OPD services hit as doctors go on strike in Ludhiana, patients suffer

The out-patient department (OPD) services remained suspended for the first half of the day at all public health centres, which included all community health centres, subdivisional hospitals and district hospitals for the second day in a row. Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) doctors were on a strike, creating unwanted hardships for patients.

In view of the persistent insistence of the government to moderate the call for a few days, the PCMSA had decided to shut OPDs for three hours. A meeting is called tomorrow with the Cabinet sub-committee to resolve the issue.

Patients had a tough time as they longed for the arrival of doctors in the OPD. Moreover, after the OPDs became functional, not all the patients were able to see the doctor and many returned without consultation.

Hemant Kumar of Transport Nagar had an appointment with the doctor but upon reaching the hospital, he came to know about the strike.

“I am waiting here since last two hours and I am not sure if I will be able to meet the doctor or no,” he said.

Similar was the situation of Geeta from Karimpura who came to see her gynaecologist. “The doctor came at 11 am today and it’s already 1 pm and I am still waiting for my turn,” she said.

The PCMSA moderated the first phase call by deciding to close down the OPD for the first half only. Moreover, the emergency and MCH services continued uninterrupted, said Dr Akhil Sareen, state president, PCMSA, Punjab.

Notably, the second phase, planned from September 12 onwards may well witness a complete closure of OPDs and suspension of related services.

The PCMSA has once again conveyed the government that till the time the demands, specifically the ACPs and security arrangements are materialised through the required notifications, the call for the indefinite suspension of services will stay as the cadre now looks well poised for a decisive battle ahead, said Dr Sareen.