Punjab Doctors Suspend OPD Services Statewide, Demand Better Security and Timely Promotions

Punjab Doctors Suspend OPD Services Statewide, Demand Better Security and Timely Promotions

Chandigarh: Government doctors across Punjab suspended outpatient department (OPD) services for three hours daily starting Monday, intensifying their protest for better security measures and timely promotions. The three-day strike, led by the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, has impacted OPD services in district and sub-divisional hospitals, as well as community health centres.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of safety protocols promised by the state health minister, which they say have not yet materialized on the ground. Another key issue fueling the protest is the lack of a formal government notification ensuring timely promotions, despite multiple meetings with officials.

“We had planned an indefinite suspension of medical services from September 9, but instead opted for a limited OPD shutdown from 8am to 11am for three days to avoid a complete disruption,” said Dr. Akhil Sarin, president of the PCMS Association.

While the strike has caused inconvenience to patients, many expressed solidarity with the doctors’ demands for better security in government hospitals. The protest comes amid rising concerns about the safety of medical staff and stagnation in career progression within the healthcare system.

The PCMS Association has warned that if their demands are not addressed, they may escalate the protest, raising concerns about further disruption in healthcare services across the state.