NHM employees’ strike enters 4th day; 12,000 workers off duty

Srinagar, Sep 12: The strike by around 12,000 National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir entered its fourth day on Saturday, affecting routine healthcare services at several locations.

The protesting employees are demanding revision of remuneration, pay parity with NHM workers in other States, a comprehensive job security and regularisation policy, and social security benefits including EPF, ESI, insurance, leave salary and post-retirement benefits.

The employees have maintained that they would continue the agitation until the Government provides a written commitment and clear timeline for addressing their demands. Political leaders from different parties also visited protest sites and extended support to the agitating workers.

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, meanwhile, appealed to the employees to call off the strike and resume duties, stressing that their prolonged absence was affecting patient care.

Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Itoo said the Government was aware of the employees’ concerns and had already forwarded proposals on issues beyond the administrative and financial powers of the J&K administration to the Centre.

She said she had also raised the issue of low remuneration with the Union Health Minister during her recent visit to New Delhi and would send another reminder for early intervention.

The Minister said some demands could be addressed by the UT administration, while others required approval or financial assistance from the Centre.

NHM employees, however, reiterated that verbal assurances were no longer sufficient and that they were ready for dialogue provided the Government gave a written, time-bound assurance.