Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Apr 1: On the call of the UT level coordination committee of All J&K National Health Mission Employees Association (NHMEA), NHM employees today launched a 48-hour strike across Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the strike, protests were held at various health institutions.
The strike was launched in support of long-pending demands of NHM employees, including formulation of a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, social security benefits including retirement benefits, extension of EPF benefits to all cadres, implementation of Equal Pay for Equal Work, loyalty benefits, and other genuine issues concerning NHM employees.
In Jammu, the protest was held under the leadership of provincial president, NHM Jammu division, Dr Vikas Sharma, with the aim of drawing the attention of the Government and concerned authorities towards the genuine and long-pending issues of NHM employees.
Speaking on the occasion, the leaders highlighted that NHM employees have been working tirelessly for the past nearly two decades, rendering dedicated healthcare services. Despite their significant contribution to strengthening the public healthcare system, their services are yet to be regularized and they continue to work without job security and adequate social benefits.
In Srinagar, the protest was held under the leadership of chief spokesperson of the Association, Abdul Rouf. Participants included doctors, paramedics and managerial staff engaged under NHM in various districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Rouf said that the NHM employees are struggling to meet basic expenses due to low wages. “Even as discussions around the 8th Pay Commission are underway, NHM employees continue to work on meager salaries,” he added.
The Association has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Chief Minister, Health Minister and concerned authorities of the Union Territory to take immediate steps for the resolution of the long-pending issues of NHM employees and ensure justice to thousands of healthcare workers.
The Association further reiterated that NHM employees will continue their peaceful struggle until their genuine demands are addressed and a comprehensive policy ensuring job security and social protection is implemented.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
