Srinagar: The ongoing strike by National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jammu and Kashmir will continue for another 72 hours from September 18, with the employees’ association extending its agitation over demands for pay parity, job security, regularisation and social security benefits.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) said the decision was taken as its long-pending demands remain unresolved and no concrete, time-bound mechanism has been put in place by the authorities to address the issues.
The strike, which began across the Union Territory on September 9 and has already been extended several times, will continue at district, block and institutional levels.
The employees are seeking a comprehensive employment policy, remuneration on par with NHM workers in other states, job security and regularisation, besides benefits such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), insurance cover and post-retirement support.
The association said the latest extension followed years of representations, meetings and discussions over service conditions.
Employees participating in the protest said they had served in the health sector for years, including during difficult situations, but still lacked a clear policy regarding their future. They also highlighted disparities in pay and service benefits and sought a fair wage structure and long-term employment security.
Protesters said uncertainty over their employment had become a major concern, particularly for workers who had spent a significant part of their careers under the NHM. They also stressed the need for social security measures, including EPF, ESI and insurance coverage.
The employees acknowledged that the prolonged agitation was affecting healthcare services but maintained that their demands had remained pending for years. They said they were willing to engage in dialogue if the government provided a clear and time-bound roadmap for resolving the issues.
The absence of NHM personnel has reportedly affected several mission-supported programmes and services, while placing additional pressure on regular staff in some healthcare institutions. The Health Department has directed institutions to ensure adequate regular manpower in critical and patient-care areas.
Meanwhile, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo appealed to the employees to call off the strike and resume their duties, assuring them that the government would examine their concerns and address issues within its jurisdiction.
Speaking to reporters in Pampore, Itoo said the government had held several rounds of discussions with the employees and that she had also interacted with them personally.
“They are our own people, and it is their democratic right to raise their concerns. The government has held several discussions with them, and I have also spoken to them,” she said.
Expressing hope that the employees would return to work, the minister said healthcare workers enjoy the trust of the public and that the government would do whatever it could to address their concerns.
The association, however, reiterated that while it remains open to dialogue and constructive engagement, it expects a clear and time-bound roadmap for resolving its long-pending demands. (KNO)
