Doctors went on strike on Thursday, disrupting all outpatient department (OPD) services and other medical functions at Punjab’s government-run health institutions. If the state government does not comply with the medical community’s requests, the suspension, which is a part of their bigger protest, will last until September 15. Elective surgeries, regular medical exams for firearms and driver’s licenses, and other non-emergency treatments will not be provided at state government hospitals as a result of this strike. Emergency medical services are still available, though.
The doctors’ demands for enhanced safety precautions and the reinstatement of ensured career progression (ACP) are the cause of the walkout. Leading the demonstration, the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has voiced its displeasure with the government’s response. Following a meeting with a cabinet subcommittee, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, and PCMSA representatives, a provisional agreement was reached to address these concerns. In spite of this, the PCMSA has expressed disapproval of the government’s written guarantees, contending that they inaccurately represent the discussions and neglect to address the reinstatement of ACPs, which the subcommittee had agreed in principle.
The PCMSA president, Dr. Akhil Sarin, stressed that physicians are requesting that ACP be fully implemented in six weeks. Patients experienced severe hardship as a result of the strike, especially those from isolated locations who had to turn away from district and sub-divisional hospitals without access to healthcare. The strike prevented patients like Bachan Singh, who sought treatment for high blood pressure, and Karmo Devi, who required care for age-related concerns, from seeing doctors.
Patients are distressed about the situation and have voiced sympathy for the physicians’ cause as well as anxiety over the disruption of vital health services. Supporters of the strike, including labor and farmer organizations like Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union and BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), led a gathering at the civil hospital organized by doctors. These organizations participated in the protest to draw attention to the continuous conflict between healthcare providers and the state government by putting pressure on the government to accede to the physicians’ requests.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
