MP Health Workers' Agitation Intensifies with Statewide Strike and Justice March
Hundreds of contractual health workers in Madhya Pradesh escalated their ongoing protest on Wednesday, staging a significant demonstration at JP Hospital in Bhopal. The workers are demanding permanent employment status and have presented a comprehensive nine-point charter of demands to the authorities. The statewide agitation has now intensified with the launch of a "Nyay Yatra" (Justice March) and coordinated strike actions, leading to considerable disruptions in services across numerous hospitals and health centres throughout the state.
Protesters Attempt March to Chief Minister's Residence, Police Intervene
The protest took a dramatic turn as participants attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's official residence to press their grievances directly. However, police forces swiftly intervened, blocking the advance of the demonstrators to maintain public order. During the tense standoff, a distressing incident occurred where a woman protester, who was carrying her young child, fainted due to exhaustion. Reports indicate that her colleagues immediately stepped in to care for the child, highlighting the personal struggles faced by the protesting workers.
Multiple Unions Unite Behind the Agitation, Citing Longstanding Grievances
The demonstration has garnered strong backing from several prominent unions, showcasing a unified front among health sector employees. Key organizations supporting the protest include the AIDS Control Employees Union, the All Health Officers Employees Federation, and the Contractual, Outsourced Health Workers Union. Surendra Singh Kaurav, the state president of the Health Officer Employees Federation, revealed that employees have been actively protesting since February 2, yet government officials have remained largely unresponsive to their pleas for dialogue and resolution.
Radiation Allowance Stagnation: A 35-Year-Old Issue with Deadly Consequences
One of the most critical issues highlighted during the protest involves the dangerously low radiation allowance for radiology staff. Virendra Rajput, president of the Madhya Pradesh Radiology Technicians Association, emphasized that these employees continue to receive a mere Rs 50 as radiation allowance—a rate that has remained unchanged for an astonishing 35 years. In stark contrast, radiology technicians in other Indian states reportedly receive allowances ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, creating a significant disparity.
Rajput issued a grave warning regarding the health implications of this neglect. He stated that prolonged exposure to radiation, compounded by inadequate protective measures and compensation, has already resulted in cancer-related deaths among 20 colleagues. Furthermore, six more technicians are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, underscoring the severe occupational hazards faced by these essential healthcare workers. The protestors argue that the state government's failure to address these critical safety and financial concerns is not only unjust but also poses a direct threat to public health infrastructure.
