Punjab doctors to go on indefinite strike on September 9, in support of demands
PTC News Desk: In a decisive move, the Punjab Civil Medical Service Association (PCMSA) has called for an indefinite strike starting September 9, affecting hospitals across Punjab. This decision comes after prolonged discussions with the Punjab government failed to yield meaningful results, leading the medical professionals to take this drastic step to press for their demands.
The strike announcement follows a series of meetings between the Bar Association and government officials, which, according to doctors, did not produce satisfactory outcomes. To prepare patients and minimise inconvenience, government doctors in Bathinda have proactively distributed leaflets outlining their demands and informing them about the impending strike.
The PGI Chandigarh Faculty Association has declared a complete shutdown of all outpatient department (OPD) services at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on August 17. This strike will affect routine consultations and treatments, but emergency and critical care services will remain operational.
The impact of this strike is expected to extend beyond PGIMER, as all OPD services in government hospitals across Punjab are likely to be disrupted. The strike is being held in solidarity with doctors in Kolkata who are protesting the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a government-run institution in West Bengal.
According to sources, doctors working in private practices will also be joining the strike and will not see patients on Saturday. However, private hospitals will continue to manage emergency cases only, ensuring that critical care remains available despite the widespread disruption.
This coordinated action reflects the broader concern within the medical community regarding safety and justice for healthcare professionals, particularly in light of recent tragic events.
Doctors have emphasised that their strike is a necessary measure to draw attention to systemic issues that hinder their ability to provide quality healthcare. They argue that without improvements to their working environment, the effectiveness of healthcare services will be compromised.
In recent years, there has been a notable exodus of experienced doctors from the Punjab Civil Medical Services. Many have resigned after years of service, citing dissatisfaction with working conditions and administrative inefficiencies as primary reasons for their departure.
The indefinite strike, set to begin on September 9, is expected to significantly disrupt medical services across the state. The PCMSA's action reflects deep frustration among doctors who feel their grievances have been consistently ignored by the government.
In response to the looming strike, the Punjab government has issued directives aimed at preventing the strike and ensuring the safety of medical personnel. A letter from the Punjab Health Department outlines plans to form committees focused on safeguarding doctors and preventing violent incidents in hospitals. The Health Minister has instructed all civil surgeons to establish a District Health Board, led by the District Commissioner (DC), to oversee these safety measures.
The situation remains tense as both sides await further developments, with the doctors' strike poised to have a substantial impact on healthcare services in Punjab.
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- With inputs from agencies
