Jammu: Under the banner of the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, National Health Mission employees across Jammu Division today observed the second day of the 72-hour strike-cum-protest, with continued participation and solidarity from employees of various NHM programmes and categories.
The protests continued at District and Block Hqrs across Jammu Division under the leadership of Provincial President, JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr. Vikas Sharma. NHM employees including Doctors, Paramedical and Management Staff, besides employees associated with NTEP and other NHM schemes, participated in the protest programme.
On the second day of the agitation, employees reiterated their long-pending demands, including 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 other genuine issues concerning their service and future.
The employees stated that the continued participation on the second day demonstrates their unity, patience and determination to seek a dignified and secure future after years of dedicated service to the healthcare system of Jammu & Kashmir.
Chief Spokesperson All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr. Hamid Parray, said that the overwhelming participation on the second day of the strike reflects the deep sense of insecurity and frustration prevailing among NHM employees after years of dedicated service.
He said, “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 further stated that the employees remain hopeful that the Govt will understand the seriousness of the situation and initiate meaningful steps towards 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.
He also appealed to all NHM employees to maintain complete unity, discipline and peaceful conduct throughout the strike. “Our strength lies in our unity. I appeal to every NHM employee to remain calm, disciplined and stand together. We will continue our democratic struggle with full determination until our genuine concerns receive the attention they deserve,” Dr. Parray added.
The Association reiterated that the ongoing agitation is not against the healthcare system or the people but is aimed at drawing the attention of the Govt towards the genuine and long-pending concerns of NHM employees. The Association appealed to the Govt to take a positive and compassionate view of the demands and initiate meaningful steps towards their resolution.
The Association once again reiterated its readiness for meaningful dialogue with the Govt and expressed hope that the authorities would take appropriate measures to resolve the issues through constructive and democratic means.
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 Govt to take serious note of the situation and work towards an early resolution so that normal healthcare services can be restored and patient care does not suffer.
The Association expressed hope that the Govt of Jammu & Kashmir will respond positively to the collective concerns of NHM employees and take concrete steps towards ensuring job security, social security and a dignified future for those who have dedicated years of their lives to public healthcare.
