State Bans Strikes for Six Months to Protect Essential Healthcare Services
Chandigarh: Amid the escalating agitation by the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association, the Haryana Government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), prohibiting doctors and health department staff from going on strike for the next six months. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted treatment for critically ill patients and maintain essential healthcare services across the state.
‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy Enforced on Striking Doctors
Alongside the ESMA order, the Director General of Health Services announced that salaries of doctors who participated in the strike would be withheld under the ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule. The strike, which began on Monday, involved over 3,000 doctors demanding a revised Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme and withdrawal of direct recruitment for Specialist Medical Officers.
Doctors Warn of Extended Strike if Demands Not Met
The HCMS Association had earlier declared that all medical services—including OPDs, emergency care, surgeries, and labour rooms—would remain suspended on December 8 and 9 if their demands were ignored. They further warned of an indefinite strike beginning December 10 if no resolution was reached.
Government Issues Formal Notification Prohibiting Strike
A notification issued by the Chief Secretary on December 9 stated that any strike by doctors or health staff would severely impact public health and essential medical services. The order emphasized that maintaining uninterrupted healthcare was in the public interest, compelling the government to enforce ESMA.
Doctors Cite Long-Standing Unresolved Grievances
HCMSA president Dr Rajesh Khyalia stated that doctors were forced to strike after repeated assurances failed to translate into action. He highlighted two major issues: halting direct recruitment of senior medical officers and implementing a modified ACP scheme. Despite ESMA, the association said it remains open to dialogue.
Security Measures Tightened Around Health Facilities
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar issued prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more people within 200 meters of all government health institutions. Violations of these restrictions would invite legal action. The move aims to curb protests and ensure smooth functioning of medical services.
Government Says Services Running Smoothly Amid Strike
Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao said essential services remained uninterrupted, thanks to the deployment of NHM and Ayushman Bharat doctors. She added that several demands of HCMSA had already been accepted and discussions on the remaining issues were ongoing. The government, she said, hopes to resolve the matter soon.
FAIMA Extends Support, Calls for Immediate Resolution
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) supported the striking doctors, stressing that the protest arose from years of unresolved service-related issues such as blocked promotions, recruitment policies, and pending ACP benefits. In a letter to the Health Minister, FAIMA urged swift, structured negotiations and transparent decisions to prevent further disruption of healthcare services.
