Chandigarh:
Government hospitals across Haryana have resumed normal operations after doctors under the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) called off their indefinite strike following written assurances from the state government addressing key demands.
The strike, which involved over 3,000 government doctors, was withdrawn after the state agreed to temporarily halt the direct recruitment of Specialist Medical Officers (SMOs) and review the existing Assured Career Progression (ACP) framework.
Government Concedes After Four Days of Protest
The doctors had begun their strike earlier this week, demanding revision of the ACP structure, revocation of direct SMO recruitment, and safeguards against career stagnation. After four days of disruption to health services, the government responded, agreeing to review service rules of other states before taking a final decision on amendments.
The assurances were given during a nearly two-hour meeting between Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, senior health officials, and representatives of the HCMSA.
ACP Issue to Be Addressed Through Ayushman Incentives
The contentious ACP issue was resolved after doctors agreed to receive performance-linked incentives under the Ayushman Bharat scheme instead of immediate ACP revisions.
A committee has been constituted to design the incentive framework, which is expected to submit its report within 30 days. The government provided written assurance that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented.
Director General of Health Services Manish Bansal stated,
“The ACP could not be implemented at this stage, and a panel will be formed to finalise incentives under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.”
A senior health official told TOI that the committee would outline how incentives would be structured and delivered, with recommendations expected within a month.
Doctors’ Association Welcomes Written Assurance
HCMSA president Dr Rajesh Khyalia told HT,
“The Ayushman incentive scheme will be proposed by a committee that will examine models adopted by other states and guidelines issued by the National Health Authority. The panel will include one representative from the doctors’ association.”
HCMSA general secretary Dr Anil Yadav added that concerns were also raised about newly appointed medical officers being posted in urban district hospitals, which could delay their eligibility for ACP benefits.
“It was agreed that no medical officer will be denied first ACP benefits if the government itself does not post them to rural areas,” he said.
ESMA Invoked, Pay Cut Threat Withdrawn
During the strike, the Haryana government had invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), prohibiting doctors and health staff from striking for six months. Authorities had also announced salary deductions under the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
However, following the resolution, doctors confirmed that the strike period would be treated as leave, and salaries would not be withheld.
Services Normalised
With the strike called off, outpatient and inpatient services at government hospitals across the state have returned to normal, bringing relief to patients after several days of disruption.
