Punjab doctors extend strike as association leader shifted
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 1
Doctors working in Punjab Government-run health facilities who observed a daylong strike today have decided to continue their agitation on Friday as well after an association leader heading the protest in Bathinda was transferred to Fazilka.
PCMSA threatens to intensify agitation
Transferring an association leader amid the protest is sheer victimisation. We may go in for an indefinite stir if the transfer orders aren’t cancelled. Dr Gagandeep Shergill, PCMSA a senior Vice-President
The patients were at the receiving end across Punjab as OPDs, elective surgeries and online consultations remained suspended, though emergency and Covid-related services functioned as usual.
Dr Gurmail Singh, Bathinda district president of the Punjab Civil Medical Services’ Association (PCMSA), was shifted from the Bathinda Civil Hospital to the Primary Health Centre at Panj Kosi village in Fazilka district.
The doctors have been opposing the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission delinking non-practicing allowance (NPA) from basic pay. The move, the doctors claim, would adversely hit their salary and pension benefits. The call for the strike was given by the Joint Punjab Government Doctors’ Coordination Committee, which has members from the PCMSA. The strike is being supported by Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association, Rural Medical Officers’ Association, Punjab Dental Medical Officers Association and the Punjab Ayurveda Officers Association, besides the medical and dental teachers’ associations. The protesters plan to meet Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Saturday.
In Bathinda, the OPD work was completely suspended at all government hospitals. In Patiala, the patients visiting Government Rajindra Hospital’s OPD ward had to wait for hours.
