In wake of the reports that staff working under Punjab National Health Mission is proceeding on strike, Punjab’s Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Thursday appealed them not to go on strike or any mass casual leave.
“The entire world is fighting against the crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic and the health employees are on the forefront for the cause of mankind. In such a scenario, Punjab Government is also making untiring efforts to serve its people in this time of crisis. Already, the Epidemic Diseases Act has been enforced and the State Government is making all efforts to combat the menace,” said Sidhu.
Sidhu said that at this juncture, the staff working under NHM should not even think of such a move as this would not only be anti-mankind but also against their call of duty. He exhorted the health workers, especially ANMs, staff nurses, to keep serving the people of the State in the manner they have been doing especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have to live up to expectations of the people of Punjab as they look upon us at this hour of crisis,” he said adding that despite all odds, the Health Department recently gave NHM employees six percent-plus-12 percent special COVID-19 increment about two months back.
The Health Minister urged the employees of the Department not to back out from their moral duty of being forefront COVID-19 warriors. “As done in past, the State Government is always open to any genuine problems being faced by the staff and any one facing any problems can contact me directly,” he added.
Sidhu said that he was hopeful that the employees of National Health Mission Punjab, being the backbone of the Health Services, will stand rock solid with the Department and shun away any thought of going on strike.