Association welcomes Govt’s willingness for dialogue amid ongoing agitation
JAMMU, Sep 15: 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 7th day of the ongoing strike-cum-protest, with continued participation and solidarity from employees of various NHM programmes and categories.
The protests continued at District and Block Hqrs 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 7th 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 issues concerning their service and future.
The employees stated that their continued participation despite the prolonged agitation reflects their unity, patience and unwavering 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 continued overwhelming participation on the 7th day reflects the deep sense of insecurity and frustration prevailing among NHM employees after years of dedicated service.
He said, “NHM employees have not come onto the streets overnight. We have served this healthcare system for years, worked in difficult and far-flung areas and stood with the Government whenever our services were required. Today, we are only asking for a secure and dignified future. Our demands are genuine, legitimate and based on years of service.”
Dr. Parray further stated that the employees remain hopeful that the Govt will understand the seriousness of the situation and initiate meaningful steps towards resolution.
“We want dialogue, not confrontation. We want a solution, not assurances. The Govt must come forward with concrete measures on job security, social security and the other long-pending issues of NHM employees,” he said.
He also appealed to all NHM employees to maintain complete unity, discipline and peaceful conduct throughout the ongoing agitation.
“Our strength lies in our unity. I appeal to every NHM employee to remain calm, disciplined and stand together. We will continue our democratic struggle with full determination until our genuine concerns receive the attention they deserve,” Dr. Parray added.
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 Govt towards the genuine and long-pending concerns of NHM employees. The Association appealed to the Govt including Honble Chief Minister J&K Mr Omar Abdullah and Honble Health Minister J&K Ms Sakeena Itoo to take a positive and compassionate view of the demands and initiate meaningful steps towards their resolution.
The Association once again reiterated its readiness for meaningful dialogue with the Government and expressed hope that the authorities would take appropriate measures to resolve the issues through constructive and democratic means.
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.