State govt starts implementing MACP for docs

Following a protracted struggle aimed at ensuring timely recruitment and eventual retention of doctors in the state's public health cadre, the first modified assured career progression (MACP) case has been sanctioned by the Punjab Government.

With this, all three primary demands raised by Punjab Civil Medical Services Association, which included recruitment of medical officers, MACP implementation and security framework for healthcare centres in the state, have been fulfilled, according to a statement issued by the association.

Members of the PCMSA had earlier launched a state-wide agitation in support of their demands, even striking work in hospitals and dispensaries on some occasions.

Representatives of the association had also held several rounds of talks with the state's Ministers of Health and Finance as well and senior functionaries to get their demands fulfilled.