Docs give pamphlets stating demands to OPD patients

Adopting a novel way to let patients know about their demands before going on strike, Punjab Civil Medical Services doctors today distributed pamphlets among patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) of the Civil Hospital.

The Punjab Civil Medical Services Associa tion (PCMSA), Punjab, has announced an indefinite suspension of services across all public healthcare set-ups in the state from September 9 onwards over the unresolved issues of stalled Assured Career Progression scheme, pending 6th CPC arrears, security at workplace and other demands.

“Many times, patients are not aware about the strike and they also condemn us for going on protest. It is just a way to make them understand about our demands and the reason why we will be going on strike and in a way, also informing them about the coming strike,” said a PCMS doctor.

Akhil Sareen, state president of the PCMS Association, Punjab, said government health institutes in the state were working at half the capacity. In addition to seeing patients, doctors were burdened with other works such as VIP and emergency duties, post-mortem examinations and also medico- legal cases.

There are 4,600 sanctioned posts of doctor in the state, of which 2,800 are lying vacant. “Doctors in the government sector are over burdened and understaffed,” he said.

The two-page pamphlet mentions about real issues being faced by the doctors and their demands.