Patiala, January 7- A special meeting of a five-member delegation of Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), the representative body of doctors of Punjab, with Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Health Minister Balbir Singh, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Director Health Department Dr. Hitinder Kaur today remained inconclusive.
In a press note issued after the meeting, PCMSA has said that during the meeting; the concerns raised by PCMSA regarding the potential crisis and impact of doctors leaving the state's health care system due to shortage of medical officers and unsafe working environment mainly due to the stalled career progression scheme have been fully accepted by the government. The association was informed that a comprehensive framework is being prepared by the government regarding the salary and another meeting will be held with the Finance Department on January 10 to share the final framework with the doctors' association.
PCMSA has clearly reiterated its stand that the cadre is committed to the demand of the DACP scheme implemented before 01/07/2021 and nothing less than that is acceptable. We want the Career Progression Scheme in the same form as promised by the government in writing on 14th September.'
Sticking to its decision to suspend health services on January 20, the Doctors Association has said that whatever draft comes from the Finance Department on January 10 will be shared with all the district units of Punjab. And accordingly, if necessary, a proper action plan will be announced during the general body meeting to be held in Moga on January 12.