As part of their second phase of agitation, Punjab’s doctors’ protest has resulted in the entire suspension of OPD and other medical services at government health institutions. The demands for improved safety measures for healthcare workers and the reinstatement of Assured Career Progression (ACP) are what are fueling the protest.
Government health facilities in Punjab would not be providing outpatient department (OPD) treatments, elective surgeries, or medical examinations necessary for government jobs, driving licenses, or weapons licenses starting on Thursday and lasting until September 15. But emergency services are still available. The doctors’ decision to halt these services is indicative of their seriousness about their demands, which include prompt restoration of ACPs and enhanced security.
These issues were discussed at a recent meeting between Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, members of a cabinet subcommittee, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA). Although there was an agreement in principle to expedite and fulfill the demands, the written promises from the government have not satisfied the PCMSA. The association contends that these assurances omit to mention the reinstatement of halted ACPs and do not accurately represent the choices made by the cabinet subcommittee.
The PCMSA President, Dr. Akhil Sarin, stressed that one of their requests is the complete implementation of ACP in a span of six weeks. The PCMSA made the decision to halt OPD services in protest over the persisting problems. Patients, many of whom had traveled from distant places to receive medical attention, have experienced severe inconvenience as a result of this stoppage.
For example, Bachan Singh could not see a doctor because of the strike when he arrived to Bathinda Civil Hospital from Sangat Mandi for treatment of high blood pressure. Karmo Devi had to return without medical care after traveling 20 km from Sehjara village to Barnala Civil Hospital for age-related illnesses.
Numerous groups have also expressed support for the physicians’ protest. At a rally at the civic hospital, activists from the labor union Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union and the farmer organization BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) expressed support for the demands of the physicians and urged the government to take action.
In conclusion, the strike has caused a disruption in vital medical services throughout Punjab, underscoring physicians’ extreme annoyance over unresolved concerns about career advancement and workplace safety. The current state of affairs emphasizes how urgently the government must respond to the demands of the doctors in order to get healthcare services back to normal.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
