JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo on Thursday assured a delegation of the All J&K National Health Mission Employees Association, Jammu Division, that the long-pending demands of NHM employees are being seriously considered by the government.
The delegation, headed by Divisional President Dr Vikas Sharma, called on the Health Minister at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu following the assurance extended by her last week. The delegation included senior NHM representatives Dr Ashish Khajuria and Dr Mohd Ashraf, among others.
During the meeting, the representatives highlighted the long-standing issues and genuine demands of NHM employees, who have been providing healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, including remote and far-flung areas. They emphasised that despite their dedicated services and significant contribution to strengthening the public healthcare system, their concerns have remained unresolved for years.
The Association also recalled its earlier meeting with the Health Minister in Srinagar, following which its proposed 13-day strike was deferred in view of assurances given by the Health Minister and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The delegation urged the government to ensure a concrete and time-bound resolution of their demands.
After giving a patient hearing to the representatives, Itoo assured them that the Health Ministry and concerned authorities were seriously examining their demands and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of NHM employees to the healthcare sector.
In a significant development, the Minister informed the delegation that she had convened a meeting of a group of officers at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu on Friday to review the progress made on the issues and demands raised by NHM employees.
Welcoming the assurance, the Association expressed hope that the proposed meeting would lead to a positive and meaningful outcome within a definite timeframe.
The representatives reiterated that NHM employees were not seeking any undue favour but were demanding justice, job security, regularisation and dignified service conditions in recognition of their years of dedicated service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Association also expressed gratitude to the Health Minister for meeting the delegation and taking cognizance of their concerns.
