Ludhiana | Nearly a year after the Punjab government pledged to provide 24×7 security at government hospitals and medical colleges, doctors across the state are threatening to resume protests due to the lack of implementation.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has issued a stern ultimatum, warning that if the commitment is not fulfilled by August 17, the association will be compelled to escalate its agitation.
The security promise was made in September 2024, following massive protests by government doctors. Although Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema gave a written assurance, the deployment of security staff has been stalled, allegedly due to reluctance from the Finance Department to approve new hiring.
Amid growing concerns, a PCMSA delegation recently met Punjab Health Secretary Kumal Rahul to press for urgent action, especially for female doctors on night duty in rural areas. The association submitted a fresh letter demanding protection measures in light of rising violence.
According to PCMSA, over 60 incidents of violence have been reported at government healthcare facilities in the last year. Key cases include:
- A healthcare worker stabbed at Talwandi Sabo SDH
- Gunshots fired inside the emergency ward of Kartarpur CHC (June 2025)
- Violent attack at Sultanpur Lodhi SDH, forcing staff to lock themselves inside
Districts with the highest incidents include Amritsar (6), Pathankot (5), Hoshiarpur (5), Kapurthala (4), and Ludhiana (4).
Dr. Akhil Sarin, PCMSA president, voiced frustration, stating:
“It has been nearly a year since the announcement. We’ve been patient, but if nothing is done by August 17, our general body will decide the next course of action.”
He added that doctors, especially those dealing with medico-legal cases, face threats from criminal elements and shouldn’t have to “beg for safety” under a government claiming to lead a ‘Sehat Kranti’ (health revolution).
A senior health department official hinted that the government may soon approve deployment for 23 district hospitals, with sub-divisional and community health centers (CHCs) to be covered in later phases. The Finance Department, which had earlier rejected the proposal, is expected to revisit it in an upcoming meeting.
As the August 17 deadline nears, tensions are rising, and another round of protests looms if the government fails to act.
