Strike Enters 23rd Day, Services Crippled
Pune: Healthcare services across Maharashtra remain severely disrupted as more than 30,000 contractual employees and officers under the National Health Mission (NHM) continue their indefinite strike, which entered its 23rd day on Wednesday. In Pune alone, nearly 1,400 NHM workers—including technical and non-technical staff—are part of the protest.
Key Demands: Regularisation and Pay Revision
The agitation, led by the NHM Coordination Committee, centres around 18 key demands, with the primary demand being the implementation of a government resolution that promises regularisation and salary revision for long-serving contract workers.
The controversy stems from a Government Resolution (GR) issued on March 14, 2024, in Aurangabad, which mandated that 30% of vacant NHM posts be made permanent for workers serving on contract for over 10 years. Protesters allege no progress has been made in the 18 months since its passage.
Statewide Impact on Healthcare
In Pune, striking employees staged demonstrations at the Aundh District Hospital, urging the state government to honour its commitments. Estimates suggest 25,000–30,000 workers statewide and 1,500 in Pune are actively participating in the strike.
Officials note that nearly half of Maharashtra’s health workforce is contractual, underscoring the critical role these employees play in both rural and urban public healthcare systems. Their absence has crippled routine services, leaving patients facing long delays and reduced access to treatment.
Escalation: Mass Resignations Submitted
The crisis has deepened after the government’s decision to terminate 25 NHM staffers, prompting a wave of resignations. So far, 14,678 NHM officers and employees across the state have formally submitted their resignations, intensifying pressure on the government.
Growing Tensions
The strike, which began on August 19, 2025, shows no signs of resolution. With healthcare services collapsing in several districts, patients and hospitals are bearing the brunt of the deadlock.
