Punjab doctors have geared up against the Punjab government for failing to meet their long pending demands regarding ACP and security. Health services in government hospitals of Punjab may collapse. People may have to wander for treatment as doctors led by Punjab Civil Medical Services Association have decided to go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow. This decision has been taken after the general body meeting of Punjab Civil Medical Services Association on Sunday. According to the association’s president Akhil Sarin, it has been decided to keep OPD services closed in the first phase from 8 am to 11 am every day from Monday. Apart from this, pre-scheduled operations will also not be conducted except for cesarean and emergency services.
The fight will take place in three phases
The organization will hold this protest in three phases for its demands. The first phase will start from September 9 and continue till September 11. During the first phase from September 9 to 11, suspension of OPD services for the first half (8 am to 11 am), elective OT (except caesarean section and life saving surgeries) and any trauma services other than emergency will not be provided. During the second phase from September 12 to 15, complete closure of OPD services, elective OT (except caesarean section and life saving surgeries) and any trauma services other than emergency will not be provided at all. During the third phase starting after September 16, all the above disrupted services will continue to be closed and if no notification is received on ACP, the association may consider suspending medicolegal tests also during the second week of the agitation.
Cabinet sub-committee will hold a meeting with doctors
The association is also scheduled to have a meeting with the Cabinet Sub Committee on September 11, in which all their demands will be considered. The association is protesting for the safety of doctors and medical staff in the hospital and for issuing orders for regular salary hike. Association President Akhil Sarin said that until the notification of their salary hike is not issued on time, they will not withdraw their strike call. Now the Cabinet Sub Committee has decided to hold a meeting with the doctors on September 11. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema will chair this meeting, in which all the demands of the doctors will be considered.
Doctors did not even listen to the orders to form committees
In an attempt to stop the strike, the Punjab government issued a letter late Saturday evening, but the doctors are not ready to accept it. Orders have been given to form committees for the safety of doctors. According to the letter issued by the Health Department of Punjab, the committees will be under the DC. According to the letter issued, a committee will be formed for security in hospitals and a committee to prevent violent incidents. The Health Minister of Punjab has asked all the civil surgeons of Punjab to form a committee under the DC, which will be named District Health Board. The board will be headed by the DC and the Commissioner. It will include the Police Commissioner or SSP, Civil Surgeon, Principal Medical College, Medical Superintendent, Punjab Medical Association and social service organizations, as well as legal advisors and experts.