In a strong protest against alleged systemic failures, female health workers, known as Sahiyas, in Hazaribag district's Keredari block have launched an indefinite strike. The strike began on Monday, with the workers accusing the local Community Health Centre (CHC) of gross mismanagement and demanding immediate corrective action.
Effigy Burning and Sloganeering Mark Protest
The agitation took a dramatic turn as the protesting Sahiyas burnt an effigy of State Health Minister Irfan Ansari. They marched from the block office to Keredari Chowk, raising powerful slogans such as "Health minister murdabad" and "Irfan Ansari hosh mein aao". The core of their accusation is that the health department is patronizing wrong officials instead of addressing critical issues.
Backdrop of the Tubectomy Surgery Controversy
The protest is directly linked to a recent incident that put the Keredari CHC in the headlines. Last week, the centre was allegedly the site of a tubectomy surgery conducted under the light of mobile phone torches. While the authorities cited a generator failure, the incident sparked widespread outrage over the state of healthcare infrastructure.
In a controversial response, Health Minister Irfan Ansari backed the CHC authorities. He stated that they did a good job by continuing the surgery despite mechanical issues and even announced he would felicitate the doctors who performed the procedure under flashlights. This statement further incensed the health workers and the local community.
Workers Accuse Minister of Shielding Officials
The protesting Sahiyas have specifically accused Minister Ansari of shielding the CHC in-charge, Dr. Nafis Anjum. They claim that instead of initiating measures to improve the deplorable healthcare services, the minister is protecting the responsible officials. This, they argue, perpetuates the cycle of neglect and mismanagement at the grassroots health facility.
The indefinite strike is expected to severely impact routine healthcare services and outreach programs in the Keredari block. The Sahiyas play a crucial role in maternal and child health, immunization drives, and community health education. Their withdrawal of services highlights a deepening crisis in rural healthcare delivery in the region.
