Haryana Government Doctors Strike Over Unmet Demands

Government doctors in Haryana observed a two-hour strike to demand the formation of a specialist cadre, reduction in bond amounts, and a dynamic career progression scheme. The strike, organized by HCMS, disrupted OPD services and underscored long-pending issues despite earlier agreements with state health officials.

Government doctors in Haryana staged a two-hour strike on Monday, pressing for various demands including the creation of a specialist cadre for doctors and a career progression scheme ensuring parity with central government doctors.

The strike disrupted outpatient department (OPD) services across government healthcare facilities in the state. The protest, held from 9 am to 11 am, was organized by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMS).

HCMS, representing government doctors, has long advocated for the formation of a specialist cadre, the cessation of direct recruitment of senior medical officers (SMOs), reduction in postgraduate bond amounts, and a dynamic career progression scheme comparable to central government standards.

HCMS emphasized that these demands have been pending for an extended period, noting the excessive bond requirement of Rs 1 crore, which they argue should be significantly reduced.

The association also opposed the direct recruitment of SMOs, asserting that it stifles the career advancement of medical officers who have served for over two decades.

Dr Rajesh Khyalia, President of HCMS, stated that the health department and government were pre-informed about the strike. He highlighted that former state health officials had consented to these demands six months ago, yet the issues remain unresolved.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors committed wholeheartedly, with many losing their lives, Khyalia said, describing it as unjust for these ''Corona warriors'' to now resort to protests for legitimate rights.