Chandigarh: In a major step to enhance safety in healthcare institutions, the Punjab government has approved the phased deployment of security guards at all public health facilities, starting October 6. The decision was finalized during a meeting between the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) and senior health officials, including Principal Secretary (Health) Kumar Rahul and Director of Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur.
District Hospitals First, CHCs by March 2026
According to the plan, security personnel will be stationed at all district hospitals from October 6. Sub-divisional hospitals will follow by December 31, 2025, and all 24×7 community health centres (CHCs) will be covered by March 31, 2026.
Funding Approved, No User Charges to Be Used
The state’s finance department has sanctioned a dedicated budget for the initiative. The Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) will allocate specific funds, ensuring that user charges are not diverted for this purpose, as reported by The Times of India.
Breakthrough in PCMSA-Government Talks
PCMSA president Dr. Akhil Sarin hailed the move as a major breakthrough in long-standing negotiations between the association and the state government. He said the steps would significantly improve workplace safety, healthcare delivery, and morale among medical professionals across Punjab’s public hospitals.
MACP Implementation by October 17
The government also committed to implementing the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme by October 17. A proposal to extend MACP benefits to doctors recruited from 2020 onwards will be sent to the finance department next week for formal notification.
Postgraduate Allowances and Pay Protection
The meeting also addressed the rationalisation of postgraduate (PG) allowances for doctors recruited before 2016, including pre-2001 batches. The government agreed to initiate fresh proceedings to resolve discrepancies. Pay protection for Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) absorbed into the PCMS cadre has already been approved, and a notification on rationalised VVIP duty schedules is expected soon.
Litigation on NPA to Be Reviewed
On the issue of non-practising allowance (NPA) during PG courses, Additional Director (Health) Dr. Akshay has been directed to review the feasibility of withdrawing the ongoing litigation pending in the Letter Patent Appeal (LPA).
