctors.

Apart from Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial (JBMM) Civil Hospital in the city, the services for the general public were also affected at the Bakala Civil Hospital and the Ajnala Civil Hospital, community health centres (CHCs), primary health centres (PHCs), and outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres across the district.

PCMSA Amritsar president Dr Sumitpal Singh said, “As there are no avenues for promotion, doctors are seeking revival of assured career progression which ensures time to time promotions for medical professionals.” He said the government had suspended the scheme as it did not want to pay doctors their rightful dues.

Dr Madhur Poddar said incidents of violence against medical professionals were being reported daily, but the government seemed to be indifferent. “After the boisterous claims to enhance security, the government functionaries are not even working in this regard,” Dr Singh said, while adding that women employees at the CHCs in far off areas feared for their life and dignity during their night shifts.

The protesting doctors also boycotted elective surgeries, medical examinations, reporting of various government schemes, official meetings and various other administrative assignments. The PCMSA has announced that it would intensify the protest after September 11 if the government failed to accept their demands. Association leaders said OPD services would be completely shutdown from September 12.

Meanwhile, patients faced inconvenience as most of them were not aware of the strike. “Poor patients, who cannot afford to go to private hospitals, would face big trouble if the protest continues,” said Raj Kumar, a patient.