Relief for patients as doctors call off protest in Amritsar

Patients to government hospitals heaved a sigh of relief as the doctors announced to end their protest against the state government on the assurance of the implementation of the assured career progression (ACP) scheme and security at workplaces here on Saturday.

The decision was announced by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) after a meeting with Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday. The doctors at the government hospital had been protesting against the government since Monday.

During the initial days of the protest, the PCMS Association had boycotted the outpatient department (OPD) services for three hours daily. However, it was later extended to full day instead of three days. Later on Friday, the association had again decreased the duration of the boycott of the OPD services to three hours daily.

Apart from the boycott of the OPD services, the doctors had also stopped elective surgeries, medical examinations and other administrative assignments. PCMSA Amritsar unit president Dr Sumitpal Singh said, “All services have been restored with immediate effect. Now, the patients can avail the OPD services as usual from Monday.” Dr Sumitpal Singh said the government had promised to fulfil their demands in a time-bound manner.

The PCMS Association stated that the doctors would devote two hours extra in the OPD on Monday and Tuesday next week to make up for the period of protest. The association said it is committed to the cause of providing better medical services to the patients.

Association general secretary Dr Madhur Poddar said, “The demands like recruitment of doctors and safety at hospitals are also concerned with the general public. In a way, the patients would be able to get better services if there are more doctors available.” Dr Poddar said they are thankful to the government for accepting their demands.