Government doctors in Haryana launched an indefinite strike on Thursday, disrupting services in state-run hospitals across the state. The strike, organized by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, aims to protest the non-fulfilment of their various demands. The doctors are demanding the creation of a specialist cadre and a career progression scheme that ensures they are on par with their central government counterparts. Other demands include no direct recruitment of senior medical officers and a reduced bond amount for postgraduate courses.
The association, in a bid to highlight their grievances, has shut down health services in government hospitals. The state government has appealed to the association to consider the effect of the strike on patients. Association president Dr Rajesh Khyalia stated that doctors from various government health institutions have embarked on an indefinite strike across the state. He added that while they will attend a meeting with the government, the strike will continue indefinitely if no resolution is reached.
The strike has led to long queues of patients in outpatient departments (OPDs) of district hospitals in various locations including Panipat and Gurugram. The association, in a statement, said that despite repeated assurances from the government regarding their demands, they remain unfulfilled. As a result, they have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, and post-mortem services from Thursday.
Dr. Khyalia further stated that on July 18, the additional chief secretary, health, had assured the association that a notification would be issued before July 24 pertaining to two key demands – assured career progression and the bond issue – but no such notification was issued. He added that they had informed the government a month prior that they would be compelled to shut down all services from July 25 if their demands were not met.
In response to the strike, Health Minister Kamal Gupta, in a letter to the association, urged the doctors to consider the impact of their strike on the general public. He acknowledged the doctors’ pressing demands and assured them that these concerns are being taken seriously. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that healthcare services remain uninterrupted, especially for those who rely on them during times of need.
