Gurgaon: Government Response to Doctors’ Strike
Prohibitory Orders Implemented
In response to a two-day strike by doctors in government hospitals across Haryana, the state administration has enforced prohibitory orders aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring continuous healthcare services. The strike, initiated by over 3,000 doctors represented by the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association, commenced on Monday. The physicians are advocating for improved career progression, internal promotions, and the establishment of a separate specialist cadre.
Key Demands of the Striking Doctors
The strike is centered around three primary demands: the formation of a distinct cadre for specialists, the internal promotion of senior medical officers, and the implementation of a dynamic assured career progression (ACP) scheme similar to that of central government hospitals. Reports from Medic Helpline indicate that the Democratic Medical Association (DMA India) is backing the HCMS Association’s concerns and is urging the government to take prompt and decisive action.
Concerns Over Promotion Policies
Members of the HCMS Association have expressed that the direct recruitment of senior medical officers has negatively impacted the promotion opportunities for many doctors. An HCMSA member stated, “There is a pressing need to amend these rules. In certain states, there is a provision for promotion after fixed intervals. For instance, a medical officer in a central government hospital in Bihar is eligible for promotion at 4, 9, 13, and 20 years. This is not the case in Haryana, where more than 95% of doctors retire with just one promotion throughout their careers.”
Prohibitory Measures and Public Safety
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS, restricting gatherings of five or more individuals within a 200-meter radius of all government health institutions, including civil hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, polyclinics, community health centers, and primary health centers. Violating these orders may result in legal action.
Concerns Over Healthcare Disruptions
District Magistrate Akhil Pilani has appointed duty magistrates in Nuh, citing concerns that the strike could disrupt essential healthcare services and lead to public unrest. Despite the strike, outpatient department (OPD) services at Civil Hospital, Sector 10, Gurgaon, remained uninterrupted on the first day, thanks to contingency measures implemented by the health department.
Patient Experiences During the Strike
Local patients have expressed relief at the continued operation of healthcare services. One individual who visited the Civil Hospital with his seven-year-old son reported no delays in receiving an appointment or medication, despite concerns about the strike affecting services. Another visitor from Sector 10 shared a similar experience, stating that he and his pregnant wife received timely assistance from a gynaecologist.
Future Implications of the Strike
While healthcare officials remain hopeful for a resolution through dialogue to prevent a prolonged crisis, doctors have warned that extended strikes could complicate the management of patient loads in government hospitals.