Karnataka Health Workers Announce Phased Statewide Agitation Over Unmet Demands
In a significant development, the Karnataka Government Medical Officers' Association and the Karnataka State Health and Medical Education Department Employees' Central Association, along with other staff bodies, announced a phased statewide agitation on Monday. This move comes as a response to what they describe as repeated delays by the government in addressing long-standing demands of doctors and health workers across the state.
Background of the Dispute
At a press conference, association leaders expressed frustration over the government's inaction despite multiple rounds of talks with ministers and senior officials. They highlighted that numerous representations have been submitted over time, yet their core concerns remain unresolved. An emergency meeting of office-bearers was convened on February 13 at Arogya Soudha on Magadi Road in Bengaluru, where representatives from various staff associations unanimously resolved to launch this strike action.
Phases of the Agitation
The agitation is structured into two distinct phases to escalate pressure on the authorities:
- First Phase (March 11-15): During this initial stage, doctors and employees working in district and taluk hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and dispensaries will wear black armbands as a symbol of protest. Outpatient services will be suspended, with only emergency care being provided to ensure patient safety.
- Second Phase (Starting March 16): If demands are not met by then, health department staff across Karnataka will launch an indefinite strike. This phase aims to bring all government hospital operations to a halt until their grievances are addressed. The associations have made a strong appeal to all government hospital staff to extend full support to this agitation.
Key Demands of the Health Workers
The associations have outlined several critical demands that they argue are essential for improving healthcare services and working conditions:
- Regular Supply of Medicines: Ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of medicines to government hospitals to prevent shortages that affect patient care.
- Amendment of Cadre and Recruitment Rules: Updating rules that have reportedly not been revised since 1973, despite a mandated three-year review period, to reflect current needs and standards.
- Publication of Updated Seniority Lists: Releasing current seniority lists to provide transparency and fairness in career progression.
- Granting of Pending Promotions: Addressing promotions that have been stalled for approximately five years, which they claim has demoralized staff and hindered career growth.
This agitation underscores the growing discontent among healthcare professionals in Karnataka, who are calling for urgent government intervention to resolve these issues and improve the overall healthcare system in the state.
