Haryana Govt Doctors Call Strike Over Unfulfilled Demands, Hunger Strike Begins

The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association has initiated a shutdown of health services in government hospitals to protest unmet demands. Four doctors, including the association's president, have commenced an indefinite hunger strike. Key issues include forming a specialist cadre and reducing bond amounts for postgraduate courses.

The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association has announced a complete shutdown of health services in government hospitals on Thursday to protest the non-fulfilment of their demands.

The state government has appealed to the association to consider the adverse effect on patients due to the strike.

Four doctors, including the association's president Dr Rajesh Khyalia, have begun an indefinite hunger strike in front of the director general's office in Panchkula. Their demands include the formation of a specialist cadre, a career progression scheme, the cessation of direct recruitment of senior medical officers (SMOs), and a reduction in the bond amount for postgraduate courses.

Dr Rajesh Khyalia emphasized that after months of unmet assurances, the association had no choice but to escalate their demands through a shutdown. ''We were promised that our key issues would be addressed by July 24, but no action has been taken,'' he said.

Despite the government's invitation for talks, Khyalia indicated that the strike would continue indefinitely if their demands were not met.

In response, Health Minister Kamal Gupta has urged the doctors to consider the impact on the general public, stressing the government's earnest efforts to resolve the issues.