OPD services affected as 2,500 doctors go on strike across Punjab

Chandigarh: With over 2,500 doctors on strike in Punjab today to press for their demands, health services in government hospitals across the state are being affected.

The demands of the doctors included restoration of career progression scheme and ensuring safety norms. However, emergency services and ICUs will not be affected by this strike. As per the indefinite strike call given by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association, OPD services will remain suspended for three hours from 8 am till September 11.

President of the Association. Akhil Sarin said that in a slight change in the strike by the organization, OPD services will be closed from 8 am to 11 am from September 9 to 11, which will run from 11 am to 2 pm.

There will be no medical, general medical and recruitment medical and dope tests etc. for driving license and arms license. At the same time, no VIP duty will be done.

Dr. Sarin said that though the doctors had prepared to close everything in the first phase, but after the appeal made by the Health Minister and the invitation for the Association’s September 11 meeting with the Finance Minister as a Cabinet Sub-Committee, the doctors have reduced their protest a bit keeping in mind the patients and public interest.