Srinagar | September, 17: The ongoing agitation by National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir will continue as the employees’ association extended its strike by another 72 hours starting September 18.
Protesters are demanding pay parity, job security, regularisation, and essential social security benefits such as EPF and insurance. Representatives highlighted that despite years of service, including during critical health emergencies, no concrete, time-bound policy has been established for their future.
Protesting workers emphasized that while they are conscious of the strain on healthcare services, years of unresolved grievances forced the extension. Meanwhile, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo appealed to the striking staff to return to work, assuring them that their genuine concerns would be thoroughly examined within the government’s jurisdiction. “They are our own people, and it is their democratic right to raise their concerns… I hope they will call off their strike and return to their duties. The government will certainly do whatever it can for them,” officials quoted the Minister as saying. The association reiterated its readiness for constructive dialogue provided a clear roadmap is presented.
