Raipur: After a month-long protest, National Health Mission (NHM) contractual employees in Chhattisgarh called off their strike late Friday following a meeting with Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal. The decision came as a relief after weeks of disrupted health services across the state.
Thousands of Employees Participated
More than 16,000 NHM employees and officers had joined the protest that began on August 18, raising demands for better pay, job security, and improved working conditions. Their absence had severely impacted healthcare delivery, creating widespread concern among the public.
Key Demands Accepted by Government
In a breakthrough, the state government agreed to four of the employees’ key demands. These include a 5% salary hike with effect from July 2023, 30 days of annual paid leave, transparent annual performance reviews, and cashless medical insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh, according to IANS.
Committee to Address Pending Issues
To resolve the remaining concerns, the government announced the formation of a committee to examine issues such as grade pay, compassionate appointments, and transfer policies. The panel is expected to submit its report within three months. Minister Jaiswal appreciated the employees’ decision to resume work and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing all pending matters.
Relief for Public Health Services
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the end of the strike, calling NHM employees an integral part of the state’s extended family. He assured that their genuine demands would be handled with sensitivity. With staff returning to duty, health services across Chhattisgarh are expected to normalize, restoring vital care for vulnerable communities.
