Docs to resume protest on Jan 20 over unfulfilled promises
Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) doctors are set to resume their protest on January 20, citing the state government’s failure to issue notification addressing their demands despite multiple rounds of talks.
Dr Baljinder Singh, executive member of the PCMS Association’s state body, announced the decision, highlighting key unresolved issues such as inadequate security measures, stalled career progression and acute staff shortages.
Speaking to the media here today, Dr Singh noted that nearly 2,500 PCMS doctors across Punjab were prepared to participate in the protest, triggered by what he described as the government’s inaction despite prior assurances.
He stated, “While the Health Department had readied proposals addressing critical concerns such as security, career advancement and staff shortages, no official notification has been issued so far, leaving us with no choice but to escalate our efforts.”
The association commended the government’s steps, including the recruitment of 304 medical officers and efforts to introduce a new higher education policy for the cadre. However, Dr Singh emphasized the urgent need for written confirmation of these measures, especially concerning security provisions and the reinstatement of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.
Last September, PCMS doctors staged a week-long protest, garnering public support for their demands. The protest concluded after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann intervened and assured of timely resolution through written commitments. However, the absence of tangible progress since then has rekindled frustration among the medical community.
The PCMS Association plans to outline its future course of action during a press conference on January 19.
