Pensioner Doctors in Punjab to Observe National Doctor’s Day as ‘Black Day’ on July 1

Patiala /Daljeet Ajnoha/June 29

Punjab Pensioner Doctors Association (P.D.A.P.) has decided to intensify its peaceful and democratic protest over the unresolved long-standing financial demands of retired government doctors.

In a joint statement, association president Dr. D.C. Sharma, senior vice-president Dr. D.S. Bhullar, Dr. R.S. Sethi and general secretary Dr. Surinder Singla said that thousands of retired government doctors dedicated the most valuable years of their lives to selfless service in the state’s government hospitals, medical colleges and health institutions. Today, these doctors — now senior citizens — continue to wait for pension benefits commensurate with their entitlement during their twilight years.

The leaders recalled that the current government was welcomed with high hopes when it came to power, and employees and pensioners greeted it warmly expecting prompt resolution of long-pending demands. Despite repeated representations and assurances, several critical issues remain unresolved: arrears from the 6th Punjab Pay Commission, outstanding Dearness Relief (D.R.), restoration of pensions stopped without justification, resolution of pension anomalies, and implementation of Punjab and Haryana High Court directives.

The state leadership of the association appealed to all pensioner doctors across Punjab to write heartfelt personal letters to the Chief Minister requesting his intervention so that these legitimate and long-pending demands may be addressed sympathetically within a definite timeframe.

By consensus, the association resolved that National Doctor’s Day on July 1, 2026, will be observed as a “Black Day.” On that day, pensioner doctors throughout Punjab will express their protest peacefully and with dignity by wearing black armbands to highlight the undue delay in resolving their rightful financial demands.

The association expressed hope that the Hon’ble Chief Minister, keeping in view the contribution of retired government doctors to Punjab’s health services, will promptly take humane and concrete steps to deliver the long-awaited justice to them.