Sirsa Civil Hospital OPD witnesses long queues

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, July 15

Doctors and Health Department employees affiliated with the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association went on strike on Monday to press their demands. The strike lasted from 9 am to 11 am, during which the Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the district Civil Hospital were halted, causing inconvenience to patients.

The OPD witnessed long queues as Monday being a busy day Monday is a busy day and patients had to wait for hours outside, only to find that doctors were on strike.

The strike left patients, including pregnant women, disabled individuals, children, and the elderly, waiting in the sweltering heat without treatment. Sarbjit from Kalanwali village, who had brought her son for treatment, was unaware of the strike and had to endure hours of discomfort. The situation was aggravated as even the OPD slip service was suspended until after the strike ended, resulting in a sudden rush once the service resumed at 11:30 am.

Patients expressed their frustration, citing the lack of prior notice about the strike and the absence of alternative arrangements. Ravi from Sirsa, whose financial situation prevented him from seeking private care, highlighted the need for the government to ensure substitute doctors are available during strikes to avoid such disruptions. Deep Kaur from Kelnia village, who had come for her son’s ultrasound, was dismayed after spending money on travel, only to find the doctors absent. She criticised the lack of contingency plans for patient care during the strike.

The doctors, led by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Budh Ram, stated that they had previously raised their demands with the government, including addressing the shortage of doctors and specialists, creating a separate cadre for specialists, halting direct recruitment of SMOs, and increasing the PG bond amount. Despite assurances from former Health Minister Anil Vij, no action had been taken, forcing them to strike.

Civil Surgeon Dr Mahendra Bhadu assured that emergency services continued during the strike and promised to investigate the suspension of OPD slip services.

Meanwhile, the doctors have warned of an indefinite strike from July 25 if their demands were not met.