PCMSA highlighted the current shortage of doctors in Punjab, with only 2,800 employed against a sanctioned strength of 4,600.
Punjab Doctors Strike Latest News Today, Why are they protesting? Starting today, over 2,500 government doctors in Punjab will observe a three-hour strike daily in support of their demands, leading to the suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services at health centers, including civil and district hospitals.
Emergency services, post-mortem, and medicolegal examinations will continue as usual despite the strike. Meanwhile, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department has issued guidelines to prevent violence against healthcare professionals.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), which organized the strike, announced that OPD services will be suspended from 8 AM to 11 AM from September 9 to September 11. Dr. Akhil Sarin, president of the PCMSA, warned that if their demands are not addressed, there could be a complete suspension of health services starting September 12.
"Initially, the doctors had planned a full OPD suspension starting September 9, but after a request from the Punjab government to moderate the strike until they met with the cabinet sub-committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on September 11, the doctors decided to limit the strike.
Why are doctors protesting in Punjab?
The association’s key demands include the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, the implementation of security measures for healthcare workers (HCWs), timely recruitment of medical officers (MOs), and the release of pending arrears from the Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Earlier meetings this week between the PCMSA and Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with other officials, failed to yield any resolution.
The PCMSA highlighted the current shortage of doctors in Punjab, with only 2,800 employed against a sanctioned strength of 4,600.
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