Govt doctors threaten jail duty boycott, seek action against misconduct

Chandigarh: Punjab's govt doctors appear headed for a confrontation with the authorities, with the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) warning that medical officers will boycott jail duties, citing incidents of alleged intimidation, harassment and demeaning behaviour by jail officials, and demanding that their concerns be addressed promptly.The warning follows allegations by doctors posted at Central Jail, Ludhiana, who have complained of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct by the jail superintendent. Several such incidents over the past few months have caused mental harassment to medical officers and adversely affected their morale while discharging official duties, the PCMSA claimed.Punjab's central jails operate medical care units staffed by whole-time doctors and pharmacists who provide routine healthcare services to inmates. Prisoners requiring specialised diagnostics, surgeries or psychiatric care are referred to district hospitals or govt medical colleges.The state has 10 central jails that house long-term prisoners and convicts serving major sentences. These facilities are 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 dept are deputed to jails, with each central jail having four to five medical officers on duty.Taking strong note of the issue, the PCMSA, which represents govt doctors, strongly objected to what it described as unwarranted conduct towards medical officers and termed the alleged use of unprofessional and bullying language unacceptable.The association 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. It warned that continued disregard for medical officers could further discourage young doctors from joining govt service.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 said steps should be taken to safeguard the dignity, safety and professional independence of medical officers posted in prisons.Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said a representation seeking action has been received from the doctors and has been forwarded to the director, health services, for taking up the matter with the jail department. "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," said Dr Ramandeep.