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Punjab doctors to suspend OPD services for three days

Government doctors in Punjab are set to suspend outpatient department (OPD) services across the state from Monday (September 9) for three days to protest demanding assured career progression and other key reforms.

The Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association announced that OPD services will be halted for three hours daily — from 8 am to 11 am — until September 11 at district and sub-divisional hospitals and community health centers. The action comes amid dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of implementation of promised safety measures and the absence of a formal notification regarding timely promotions, despite ongoing discussions.

PCMS Association President Dr Akhil Sarin said that the union had initially planned an indefinite suspension of medical services starting September 9. However, in response to an appeal from the health minister and an invitation to meet with the finance minister on Wednesday, the association has opted for a scaled-back protest.

“We are reducing the scope of our protest to ensure patient well-being and public interest,” Dr Sarin told PTI. Emergency medical services will continue unaffected during the protest period.

He emphasized that the protest would persist until the government’s assurances are substantiated with concrete actions. The association expressed frustration with what they perceive as the government’s “lax attitude” and warned that trust in any future assurances will erode if their demands remain unmet.

Senior members of the PCMS Association raised concerns that delays in promotions might undermine the public healthcare system and potentially drive talented doctors away from government service. They also highlighted that neighboring states like Delhi and Haryana are already offering assured career progression (ACP) to their doctors, questioning whether Punjab’s medical professionals are expected to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The PCMS Association has warned that if the meeting scheduled for September 11 fails to yield significant results or if a promotion-related notification is not issued, a full strike could be initiated starting September 12. The ACP scheme is designed to provide financial benefits and higher pay scales to government employees.

The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await further developments from the upcoming meeting. CNBCTV18

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