Health services in the State have been hit badly as the strike by the contractual health workers entered its 19th day. As the strike continues indefinitely the National Health Mission has threatened the striking workers with termination of their contracts if they donot report to duty by Monday. It is learnt that the government too has instructed the district administrations to withhold the salaries of the striking staff, hoping that this step will induce them to return to their duties.
The striking staffs that include data entry operators, paramedics, accountants and pharmacists among others have been demanding regularization of services and higher salary for all contractual workers who have completed more than one year in service.
The strike which began on February 19 has almost crippled the medical services in all the government hospitals with the outpatient department and emergency services being the worst hit. Distributions of free medicines, pathological and x-ray services, ambulance and other health care services too have been badly hit, resulting in inconveniences and hardships to thousands of patients and their relatives.
The agitating staff, however do not seem to be ready to rejoin duty unless their demands are met. Disregarding the government’s and the district administration’s warnings the striking staff assembled at the Phoolbagh junction today raising slogans against the government and the National Health Mission.
Talking to the media the agitating workers said that they are not planning to return to work till the government accepts all their demands. A sunderkand too was organized, hoping its divine and serene influence will bring some sense to the government.