Strike by doctors hits services at Panchkula Civil Hospital

Routine medical care at the Sector 6 Civil Hospital was thrown into disarray on Monday as the two-day strike called by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association’s Action Committee entered its first day.

By mid-morning, corridors were crowded with anxious patients, many of whom had arrived expecting regular consultations. Instead, they found that most senior doctors were absent. The surgical wing bore the brunt of the disruption. No major or general surgeries were performed, and departments such as the ENT, ophthalmology and gynaecology restricted themselves strictly to emergencies. Hospital officials confirmed that close to 20 scheduled procedures had to be postponed.

The OPD functioned largely with temporary and substitute staff, who carried out preliminary checks but, in numerous cases, advised patients to come back once the strike concluded.

Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma made a surprise visit early in the day, instructing the hospital authorities to deploy additional help wherever gaps appeared and to ensure that essential services remained accessible.

To prevent a complete shutdown, the administration had drafted in reinforcements in advance. Doctors from Mullana Medical College, along with consultants, DNB trainees, NHM workers and ayurvedic practitioners, were spread across various units to stabilise services at the hospital.