Haryana Government Hospital Doctors Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association has announced a complete shutdown of health services on July 25, protesting unmet demands for a specialist cadre, career progression parity with central doctors, and reduced postgraduate bond amounts. Government officials urge consideration for patients impacted by the strike.

The Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association announced a shutdown of government hospital health services on July 25 to protest unmet demands of doctors. The government has urged them to consider the strike's impact on patients.

Four HCMS Association doctors, including President Dr. Rajesh Khyalia, began an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Director General of Health Services' office in Panchkula. Their demands include the formation of a specialist cadre, a career progression scheme ensuring parity with central government doctors, a halt to direct senior medical officer recruitment, and a reduction in postgraduate course bond amounts.

Dr. Khyalia stated, "We have received repeated assurances regarding our demands over several months, but none have been fulfilled. Hence, we are observing a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, and post-mortem, from tomorrow." Despite governmental invitations for talks scheduled for Thursday, Khyalia confirmed that without a resolution, the strike would persist. Health Minister Kamal Gupta acknowledged the demands and their seriousness but urged doctors to consider the strike's impact on patients and public health services.