Jammu: Under the banner of the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, National Health Mission employees of Jammu Division have entered the 5th day of their ongoing peaceful protest and strike, continuing their agitation over long-pending and genuine demands.
The protests across Jammu Division are being held under the leadership of Divisional President, JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr. Vikas Sharma, with employees from various categories, including Doctors, Paramedical and Management Staff, NTEP and other NHM programmes, participating in the agitation.
The protesting employees reiterated their demands for a comprehensive job policy, golden handshake, retirement and social security benefits, EPF coverage for eligible categories, loyalty benefits for left-out employees, and other long-pending issues.
Chief Spokesperson, All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr. Hamid Parray, stated that NHM employees have rendered years of dedicated service to the Health Department, including in difficult and remote areas, but continue to face uncertainty regarding their job security and future.
"NHM employees have given the prime years of their lives in serving the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We are not demanding anything unreasonable; we are seeking a fair and dignified policy for those who have served the healthcare system for years. The Government must take a serious and positive initiative to resolve these genuine issues at the earliest,” Dr. Hamid Parray said.
The Association stated that the recent meeting with the Hon’ble Health Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo and Mission Director NHM J&K Ms. Akriti Sagar (IAS) remained inconclusive, as no consensus could be reached regarding the financial implications of the employees’ demands.
The UT Level Coordination Committee reiterated its willingness for meaningful dialogue with the Government and urged authorities to resolve the issues through peaceful and democratic means.
The Association appealed to all NHM employees to remain united, disciplined and peaceful and urged the Government to intervene at the earliest in the larger interest of employees and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
