Punjab doctors to go on indefinite strike from September 9

Amritsar, August 26

The doctors at government hospitals have threatened to initiate an indefinite suspension of services at all public healthcare facilities across the state from September 9 to protest against the lack of timely promotions and release of arrears of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), the representative body of the government doctors, stated that the detailed action plan of the protest would be released later this week. The protest by the doctors is expected to cripple the medical services.

Regarding the issue of ensuring safety of doctors at workplace after the recent rape and murder of a medico at a medical college in Kolkata, the PCMSA stated that they hope that Health Minister Balbir Singh would fulfil his promise of providing security by the end of this month.

However, the association stated that till the time they see any results on the ground, they would wait and watch before taking up the issue again. The doctors had earlier this month held protests demanding security at the workplace.

PCMSA general secretary Manish Poddar said, “The association representatives have been called for a meeting with the administrative secretary of the Health Department on August 27. Much would depend on the outcome of this meeting.”