NHM staff on indefinite strike from today

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 21

The Chandigarh National Health Mission Employees’ Union (CNEU) has decided to go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow. Members of the union are already on strike for the past three days.

“We are on strike for the past three days, but the department is not listening to us. Now, it has been decided unanimously to extend the ongoing strike for an indefinite period,” said Amit Kumar, general secretary, CNEU. The protesters said they would intensify their agitation and stage a protest in front of local MP Kirron Kher’s residence.

In view of the strike, the Health Department has ordered that no employee can avail of leave without the permission of respective Head of the Department.

The Medical Superintendent, Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector16, has directed in-charges of various civil hospitals and dispensaries to ensure smooth functioning of emergency services.

However, doctors said healthcare services were partially affected in some periphery dispensaries.

Dr G Dewan, Mission Director, National Health Mission, said he had informed the UT Administration about the strike and they have to take action in this regard.

“We have regularly pleaded before senior officers of the UT Administration that our salaries should be increased. Last year, our counterparts in Haryana got a hike and received salaries on a par with regular employees of the state under equal pay for equal work orders of the Supreme Court, but the Chandigarh Administration is not listening to us,” said Amit Kumar.