JAMMU: National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu Division on Thursday observed the second day of their 72-hour strike-cum-protest under the banner of the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, with employees from various programmes and categories participating in the agitation at district and block headquarters.
The protests were held under the leadership of Provincial President, JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr Vikas Sharma. Doctors, paramedical and management staff, besides employees associated with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and other NHM schemes, participated in the protest demonstrations and reiterated their long-pending demands.
The employees sought a comprehensive job policy, job security, golden handshake, retirement and social security benefits, EPF coverage for all eligible categories, loyalty benefits for left-out NHM employees and resolution of other service-related issues concerning their future.
The association said the continued participation on the second day reflected the unity and determination of NHM employees, many of whom have served the healthcare system for years, including in difficult and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Spokesperson, All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr Hamid Parray, said the overwhelming participation reflected the “deep sense of insecurity and frustration” among employees following years of dedicated service. He said NHM workers had consistently supported the government and healthcare system whenever their services were required and were now seeking a secure and dignified future.
“NHM employees have not come onto the streets overnight. We have served this healthcare system for years, worked in difficult and far-flung areas and stood with the Govt whenever our services were required. Today, we are only asking for a secure and dignified future. Our demands are genuine, legitimate and based on years of service,” Dr Parray said.
He said the employees remained hopeful that the government would recognise the seriousness of their concerns and initiate meaningful steps towards their resolution. “We want dialogue, not confrontation. We want a solution, not assurances. The Govt must come forward with concrete measures on job security, social security and the other long-pending issues of NHM employees,” he said.
Dr Parray also appealed to the protesting employees to maintain complete unity, discipline and peaceful conduct throughout the agitation. He said the association would continue its democratic struggle with determination until its genuine concerns received due attention.
The association maintained that the agitation was not against the healthcare system or the public but was aimed at drawing the government’s attention towards the long-pending concerns of NHM employees. It reiterated its readiness for meaningful dialogue and urged the authorities to adopt a positive and compassionate approach towards the demands.
Meanwhile, the continued strike has affected the functioning of various healthcare services, particularly in rural, remote and far-flung areas where NHM employees constitute a significant component of the healthcare workforce. The association urged the government to take serious note of the situation and initiate an early resolution to ensure restoration of normal healthcare services and prevent further impact on patient care.
