Doctors in Punjab have completely suspended outpatient department (OPD) services at government hospitals as part of an ongoing protest for better working conditions, including the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme and improved security. The protest, led by about 2,500 members of the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, began after the state government failed to provide written assurances regarding their demands. Patients have been left frustrated and distressed, many arriving at hospitals only to find services unavailable. The doctors emphasize the importance of safety, particularly for female healthcare professionals, and warn that protests will escalate if their demands are not met. Emergency services remain operational, but elective surgeries have been halted, exacerbating the impact on patients needing urgent care. The government's acknowledgment of the legitimacy of the doctors' demands has not yet translated into action, leaving the situation unresolved.