9 september 2024 : Government doctors in Punjab suspended outpatient department (OPD) services for three hours across the state on Monday to push for their demands, such as the reinstatement of the assured career progression scheme and enhanced security measures for healthcare workers. The protest, organized by the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, will continue at district and sub-divisional hospitals and community health centers until September 11, according to the protesting doctors.
Patients visiting these government hospitals faced difficulties as OPD services were halted from 8 am to 11 am, although emergency services remained operational. Large numbers of patients arrived at the hospitals as usual and waited for OPD services to resume. Many left without seeing a doctor, while others were unable to get a consultation even after waiting for hours.
Ankit Rana, who had taken leave from work to see a doctor, said, “It usually takes half a day at the hospital, but I found out the OPD would only start at 11 am. With no other option, I waited, as I cannot take leave every day.”
Raj Kumar, who had come from Shimlapuri with his son suffering from a high fever, shared, “My son had a fever last night. I gave him a precautionary dose, but it hasn’t helped. He is crying, but we had to wait for the doctor.”
Shobha Rani from Tajpur Road said she would consult a private doctor, believing her turn would not come even if she waited. Similarly, Harish Lal from Shivpuri left after waiting for an hour, feeling unwell in the chaotic environment. “I’ll come back tomorrow, earlier,” he said.
Patients at Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala also faced inconvenience. Sukhdev Singh, who came from Devigarh for an eye check-up, said he only learned about the strike after reaching the hospital.
In Hoshiarpur, Harpreet Singh, a local resident, brought his father Sukhwinder Singh for treatment for a swollen leg. Unaware of the strike, he felt helpless, unable to afford private medical care due to financial constraints, and had no choice but to wait until the strike ended.
Malti Marwaha, 48, from Vijay Nagar in Hoshiarpur, went to the hospital for an eye check-up, only to learn about the strike. “I don’t know why the doctors are striking, but the government should ensure that poor patients who depend on government hospitals are not affected,” she said.
Vijay Kumar Behal, 70, of Sham Chaurasi, who traveled 22 km for depression treatment, expressed his frustration, saying, “The government should inform people in advance about such strikes so patients don’t waste time.”
A meeting between PCMS Association representatives and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Wednesday. The association warned that if no significant outcome emerges from the meeting and their demands are not met, a complete strike of all services will commence from Thursday.