*Strike extended for another 72 hrs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 3: The 72-hour strike by non-gazetted (N-G) Health and Medical College employees across Jammu and Kashmir entered its third consecutive day today, with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) announcing an extension of the agitation for another 72 hours, further deepening the crisis in public hospitals and exacerbating patient distress.
Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries remained suspended from 9 AM to 5 PM for the third consecutive day, leaving hundreds of patients without access to routine medical care. Many people, including the elderly, women and children, were seen waiting for hours outside hospitals in the hope of getting treatment, only to return home disappointed.
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The impact of the strike was particularly severe on patients who had travelled from far-flung and rural areas, as well as those with pre-scheduled appointments and follow-up visits. Several attendants expressed anguish over the cancellation of elective procedures and diagnostic services, saying that delays in treatment could worsen medical conditions.
With only emergency services operational, the burden on casualty wards increased significantly, while patients requiring routine consultations, tests and minor procedures continued to face immense hardship.
Demonstrations, work abstentions and peaceful protests of employees were reported from GMCs in Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda, SMGS Hospital Jammu, IG Dental College, and district hospitals in Poonch, Samba, Reasi and even in Kashmir.
The agitation is being held in protest against the Government’s decision to discontinue duty allowances for work performed on Sundays and public holidays. Employees have termed the move unjustified and contrary to existing government orders, reiterating their demand for restoration of the allowance equivalent to two-and-a-half days’ salary.
President of the Jammu Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), Jaswinder Singh, expressed that the Finance Department’s order dated January 20, 2026, be kept in abeyance until a designated committee completes its inquiry and submits its report.
Meanwhile, the JAC, which convened an emergency meeting, reiterated that the decision to extend the strike was taken in view of the “non-serious and indifferent approach” of the Government.
Chairman JKMEF Sushil Sudan reaffirmed that the federation will continue the agitation until their demands are met.
Further, All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association, Jammu province in a meeting held today under the chairmanship of Gurcharan Singh (provincial president) extended their full support to the protesting employees of Health and medical colleges.
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