PCMSA Strike: Govt doctors give pamphlets detailing demands to OPD patients
Shortage of Doctors
Amritsar: In a prelude to their planned strike on September 9, doctors in government hospitals across Punjab have taken to distributing a two-page pamphlet to patients, outlining their key demands and the reasons behind their action. This move aims to inform the public about the issues at stake and garner support for their cause.
Before the strike called by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), doctors stapled a pamphlet to the Outpatient Department (OPD) slips given to patients. The pamphlet, written in Punjabi and addressed to “Dear People!”, criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government for not increasing healthcare spending over the years and highlighted the numerous vacant positions across hospitals in the state.
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According to The Indian Express, the pamphlet states, “Government hospitals are in a state of serious decline. The buildings are dilapidated, there is insufficient staff to treat patients, there is a shortage of essential medicines, and there are delays in providing emergency services. The government has made it difficult for patients to access proper medical care. Instead, the focus has shifted to privatization and the establishment of private medical colleges. Funding that should have been allocated to public health has been reduced. For example, in 1991, Punjab had 4,600 sanctioned posts, but now 2,800 of these positions are vacant. Hasn’t the population increased since 1991? Don’t we deserve the right to good and affordable healthcare?”
The pamphlet further alleges, “The current government’s actions are pushing people toward private hospitals. Public hospitals are deteriorating, and despite this, the government has not increased its funding for healthcare since 1991. The present situation demands immediate attention and protests against this privatization and the neglect of public health services.”
The pamphlet highlights a severe shortage of staff in government hospitals, noting that these facilities are operating with very few doctors and nurses, leading to an overworked medical staff. Many hospitals are lacking personnel for critical services, posing a significant threat to public health and well-being. The situation could lead to the government handing over hospitals to private institutions unless new hires are made. Public awareness about the potential privatization of these hospitals is crucial.
The pamphlet also points out that while more than 400 doctor positions have been advertised, this number falls short given that more than half of the positions remain vacant. It advocates for the government to prioritize the development of public health services rather than moving toward privatization.
The situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in the healthcare sector to ensure that government hospitals are adequately staffed and equipped to meet patient needs. The distribution of the pamphlets is a strategic move by the doctors to articulate their grievances and advocate for essential reforms. Their objective is to secure improved working conditions for themselves and to enhance the quality of patient care throughout Punjab.
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