Delhi State Health Mission doctors hold one-day strike over 7th pay commission benefits
Doctors Demand 7th Pay Commission Benefits, Job Security
New Delhi: Doctors and healthcare workers employed under the Delhi State Health Mission (DSHM) observed a one-day token strike on Friday, demanding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, revision of salary ceilings, job security for contractual staff, and other long-pending welfare measures.
The protest, organised by the Health Mission Doctors' Welfare Association (HMDWA), was held outside Vikas Bhawan near the Sushruta Trauma Centre in Civil Lines. According to the association, around 500-550 doctors and healthcare workers participated in the demonstration after efforts to secure a meeting with the Chief Minister and the Health Minister did not materialise, according to The Indian Express.
The association represents employees working under the Delhi State Health Mission, many of whom have been serving in Mohalla Clinics, dispensaries, polyclinics, school health programmes, immunisation drives, and other public health initiatives across the national capital.
The association further alleged that the existing salary ceiling has prevented several employees from receiving annual increments for the past three years, resulting in financial losses. It also raised concerns over the absence of retirement benefits and the alleged termination of long-serving contractual employees without a fair inquiry process.
Speaking to The Times of India, one protesting doctor said, "Over 200 doctors, MBBS and specialists have been working for 18 years all over Delhi with a consolidated salary, no perks, no insurance, no scope of regularisation and no retirement benefits."
The association has warned that if its demands continue to remain unaddressed, the one-day token strike could be followed by a larger agitation.
Meanwhile, the Delhi State Health Mission issued a notice stating that employees participating in the strike would be marked "Absent" for the duration of the protest and that no leave would be sanctioned or regularised for the strike period, according to The Daily.
Commenting on the issue, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh informed Hindustan Times, "We have received their (association's) presentation and looking how we can legally help them in their matter."
According to The Indian Express, members of the association said NHM employees have staged similar protests in the past but had resumed work after receiving assurances from the authorities. They claimed that the issues have remained unresolved despite repeated representations, prompting them to launch the latest protest.
At the time of reporting, there was no detailed response from the Delhi government on the association's demands.
