Services unaffected amid docs’ strike: Panchkula Civil Surgeon

Despite the indefinite strike called by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA), healthcare delivery at the Civil Hospital continued to run smoothly. Civil Surgeon Dr Mukta Kumar claimed the hospital remained stable throughout the day, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

However, the strike’s wider impact was visible across the state. Many OPD rooms remained without doctors, leading to hours-long waiting time and a sharp decline in patient turnout. Some patients left without consultations, while X-ray services collapsed temporarily due to a server failure that halted machines. Surgical theatres were also affected, with no procedures performed in orthopaedics or general surgery and only essential cases handled in ENT, gynaecology and ophthalmology. With talks between the government and protesting doctors still inconclusive, a quick resolution appeared unlikely.

Kumar, however, maintained that the OPD witnessed a footfall of around 3,500 patients across various clinical departments. She noted that patients received timely consultations and treatment and there were no major delays reported.

The Civil Surgeon confirmed that critical emergency services, including medico-legal work and post-mortem examinations operated without disruption. Essential care units also continued to function normally.

Although the absence of some Medical Officers and Senior Medical Officers was recorded due to the strike, the hospital managed its workload with approximately 130 doctors on duty each day.