Patiala, July 29 -- The state government and the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCSMA), a government doctors' body, on Monday held a meeting to discuss security arrangements at government facilities across the state. The meeting was held against the backdrop of the doctors' body giving the state government time till August 19 to fulfil their demand. The meeting was held with Kumar Rahul, principal secretary, health department, in Chandigarh. After the meeting, PCMSA state president Dr Akhil Sarin said, "Hopefully, the government will not compel doctors to protest again. We will wait until August 17, when we will hold our general body meeting to decide the future course of action if demands are not met." In September last year, PCMSA had set off a massive protest to press for their demands, including security of health care professionals, regular recruitment and assured career progression (ACP). The protest was called off only after the Punjab government's assurance. Sources, privy to the discussion during the meeting, said that the doctors were told that the finance department was reluctant to give approval to the proposal of hiring security guards. "It has been learned that the Punjab health department might initially get approval to provide security at 23 district hospitals. Another meeting with finance department is slated soon," an official of the health department said, pleading anonymity....