About 2,500 government physicians in Punjab have declared their intention to begin an indefinite strike on January 20, 2025. This decision comes after the AAP-led state government failed to deliver on key commitments, including restoring guaranteed career progression (DACP) for physicians and providing sufficient security at healthcare facilities. In September 2024, the doctors had already gone on strike for a week, but they called it quits after the government promised to meet their requests within a certain amount of time. The doctors are now restarting their strike action, nevertheless, as no significant progress has been made.
The severe lack of medical specialists in the state is one of the primary causes of the continuous discontent. There is a 54% deficit of specialists and a 43% lack of MBBS physicians in Punjab. Approximately 1,600 of the 2,689 specialized doctor positions are still open, while nearly 1,000 of the 2,293 MBBS doctor slots are still open. The healthcare system, which already finds it difficult to meet the requirements of the populace, is under tremendous strain as a result of this scarcity.
The general body of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) convened on January 1, 2025, and unanimously agreed to restart the strike on January 20, according to Dr. Akhil Sarin, the association’s president. The walkout is primarily in response to the delayed implementation of promised security measures and the failure to issue notices regarding the reinstatement of DACP in the manner it existed prior to July 1, 2022. The government’s lack of action in hiring paramedical personnel and regular MBBS medical officers has also angered the doctors.
Although the PCMSA recognizes that such a step is challenging, they feel it is essential to avert the state’s public healthcare system from collapsing. Even if the association’s measures are painful, Dr. Sarin stressed that they are necessary to ensure a better healthcare system. In accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives for healthcare worker safety, the doctors are calling for not only job stability and professional advancement but also sufficient protection and a comfortable working environment.
In order to guarantee smooth healthcare delivery and rebuild confidence among healthcare professionals, the doctors are optimistic that the government would keep its promises within the allotted period. More information on the planned protest will be provided during the PCMSA’s next meeting, which is scheduled for January 12, 2025, in Moga.
SOURCE :
INDIAN EXPRESS
