Chandigarh: A confrontation appears imminent between Punjab's government doctors and the authorities, as the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has issued a warning that medical officers may boycott jail duties. This decision stems from multiple incidents of alleged intimidation, harassment, and demeaning behavior by jail officials, prompting the association to demand immediate resolution of their concerns.
Allegations Against Jail Officials
The warning follows complaints from doctors posted at the Central Jail in Ludhiana, who have reported inappropriate and unprofessional conduct by the jail superintendent. According to the PCMSA, several such incidents over recent months have caused mental harassment to medical officers and negatively impacted their morale while performing official duties.
Current Healthcare Setup in Punjab's Jails
Punjab's central jails operate medical care units staffed by full-time doctors and pharmacists who provide routine healthcare services to inmates. Prisoners requiring specialized diagnostics, surgeries, or psychiatric care are referred to district hospitals or government medical colleges. The state has ten central jails housing long-term prisoners and convicts serving major sentences, located in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Ropar, and Patiala. In the absence of a dedicated cadre of medical officers for prisons, doctors from the health department are deputed to jails, with each central jail having four to five medical officers on duty.
PCMSA's Strong Objection
Taking strong note of the issue, the PCMSA, which represents government doctors, strongly objected to what it described as unwarranted conduct towards medical officers. The association termed the alleged use of unprofessional and bullying language as unacceptable. It maintained that such incidents undermine the dignity of medical officers and adversely affect the morale of a cadre already facing rising attrition and declining recruitment. The PCMSA warned that continued disregard for medical officers could further discourage young doctors from joining government service.
Potential Boycott and Protests
The PCMSA cautioned that if such incidents continue and remain unresolved, the cadre may be compelled to launch strong protests and could even boycott jail duties in the coming months. PCMSA president Dr. Akhil Sareen urged the authorities to intervene and take corrective measures in accordance with the Punjab Prison Rules, 2022. He emphasized that steps should be taken to safeguard the dignity, safety, and professional independence of medical officers posted in prisons.
Official Response
Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur confirmed that a representation seeking action has been received from the doctors and has been forwarded to the director of health services for taking up the matter with the jail department. Dr. Kaur stated, "All necessary steps will be taken to ensure that doctors do not face any harassment or inconvenience. Their concerns will be taken up with the competent authorities for appropriate action."
