Listen To This Post

Healthcare Disruption Persists Across State

Chandigarh: The strike by government doctors under the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) entered its fourth day on Thursday, even as the state government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) two days ago in an attempt to restore normal healthcare operations.

While the government has managed to keep Outpatient Departments (OPDs) running across District Civil Hospitals, CHCs, and PHCs, several crucial diagnostic and surgical services continue to suffer.

Ultrasound, CT Reporting, Surgeries Severely Affected

Despite skeletal staff managing OPDs, ultrasound services, CT scan reporting, and surgeries, these services remain severely impacted.
The disruption has caused anxiety among patients and led to a sharp increase in the workload of the remaining staff on duty.

Additionally, medico-legal cases from field institutions are being diverted to District Civil Hospitals, adding to the burden and causing inconvenience for the public.

Doctors Dig In: ‘No Return Until Demands Are Met’

The HCMSA has reiterated that the strike will continue indefinitely unless the government accepts both of its key demands:

• Stopping direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs)

• Implementing a modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) structure

Doctors say that although the state government has agreed to halt direct SMO recruitment, no decision has been taken on the ACP revision, prompting them to continue the agitation.

Hunger Strike Intensifies Pressure

Led by HCMSA state president Dr Rajesh Khyalia, a group of doctors is also on a hunger strike outside the Director General Health Services office in Panchkula, signalling escalating tensions between the medical fraternity and the government.

Possible Breakthrough: Meeting Expected This Evening

A senior doctor confirmed that a crucial meeting with Health Minister Arti Singh Rao is likely to take place in Chandigarh on Thursday evening.Striking doctors remain hopeful that the discussions will pave the way for a resolution and end the standoff, which has strained public healthcare services across the state.