Doctors’ protest in Punjab

The Punjab government plans to implement a law under which doctors and paramedics will not be entitled to pensions. They will be appointed on a contract basis initially for three years. But those working under the current service structure will receive pensions. Young doctors and paramedics in the province have been boycotting Out-patient Departments in government hospitals for around a week in protest against the proposed Medical Teaching Institutions (MIT) framework. Under other provisions of the proposed law, doctors and paramedics will not be allowed to form associations like the Young Doctors’ Association. However, they will be allowed to conduct private practice in hospitals and outside hospitals. But those practising outside hospitals will have their professional medical allowances removed from their salary packages. The YDA Punjab has rejected the proposed law as, according to them, it will only demotivate them. They seem to have a point in that they will have no pension after retirement; they will have no job security; they will have no right to form their association to act collectively for their rights. They say they would continue to resist the proposed law.

Informed sources say implementation of the MIT law is a certainty. The government claims that it is part of its vision to ensure quality treatment at government-run hospitals. Herein lies the rub. How doctors could provide quality treatment when they are demotivated. It is difficult to accept the case for the new service structure. As of now things are unclear. The government should explain the merits of the proposed law so that poor OPD patients may not suffer because of the ongoing tussle. Genuine doctors obtain their degrees after burning the proverbial midnight oil and expect a good income to live a respectable life. The proposed law could also lead to an exodus of doctors from the country.


 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2019.