104 govt doctors join agitation in Karnal; patients struggle to get ultrasound done

The strike by government doctors under the banner of Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) entered its third day on Wednesday, leaving patients –especially those requiring ultrasound services, struggling at Karnal District Civil Hospital. A total of 104 government doctors in the district remained off duty as part of their protest demanding stoppage of the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and implement the modified assured career progression (ACP) scheme. On the call of the state body, Karnal body also announced indefinite strike.

Despite efforts by the Health Department to ensure proper functioning of the essential services, ultrasound facilities at the District Hospital remained affected, forcing patients to wait for hours without any clarity. The patients had to wait since morning outside the ultrasound unit and later had to return to their homes or to go to private centres.

The OPD and other services were running smoothly for the last two days with alternative arrangements, including deployment of doctors from Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), NHM, dental surgeons, Ayush department, Ayushman empanelled private hospitals and others.

Anita, a woman had come to the hospital for the ultrasound of her son. She was distressed after learning that once again the doctors were on strike. “We came two days ago as well, and were told the doctors were on strike. Today again we were told the same thing,” she said.

Her son has been suffering from severe abdominal pain. “My son’s treatment is going on here. If doctors go on strike, patients will obviously suffer,” she said.

Another patient attendant, Dharam Singh, shared similar frustration. He visited the hospital for his wife’s ultrasound, as she needs to undergo surgery. “We are daily wage labourers. We have been coming here. After the two-day strike, we hoped things would improve, but the strike has continued again,” he said.

Civil Surgeon Dr Poonam Chaudhary said that coordination with the KCGMC was complete and all patients requiring ultrasound were referred there. “We have coordinated with Kalpana Chawla Medical College. No patient will face any trouble for these services,” she added.

“Despite the strike, all essential services, including OPD, deliveries and surgeries are functioning normally in the government hospitals. We have ensured that no patient faces any inconvenience. All facilities are being provided as before. While 104 regular doctors are on strike, doctors from KCGMC, dental doctors, Ayush department, NHM and other departments are working. Leaves of NHM staff have been cancelled, and 12 consultants have been deployed to manage services,” she said. Dr Sanjay Verma, district president HCMSA, said they would not resume duties till the fulfilment of the demands, which were already accepted by the CM around 16 months ago