Resolve NHM Logjam Amicably

The decision taken by National Health Mission (NHM) employees to extend their strike till September 21 has become a matter of serious concern, especially for the healthcare sector and the people who depend on public hospitals and health centres. Akin to the case of medical interns who were also on strike a few days ago, most of the demands of NHM employees are also genuine. These include regularisation of services, equal pay for equal work, job security, retirement benefits, gratuity, social security, a proper service policy and timely release of salaries.

The employees have maintained that they have served the people of Jammu and Kashmir for years with dedication, including in remote and difficult areas, but continue to face uncertainty about their jobs and future. Their decision to continue the strike shows that the issue has reached a point where a serious and meaningful dialogue between the government and employees is urgently needed. Such a log-jam cannot be seen as an employee-government conflict; rather the consequences in such disputes are far more serious as the issue has a direct connection with the functioning of the healthcare system in J&K.

The Union Territory already faces several challenges in providing healthcare, particularly in remote, hilly and far-flung areas where people have limited access to medical facilities. Government hospitals and health centres often work with limited staff and resources, while doctors, nurses, paramedical workers and other healthcare personnel carry a heavy workload.

In such a situation, the absence of a large number of NHM employees can put additional pressure on the existing staff and affect the delivery of important health services. Patients, especially those from poor and remote areas, may face longer waiting periods, delays in treatment and difficulties in accessing various health programmes. A prolonged strike can therefore create problems not only for the employees but also for ordinary citizens.

It is important to note that the concerns of the NHM employees should be addressed with due care as the government cannot ignore them absolutely. The government must be facing certain limitations including financial but these should not become a reason for keeping the matter unresolved.

The need of the hour is honest and regular dialogue. The government should invite representatives of the employees, examine their demands one by one and prepare a clear and time-bound plan for resolving the issues. A clear stand by the government can resolve many problems in the present case therefore it should change the strategy and find a middle-way to resolve this crisis as soon as possible.