Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 2: The 48-hour strike observed by NHM employees across Jammu & Kashmir was called off on the second day today following a constructive meeting with the Health Minister, Sakeena Masood (Itoo).
The strike was organized on the call of the UT level coordination committee of All J&K National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) in support of the long-pending demands of NHM employees, observed across J&K.
On the first day, NHM employees observed a complete strike across J&K, highlighting their genuine demands 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 payment parity, loyalty benefits, and other long-pending issues.
On the second day, the Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo and Mission Director NHM J&K Akriti Sagar called upon the UT Level coordination committee of NHM employees, headed by provincial president Jammu Dr Vikas Sharma, provincial president Kashmir Muneer Ahmed Andrabi and UT president NTEP (RNTCP) J&K Musadiq Rafiq along with senior representatives of the Association, at civil secretariat Jammu.
During the meeting, the Association apprised the Health Minister about the genuine issues being faced by NHM employees and sought their early and immediate redressal.
The Minister gave a patient hearing and acknowledged the significant role played by NHM employees in strengthening the healthcare delivery system. She stated that NHM plays an important role in the health system and termed the issues of NHM employees as genuine. She further assured the delegation that a detailed review meeting will be held shortly to examine all the issues and work towards their resolution.
Following the assurances received during the meeting, the Association decided to call off the 48-hour strike in the larger interest of public healthcare services and resumed duties.
However, the Association also set a time-bound ultimatum to the Government of two months, stating that in case the issues are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, NHM employees will again be compelled to take to the roads.
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