Services at hospital suspended for two hours

Doctors up in arms against proposal to restructure set-up

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 5

Opposing the government’s proposal of restructuring the administrative set-up of medical colleges in the state, hundreds of doctors, paramedics and nursing staff held a protest at Government Rajindra Hospital here today.

Raising slogans against the state government, protesters demanded that the proposal should be withdrawn in the interest of patients and medical fraternity. The doctors also took out a protest march on the hospital premises to highlight their concerns.

The protest was held under the banner of the Anti-Autonomous Joint Medical Action Group. The group has been formed to get the decision of the government revoked.

As part of the protest, OPDs and operation theatre services at the hospital, teaching in medical and dental colleges, and official work remained suspended from 9 am to 11 am. However, emergency services remained functional.

To clear the atmosphere of apprehensions about the restructuring, the Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers’ Association (PSMDTA), demanded a meeting of all stakeholders with the Chief Minister (CM).

Addressing the protesters, Diwan Bhullar, General Secretary, PSMDTA, said: “Ignoring the interest of patients and medical fraternity, the government is adamant on restructuring the administrative set-up of these colleges. We will go on an indefinite strike if the proposal comes into force.”

Amrik Singh, convener, Anti-Autonomous Joint Medical Action Group, said: “We had to reduce our protest to only two hours in the interest of the patients. Our aim was to raise our concerns.”

Patients suffer:

Patients were left exasperated as out-patient departments (OPDs) remained closed for two hours. Huge rush was witnessed at OPD registration block following the protest.

Warning letter

Before the agitation, the state government had warned the protesters of disciplinary action. In fact, a letter of taking action was issued by the Director Research and Medical Education (DRME). It read: “A day’s salary would be deducted under No Work No Pay direction by the state government.” Earlier, the action committee had announced 24-hour strike. However, the protesters decided to observe it only for two-hour. The PMSDTA strongly condemned the warning letter by the authorities.