Jammu: Under the banner of the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu Division today observed the 9th day of the ongoing strike-cum-protest, with continued participation and solidarity from employees working under various NHM programmes and categories.
In view of the continued non-resolution of the long-pending demands, the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K has announced a further extension of the ongoing strike by 72 hours. The agitation will continue across Jammu & Kashmir with the participation of NHM employees from various schemes and categories.
The protests continued at District and Block Headquarters 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 9th day of the agitation, employees once again 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 service-related issues.
The employees stated that their continued participation despite the prolonged agitation reflects their unity, patience and determination to seek a secure, dignified and equitable 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 extension of the strike reflects the continued resolve of NHM employees to pursue their long-pending and genuine demands through a peaceful and democratic agitation.
“NHM employees have remained united and peaceful throughout this agitation. The further extension of the strike by 72 hours reflects our collective resolve to seek a meaningful resolution of our long-pending demands, particularly job security, social security, retirement benefits and a secure future for NHM employees,” Dr. Parray said.
Dr. Parray further stated that NHM employees have continued to maintain peace, discipline and unity throughout the agitation and appealed to all employees to remain united and disciplined during the extended phase of the strike.
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 Government towards the genuine and long-pending concerns of NHM employees.
The Association urged the concerned authorities to address the long-pending demands of NHM employees and initiate meaningful steps towards their resolution.
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.
