Punjab Government Doctors to Strike for Three Hours Over Pending Demands, OPD Services to be Suspended

Punjab Government Doctors to Strike for Three Hours Over Pending Demands, OPD Services to be Suspended

Over 2,500 government doctors in Punjab will observe a three-hour strike starting Monday, suspending outpatient department (OPD) services at various health centers, including civil and district hospitals, in support of their demands. The strike, organized by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), will see OPD services halted from 8 am to 11 am between September 9 and 11. Emergency services, post-mortem, and medicolegal examinations will continue as normal during this period.

PCMSA President Dr. Akhil Sarin emphasized that the strike is intended to pressure the government to address the association’s key demands. These include the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, enhanced security measures for healthcare workers, prompt recruitment of medical officers, and the release of pending Central Pay Commission arrears. Dr. Sarin has warned that if the government fails to meet these demands, a full suspension of healthcare services could occur from September 12.

“Initially, we planned to fully suspend OPD services starting September 9 but decided to limit the action after the government requested moderation ahead of our scheduled meeting with the cabinet sub-committee on September 11,” said Dr. Sarin.

Though the Punjab government has made some moves to address concerns, including advertising 400 medical officer positions and forming health boards in each district, Dr. Sarin remains cautious. “Similar promises were made earlier this year, but nothing was implemented. We need to see real security measures at healthcare facilities operating 24/7,” he added.

Security at health centers is a major issue raised by the PCMSA. Many primary and community health centers are operating without security personnel, leaving staff vulnerable. A female doctor at a rural health center in Patiala shared her concerns, stating, “We often work at night without male staff or security, leaving us at risk of attack or harassment.”

In response to these concerns, Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director of Health Services, has directed civil surgeons to form six-member district health boards under the leadership of deputy commissioners. These boards, along with senior police officials, PCMS representatives, paramedical staff, and legal experts, will ensure the safety of healthcare workers at their workplaces.

These directions follow a recent meeting between PCMSA members and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, driven by the heightened security concerns after a woman doctor in Kolkata was tragically raped and murdered. The department has also ordered security audits at institutions with high footfall and stressed the need for CCTV cameras, improved lighting, and regular police patrols in dark areas. Hospital security and violence prevention committees will conduct audits quarterly to identify and resolve any gaps in security.

Additionally, all government health institutions must now maintain a five-member internal committee to address cases of sexual harassment, and institutional heads are required to file FIRs in the event of any violence against healthcare staff.

The ongoing strike and the potential escalation to a full shutdown highlight the growing discontent among Punjab’s medical professionals, who continue to demand better security and working conditions.