Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, July 27
Doctors are continuing their strike as no official notification has been issued related to the non- practicing allowance (NPA).
The Health Minister had assured the doctors of NPA rollback but nothing has been done in this regard. OPDs were held so that patients do not suffer but slips of the state association were used for prescription and medicines were also given by the doctors.
Dr Rohit Rampal from the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association said they were left with no other option but to continue their strike.
“The government is not listening to our genuine demands. Though assurances are being given to us but nothing concrete is being done by the government,” he said.
Dr Deepinder Bhasin, state president, Rural Medical Officers Association, Punjab, said the state government had shown its insensitive attitude towards doctors.
Doctors are protesting against the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission to reduce the NPA of veterinarians, medicos and allied professionals from 25 to 20 per cent along with de-linking it from the basic pay structure.
In case of non-acceptance of demands by July 29, the association would start their protest as a movement from August 2.
Meanwhile, patients had some relief as they were able to consult doctors today.
“Finally, after a week, I was able to see the doctor. However, there was a huge rush at OPDs,” a patient said.
Covid-related work, PM duties, rape-case examinations, medico-legal examinations, emergency duties and medical examinations for new recruits were carried out today.
Meanwhile, services such as online consultation, elective surgeries, video-conferences, webinars, unique disability identification camps, works related to the Ayushman Bharat Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana, dope test, VIP duties, meetings and office work were boycotted.