Jammu: NHM employees across Jammu & Kashmir ended their 48-hour strike after a constructive meeting with Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo, who assured a detailed review of their long-pending demands, including job security, pay revision and social benefits.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the 48-hour strike observed by NHM employees across Jammu & Kashmir Division was called off on the second day following a constructive meeting with the Hon’ble Health Minister, Jammu & Kashmir Ms Sakeena Masood (Itoo), at Civil Secretariat Jammu today.
He said, the strike was organized on the call of the UT Level Coordination Committee of All J&K National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) in support of the long-pending demands of NHM employees, observed across UT Jammu & Kashmir.
“On the first day, NHM employees observed a complete strike across Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting their genuine demands including formulation of a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, social security benefits including retirement benefits, extension of EPF benefits to all cadres, implementation of Equal Pay for Equal Work, loyalty benefits, and other long-pending issues,” said the spokesperson.
He said, on the second day, the Hon’ble Health Minister J&K Ms Sakeena Masood Itoo and Mission Director NHM J&K Ms Akriti Sagar (IAS) called upon the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, headed by Provincial President Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, Provincial President Kashmir Muneer Ahmed Andrabi & UT President NTEP (RNTCP) J&K Mr Musadiq Rafiq along with Sr Representatives of the Association.
He added, during the meeting, the Association apprised the Hon’ble Health Minister about the genuine issues being faced by NHM employees and sought their early and immediate redressal. The Hon’ble Minister gave a patient hearing and acknowledged the significant role played by NHM employees in strengthening the healthcare delivery system. She stated that NHM plays an important role in the health system and termed the issues of NHM employees as genuine. She further assured the delegation that a detailed review meeting will be held shortly to examine all the issues and work towards their resolution.
The spokesperson further said, following the assurances received during the meeting, the Association decided to call off the 48-hour strike in the larger interest of public healthcare services and resumed duties.
“However, the Association also set a time-bound ultimatum to the Govt of two months, stating that in case the issues are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, NHM employees will again be compelled to intensify their agitation and take to the roads.”
He said earlier, the protest was held under the leadership of Provincial President, NHM Jammu Division, Dr. Vikas Sharma, with the aim of drawing the attention of the Govt towards the plight of thousands of NHM employees who have been serving in the healthcare sector for nearly two decades without job security and adequate social benefits.
“The Association expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Health Minister and Mission Director NHM J&K for holding the meeting and giving positive assurances. The Association also extended heartfelt thanks to all NHM employees across Jammu & Kashmir for their overwhelming participation and maintaining unity during the protest,” he said
He added, the Association further thanked various employee organizations, including J&K Medical Employees Federation, J&K EJAC and All CHOs Association J&K for extending their valuable support and solidarity during the strike.
“The Association also appealed to all NHM employees across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to remain united and continue their collective efforts for achieving justice and resolution of their long-pending demands. The Association reiterated that NHM employees remain hopeful for an early and positive resolution and assured that they will continue to serve the public with dedication and commitment—(KNO)
