As many as 4,000 doctors went on a two-day strike called by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association to protest against the state government’s move to transfer doctors across the state. The impact of the stir crippled services in the primary health centres and civil hospitals. However, the health department contended that services were only partially affected.
Dr Ashok Nayyar, Director (Health) Punjab said, “the strike has had hardly any impact. As we made alternative arrangements, hospitals were working fine. Only at a few places the pressure was felt.” “We are in touch with the striking doctors. We are hopeful that they will call off the strike soon,” he added.
“All the doctors are present at their respective places, but are not working. The strike is on successfully and will continue tomorrow (Tuesday) as well,” said Dr Harish Bhardwaj, the PCMS vice-chairman. The protest is against the state government which transferred 523 specialist doctors across the state last Tuesday. Since then, the government had been maintaining that the aim behind the transfer was to strengthen health services in the state.