The strike led by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA), began as a two-day protest on December 8–9, but was escalated into an indefinite shutdown after talks with the state government failed to yield a resolution. More than 3,000 government doctors are participating, resulting in acute staff shortages at public hospitals.
Despite the Haryana government invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)—which prohibits strikes in essential services—and announcing salary deductions for doctors on strike, medical professionals have continued their protest, intensifying the standoff.
Now, recently plea was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday challenging the ongoing indefinite strike by government doctors in Haryana.
Also Read:Haryana Govt invokes ESMA to prevent 3000 doctors from strike, threatens salary cut
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has appealed to the doctors to withdraw their strike and return to duty. He stated, "The doctors have four key demands, three of which have already been accepted by the government." Notifications regarding a specialised cadre for doctors and travel allowances have been issued, and the recruitment of senior medical officers has been halted. However, the fourth demand—changes to the Assured Career Progression (ACP) structure—remains unresolved.
Saini emphasised ongoing government efforts, noting that systems in other states are being studied and the suspension of direct recruitment will stay until a final decision is made. Saini also called on the doctors to avoid politicising the issue, saying the government has addressed most of their concerns.
Dr Rajesh Khyalia, president of the HCMSA, responded that the government had promised a year ago to fulfill their demands, particularly stopping direct recruitment of senior medical officers and implementing the modified assured career progression scheme. "We request the government to fulfil its promise.
But rather than fulfilling its promise, it is trying to suppress our voice through ESMA or issuing letters," Dr Khyalia was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "Our doctors are not getting promotions. We do not understand why the government is pressuring us. Why is it not implementing its promise?" he questioned.
According to Khyalia, three doctors in Panchkula are currently on a fast unto death until their demands are addressed. He also stated that the association remains open to dialogue, but no formal invitation for talks has been received from the government.
To reduce the impact of the strike, the Haryana health department has deployed doctors from the National Health Mission (NHM), government medical colleges, ESIC hospitals, and AYUSH services.
Also Read:Over 3,000 Haryana doctors on strike, prohibitory orders imposed
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