PCMSA to resume strike over unmet demands
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) today said it would “resume” the call for suspension of medical services in the state from January 20 as the government had failed to issue notifications implementing their demands even 16 weeks after it had agreed to do so.
Restoration of the dynamic assured career progression scheme for doctors, making up the large deficiency of medical officers, specialists and paramedics and provision of adequate security measures at health centres were among the demands.
Members of the PCMSA had suspended medical services, except emergency cases and court matters, at hospitals and healthcare centres across the state for several days in September last year, following which the government, after discussions with PCMSA members, had agreed to accept some of their demands.
“The Health Minister had then strongly reiterated and unambiguously conveyed to the PCMSA that the written assurances and commitments will be implemented within a week for security arrangements and 12 weeks for DACP reinstatement,” Dr Akhil Sarin, president PCMSA, said. However, even after the lapse of 16 weeks, the notifications regarding reinstatement of the DACP and the security framework rollout are awaited,” he added.
