The Aryavarth Express:
Doda (Jammu and Kashmir), April 3: Medical staff working under the National Health Mission (NHM) began a 72-hour strike outside the Sub-District Hospital in Gandoh on Thursday, protesting against the alleged deduction of 2.5 days’ salary from their monthly wages.
Holding posters and raising slogans, the healthcare workers expressed anger over what they described as an unfair and sudden financial cut. They said the deducted amount traditionally compensated them for extra duties performed on Sundays, gazetted holidays, and night shifts.
The protest follows an official notice issued by the Medical Employees Federation of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We used to receive payment for these 2.5 days as we worked during holidays and nights. This deduction is unjust,” said one of the protestors.
Another staff member highlighted disparity in pay, stating that regular employees continue to receive such compensation, while NHM workers are being denied equal benefits. Protestors have demanded either restoration of the deducted salary or regularisation of their services.
NHM staff play a crucial role in implementing healthcare programmes aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and quality medical services, particularly for rural and vulnerable populations. The mission focuses on strengthening health infrastructure, improving human resources, and ensuring better service delivery at the grassroots level.
The striking workers have urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to address their grievances promptly to avoid disruption in healthcare services in the region.
