Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 8
Even as the state government has shown no sign of distress due to the ongoing protest by different sections of employees in the Health Department so far, it has already started affecting the poor patients at government hospitals.
Patientspeak
The government is indifferent towards the plight of employees as well as the general public. If it cares, it should sternly ask the employees to resume their duties or accept their demands. The indecisiveness on the part of the government is causing trouble for the poor patients. Harinder Kaur, a resident of Chheharta
The private hospitals and clinics are already out of the common man's reach. The government must at least ensure best possible heathcare to residents. Sanjeev Kumar, A patient
Protesterspeak
We lifted the protest outside the residence of the Health Minister after assurances from him. If no decision will be taken on our demand of regularisation, we will initiate a hunger strike outside the residence of the Health Minister Tripta Sharma, a leader of ASHA Workers’ Union
Harinder Kaur, a resident of Chheharta, said: “The government is indifferent towards the plight of employees as well as the general public. If it cares, it should sternly ask the employees to resume their duties or accept their demands.” She said the indecisiveness on the part of the government is causing trouble for the poor patients.
Another patient Sanjeev Kumar said: “The private hospitals and clinics are already out of the common man’s reach.” He said the government must at least ensure best possible heathcare to residents.
The employees including the nursing staff, contractual clerical workers and ANMs are vigorously continuing with their protests, as they feel that sooner or later the government would feel the pressure because of the upcoming Assembly election.
The nursing staff under the Medical Education and Research Department and Health Department held demonstrations at their health institutions for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The protesting employees have also boycotted emergency and operation theatre duties.
The indoor patients departments at government hospitals are mostly managed by the nursing staff along with resident doctors. As employees are away from their nursing stations, patients are devoid of the nursing care which is crucial in recovery.
Lakhwinder Kaur Samra, vice-president, Punjab Nursing Association, said: “We have boycotted all services till the time the government accepts our demands.” She said they had served a prior notice to their respective administrations before initiating the protest.
Meanwhile, ASHA workers who are already continuing with their protest outside the residence of PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu have announced to wait for the Cabinet meeting scheduled on Thursday.
Tripta Sharma, a leader of the ASHA Workers Union, said: “We lifted the protest outside the residence of the Health Minister after assurances from him.” She said if no decision was taken on their demand of regularisation, they would initiate a hunger strike outside the residence of the Health Minister.
The contractual clerical and support staff workers with the Health Department are also agitating to get their services regularised.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.