Doctors’ stir: Patients continue to face trouble in Ludhiana

The complete suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services by Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) doctors continued for the second day today. The OPDs wore a deserted look as slowly patients are getting aware of the strike and work being boycotted by the doctors. Only a few patients were seen coming in and out of the OPDs.

On an average, 2,000 patients visit Civil Hospital’s OPDs every day as the hospital caters to the entire district. Patients who visted the hospital started returning after enquiring from the main reception area. They are now being told to visit Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) as medical services are available there. There are 94 AACs in the district. The medical services are also suspended at district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres.

A senior citizen, Harvinder Singh, from the Kakowal Road area came to the hospital for getting his medicines for diabetes. “On reaching here, I was told to go to a nearby Aam Aadmi Clinic or visit again tomorrow. I will visit the hospital again on Saturday,” he said.

Another patient, Roopa, from Haibowal, who came to get her medicine for which she needs a stamp from the doctor on her OPD slip, said: “I came yesterday also and has to return due to doctors’ protest and today also no doctor is available,” she said.

Gagan had come to get his arms licence medical examination done but on reaching the place he came to know about the strike. “Though there is no emergency and I can wait for the same, patients are having a difficult time,” he said.

Dr Akhil Sareen, president of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), said they had conveyed to the government that till the time their demands, specifically the ACPS and security arrangements, were materialised through a notification, the indefinite suspension of services would be continued as the cadre now looks well poised for a decisive battle ahead.

Stir to continue till notification: PCMSA

Dr Akhil Sareen, president of the PCMSA, said they had conveyed to the government that till the time their demands were materialised through a notification, the indefinite suspension of services would be continued as the cadre now looks well poised for a decisive battle ahead.