The healthcare system in Dibrugangarh has been thrown into complete disarray as the strike by National Health Mission (NHM) workers entered its second consecutive day on Thursday. The protest has brought medical services across the district to a virtual standstill, leaving patients in dire straits.
Healthcare Services Grind to a Halt
Major government healthcare facilities, including the prestigious Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), are witnessing unprecedented disruptions. Outpatient departments (OPDs), diagnostic services, and routine medical procedures have been severely affected, forcing many patients to seek expensive private healthcare alternatives.
The strike impact is particularly devastating for:
- Routine immunization programs for children
- Antenatal care for pregnant women
- Chronic disease management and follow-up treatments
- Emergency medical services in rural areas
Core Demands of Protesting Health Workers
Nearly 1,500 NHM employees across Dibrugarh district have joined the agitation, demanding immediate attention to their long-pending grievances. The protesting workers include crucial healthcare providers like ASHA workers, laboratory technicians, and community health officers.
"We have been working as contractual employees for years without job security or proper benefits. This strike is our last resort to draw attention to our plight," explained one protesting health worker who wished to remain anonymous.
Key Demands Include:
- Permanent employment status and job regularization
- Standardized salary structure comparable to regular government employees
- Timely payment of wages and elimination of payment delays
- Better working conditions and proper implementation of government schemes
Administration's Response and Patient Suffering
District health authorities have acknowledged the crisis but remain tight-lipped about concrete solutions. While emergency services are reportedly being maintained with skeletal staff, the reality on ground tells a different story.
Patients arriving from remote areas of Upper Assam are bearing the brunt of this stalemate. Many have traveled long distances only to find closed OPDs and non-functional diagnostic centers, adding to their physical and financial burden.
The ongoing protest raises serious questions about the sustainability of the healthcare system that relies heavily on contractual workers without providing them basic employment security.
