The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has significantly interrupted its outpatient department (OPD) services after resident physicians went on indefinite strike in retaliation to the alleged rape and murder of a fellow resident doctor in Kolkata. This statewide demonstration, organised by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), has left hundreds of patients stuck and unable to obtain appropriate medical care.
On Monday, approximately 1,500 resident doctors participated in the strike, which included a candlelight vigil held the previous evening to honour their slain colleague. The protest march around the PGIMER campus this morning emphasized the urgent demand for justice, with many doctors expressing concerns over the growing trend of violence against healthcare professionals.
The walkout has exacerbated recent discontent at PGIMER, where the Joint Action Committee of the PGIMER Employees’ Union held a ‘no-work’ protest just days ago owing to unmet demands. The timing of the strike, which coincided with the first day of the week when patient footfall is often high, has worsened the issue. Patients, particularly those with critical diseases, have experienced lengthy wait times for care.
In response to the chaos, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals. He emphasised the institution’s commitment to patient care while supporting the residents’ cause. “We understand the concerns raised by our residents and are closely monitoring the situation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent of PGIMER, assured that emergency services would continue, with resident doctors available to handle critical cases. However, OPD registration for new patients has been suspended, with registration limited to follow-up patients from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The situation is projected to continue difficult, with PGIMER inpatient admissions restricted to emergency patients exclusively.
As the strike continues, it is unclear how long patients may encounter service disruptions, with other facilities, such as the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32 and the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital in Sector 16, expected to suffer similar consequences. The continued dissatisfaction among resident doctors underlines the urgent need for improved safety and circumstances for medical workers, even as patients await critical medical care.
