Government doctors in Punjab began a three-day suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services starting Monday, affecting thousands of patients across the state. Around 2,500 doctors, under the banner of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), are protesting the government's failure to address their long-pending demands, particularly regarding the assured career progression (ACP) scheme and implementation of safety measures. Though emergency services remain functional, the disruption to regular healthcare services has left many patients struggling.
The protest began with a partial suspension of OPD services, from 8 am to 11 am, in the district, sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centres.
PCMSA president Dr Akhil Sarin emphasized that this phased protest aimed at pressing the government into meeting their demands. “We will continue this three-hour suspension till September 11. If the government fails to respond meaningfully, we will escalate our protest by suspending OPD services indefinitely from September 12,” he warned.
Initially, the protesting doctors had planned to indefinitely suspend medical services starting September 9. However, Dr Sarin clarified that, in response to an appeal from the Health Minister and an invitation for a meeting with the Finance Minister on Wednesday, the protest strategy was revised.
“Rather than a full-scale indefinite shutdown, we decided to limit the suspension of OPD services to a three-hour window from 8 am to 11 am each day for three days,” Dr Sarin explained. He noted that this adjustment was made in the interest of public welfare, demonstrating a willingness to negotiate and minimize disruption while still pressing for their demands.
A key demand of the doctors is the reinstatement of the ACP scheme, which ensures regular promotions and financial benefits for government employees. Dr Sarin highlighted the non-negotiable nature of this demand, adding that the state Health Minister’s promises of improved safety measures for medical staff have not been fulfilled. “Safety measures, promised by the state Health Minister, are yet to be implemented on the ground. Additionally, no formal notification regarding timely promotions, which is a key demand in the ongoing protest, has been issued by the government despite repeated meetings,” he added.
In hospitals across the state, patients bore the brunt of the suspended OPD services. Many had to wait hours for treatment, while others were forced to leave without consulting doctors or forcing them to opt for treatment in private establishments. Patients in major cities like Bathinda, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Patiala, and Jalandhar faced ordeals. Long queues were formed outside government hospitals as patients waited for doctors to resume their duties.
Doctors participating in the strike have also raised concerns about their safety in hospitals. Many cited instances of being manhandled by patients’ relatives and demanded that the government deploy security personnel at healthcare facilities to ensure the protection of medical practitioners and staff. “Female medical staff are particularly vulnerable to physical and sexual violence due to a lack of security arrangements,” said one of the protesting doctor in Bathinda.
A crucial meeting between PCMSA representatives and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether the doctors continue with their protests or reach a resolution with the government. If their demands are not met, the PCMSA has warned of a complete shutdown of OPD services starting September 12, which could further exacerbate the healthcare crisis in the state.
