OPD services hit as doctors go on strike, patients suffer

Health services across Patiala were thrown into disarray today as doctors went on strike, suspending outpatient department (OPD) services until afternoon, leaving scores of patients and their attendants stranded at the Civil Hospital.

The strike, led by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), is part of a phased protest. Akhil Sareen, president, PCMSA, said in the first phase, OPD services will remain suspended during the first half of the day until September 11. “If our demands are not met, we will escalate the strike by suspending OPD services throughout the day starting September 12,” Sareen warned.

The PCMS Association has been demanding the issuance of a long-pending promotion-related notification and has scheduled a crucial meeting with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday. The association has threatened to escalate the strike to full suspension of all medical services if no significant outcome is achieved in the meeting.

For patients, the strike has added to their misery. Sharanjit Kaur (60), an arthritis patient, said, “I came last month, but the doctors were protesting against the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata back then. Now, they are on strike again. I am in so much pain, but there is no one to attend to me,” she said, frustrated. Her relative had to take her back home again without treatment.

Jagshir (48), a resident from a village near Nabha, echoed similar woes. “I have been sick with fever and weakness for the past one week. Today, I came for a checkup, but the doctors are on strike. They told me to come back in the afternoon,” he said.

Puja Devi, (45), added, “While the rich can afford private hospitals, we depend on government services. It’s been almost two weeks with one protest or another disrupting the services here.”