Punjab Govt doctors meet Health Minister, Refuse to call off strike

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Health Minister Balbir Singh, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha, DHS Dr Hitinder Kaur, and a five-member PCMSA delegation.

PCMSA was apprised that the preparation of an overall framework regarding the calculations is underway and the modalities will be shared with PCMSA in a meeting with the FD on 10th January (Friday). The concerns raised by PCMSA regarding the imminent crisis of high attrition/low retention/low entry rates looming over the healthcare system of the state, primarily borne out of stalled ACPs, shortage of MOs, and unsafe working environment were duly acknowledged by the government officials.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that PCMSA announced an indefinite strike across all public healthcare facilities of the state, starting from January 20th. The action comes in response to the failure to fulfill time-bound commitments related to the rollout of a security framework and the reinstatement of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.

PCMSA has categorically reiterated its stand that the cadre will not settle for anything less than DACPs in the form and manner as were applicable before 01/07/2021, as duly promised/committed to by the Government in writing and in their official public/press appearances.

In a press release the association stated, “The modalities as and when shared with PCMSA on 10th January will be shared with the cadre at the district levels on 11th and accordingly, an appropriate plan of action, if needed, will be announced on 12th January at the GBM to be held at Moga. As of now, the call for suspension of services from 20th January onwards stay.”