Association welcomes CM’s call for dialogue, ready for table talk for early resolution of demands
JAMMU, Sep 16: 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 8th day of the ongoing strike-cum-protest, with continued participation and solidarity from employees working under various NHM programmes and categories.
The protests continued at District and Block Headquarters 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 8th 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 determination to seek a secure, dignified and equitable future after years of dedicated service to the healthcare system of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Association has welcomed the reported initiative of Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K, Mr. Omar Abdullah, who has acknowledged that the protesting employees’ concerns are genuine and has invited the protesting NHM employees for table-talk and dialogue for an early resolution of their long-pending demands.
The Association termed the initiative as a positive and constructive step and expressed its readiness to participate in the proposed dialogue with an open mind and in the spirit of mutual understanding.
Chief Spokesperson, All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, Dr. Hamid Parray, said that the Association welcomes the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s willingness to engage with the protesting employees and expressed hope that the dialogue would pave the way for a meaningful and time-bound resolution of their genuine concerns.
“We welcome the initiative of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to invite the protesting NHM employees for table-talk. Our objective has always been a peaceful and meaningful resolution of our long-pending demands. We are ready for dialogue and sincerely hope that the discussions will lead to concrete steps towards resolving the issues concerning job security, social security and the future of NHM employees,” Dr. Parray said.
Dr. Parray further stated that NHM employees have continued to maintain peace, discipline and unity throughout the agitation and remain committed to resolving their grievances through democratic and constructive dialogue.
“NHM employees have served the healthcare system of Jammu & Kashmir for years, including in difficult and far-flung areas. We are not seeking confrontation; we are seeking a secure and dignified future. If the Government is ready to sit with us and discuss our genuine demands, we are equally ready to come to the table in the interest of an early and positive resolution,” he added.
He also appealed to all NHM employees to maintain complete unity, discipline and peaceful conduct throughout the ongoing agitation.
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 Government towards the genuine and long-pending concerns of NHM employees.
The Association also appealed to Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K Mr. Omar Abdullah and Hon’ble Health Minister J&K Ms. Sakeena Itoo to take a positive and compassionate view of the demands and facilitate meaningful discussions for their early resolution.
The Association reiterated its readiness for table-talk and constructive dialogue with the Government and expressed hope that the present initiative would result in concrete measures addressing the long-pending issues of NHM employees.
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.