Patients across Punjab are bracing for a severe disruption in healthcare services from Monday onwards as the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has announced an indefinite strike starting September 9.
The strike, which will initially suspend outpatient department (OPD) services from September 9 to 11, will mean that routine consultations and elective surgeries will be put on hold. During this period, only emergency trauma cases and caesarean sections — both elective and emergency — will be performed. As the strike progresses into its second phase from September 12 to 15, the situation may worsen, with a potential complete halt to medico-legal examinations if the standoff continues into the third phase starting September 16.
The decision to strike comes after protracted negotiations with the Punjab Government failed to address critical issues faced by the medical community. Doctors are protesting against stalled career progressions, unpaid arrears from the Sixth Pay Commission, and insufficient security measures at healthcare facilities.
The current strain on Punjab’s healthcare system is exacerbated by a significant shortage of medical staff, with 2,800 out of 4,600 sanctioned doctor positions remaining vacant. This shortfall has left the remaining doctors overburdened with additional responsibilities, including VIP duties, postmortems, and medico-legal cases.
Patients seeking medical care will face considerable challenges during the strike. Non-emergency procedures will be postponed, leading to longer wait times and increased pressure on emergency services. Those requiring routine medical examinations or general medical services will find their appointments canceled or delayed, potentially exacerbating existing health issues. Additionally, essential tasks such as reporting on dengue cases will continue, but other routine reporting and examinations will be halted.
The strike’s impact extends beyond immediate healthcare services. The Punjab Government has issued directives to address security concerns and maintain safety within healthcare facilities. New measures include forming District Health Boards under the leadership of District Commissioners, with the boards tasked with overseeing security and preventing violence in hospitals. Police stations near busy health centers have been instructed to stay alert, and hospitals are to display emergency contact numbers prominently.
Moreover, the Health Minister has mandated that patients will now be allowed only one attendant per hospital visit, with all staff required to wear ID cards. These steps aim to improve security but may add to the challenges faced by patients and their families during the strike.
The announcement of this indefinite strike reflected deep-seated frustrations among doctors over systemic issues within the Punjab healthcare system. Recent tragic events, including an assault on a junior doctor in Kolkata, have heightened awareness and solidarity among medical professionals, further fueling the current unrest. The strike represented a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and effective reforms.
