The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) is set to commence an indefinite strike starting September 9, due to unresolved issues including stalled assured career progressions, pending Sixth Pay Commission arrears, and workplace security. The decision follows a deadlock in discussions with the state government, with four meetings yielding no solutions. During the initial phase of the strike, outpatient department (OPD) services will be suspended from 8 am to 11 am, and elective surgeries will be halted, except for critical cases. To mitigate the impact, doctors are prescribing medications for two to three weeks to patients attending on September 6 and 7, and they are distributing pamphlets to inform patients about the strike. The healthcare system in Punjab is already under strain, operating at half capacity with 2,800 out of 4,600 sanctioned doctor positions vacant. The PCMSA emphasizes that until their key demands are met, the strike will continue unabated.