OPD services hit as PGI doctors go on indefinite strike in Chandigarh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 12
Hundreds of patients were left in the lurch for the second time in a span of few days, as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) today indefinitely suspended all elective services in support of the nationwide protest against the alleged rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata.
Recently, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the PGIMER Employees’ Union had carried out a ‘no-work’ protest against non-fulfilment of their demands.
Around 1,500 resident doctors of the PGIMER participated in the protest today. The protesting doctors had carried out a candlelight march last evening and a protest march around the campus this morning. “We stand in solidarity with our colleague, who was murdered, and the authorities are tightlipped. We demand justice. It has become a trend to target doctors,” said a protesting doctor.
A day after the Chief Justice of India (CJI) appreciated the medical practitioners at the PGIMER, the strike by resident doctors hassled patients. The first day of the week usually receives heavy rush of patients in the OPDs. Since the work was suspended, patients were at the receiving end.
“My mother is having severe pain in her right ear and was referred here (PGI) for some tests. It’s been over four hours that I am waiting for my turn. I don’t think my mother will get proper treatment today,” said Amrinder, who reached here from Cheeka Mandi (near Patiala).
“The doctors have the right to protest, but they should have considered the patients’ needs. We are helpless and have to approach private hospitals. My son is suffering from a chest disease,” said Chand Singh from Jammu.
“We understand the gravity of the situation and the concerns raised by our residents. The incident in West Bengal is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals. While we stand in solidarity with the nationwide movement, we are equally committed to ensuring that patient care remains our utmost priority,” said Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER. He added, “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with representatives of resident doctors to address their concerns while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.”
“We didn’t expect such a situation today. There are a large numbers of resident doctors who take care of patients on a regular basis. However, today, it was a complete chaos,” said a security guard deputed at the hospital.
The Emergency services at the PGIMER were also hit. The treatment of many critical patients was delayed at the Advanced Trauma Centre. “We are trying our best to keep the situation normal, but the huge rush of patients is not easy to handle for a limited number of doctors,” said a senior doctor.
To manage the impact of the strike, Prof Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, announced that the PGIMER had mobilised all available resources to ensure medical services. “Emergency services, including operation theatre and ICU, will continue as usual with resident doctors in place to handle critical cases,” he said.
No new OPD registration today
The patients’ misery is likely to continue on Tuesday as well, as the OPD registration will be allowed only for follow-up (old) patients from 8 am to 9:30 am. No new patient will be registered. The arrangements (for indoor patients) will be made by the departments concerned. The indoor admissions shall be restricted to Emergency cases. The timings at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, and Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, are also likely to be affected on Tuesday.
