NHM employees intensify strike, announce boycott of Pulse Polio programme
Employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, have intensified their indefinite strike by announcing a boycott of the upcoming Pulse Polio campaign. The strike, which entered its third day on Wednesday, has seen workers halt operations at the Civil Surgeon’s office and other health department establishments.
Union president confirms boycott decision
District NHM Union president Harpal Singh confirmed that all NHM workers in the district have been on strike since June 22. “The decision to boycott the Pulse Polio programme was taken in line with the directions issued by the state leadership of the union,” he said. The boycott is aimed at drawing the attention of authorities to the long-pending demands of NHM workers.
Key demands include regularisation and equal pay
The protesting employees allege that despite repeated representations, the government has failed to address their grievances. Key demands include regularisation of services, implementation of equal pay for equal work, grant of loyalty bonus, inclusion of employees in the government gazette, withdrawal of the newly introduced incentive proforma, and removal of restrictions on private practice. Union leaders stated that employees from various cadres have joined the agitation and vowed to continue until their demands are met.
Impact on health services
The strike has disrupted work at the Civil Surgeon’s office and multiple health department establishments. The boycott of the Pulse Polio programme could affect polio vaccination efforts in the district. The employees have warned of further escalation if the government does not respond positively.
