Punjab Doctors' OPD Strike Causes Disruption

Patients at government hospitals in Punjab faced significant inconvenience as doctors suspended outpatient department (OPD) services for three days, starting Thursday. The strike, led by the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, aims to press the government to reinstate the promised assured career progression (ACP) scheme and improve security measures for healthcare professionals.

Patients at government hospitals in Punjab encountered major disruptions as doctors initiated a three-day suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services beginning on Thursday. This move, organized by the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, follows a lack of written assurances from the state government to meet their demands.

According to the protesting doctors, a recent meeting with the Punjab Cabinet sub-committee yielded an in-principle agreement to restore the assured career progression (ACP) scheme. However, the doctors did not receive formal communication confirming this, prompting the strike.

Dr. Akhil Sarin of the PCMSA highlighted discrepancies between the government's communication and the actual proceedings of the sub-committee meeting. The PCMSA is urging that the next scheduled meeting be moved up. Meanwhile, patients like 80-year-old Kuldeep Kaur, who traveled 15 kilometers for treatment, remain in the lurch, amplifying calls for a swift resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)