The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association announced a cessation of health services in government hospitals on Thursday to express their dissatisfaction with the unmet demands of doctors.
The state government has appealed to the organisation to consider the potential impact of the strike on patients.
Four HCMS Association doctors, including Dr. Rajesh Khyalia, the president, commenced an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of the director general of health services in Panchkula.
The doctors are demanding the establishment of a specialist cadre, a career progression plan that ensures parity with central government doctors, no direct recruitment of senior medical officers (SMOs), and a reduction in the bond amount for postgraduate courses.
"Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances pertaining to our various demands, but they remain unfulfilled. So, we have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, post-mortem," Khyalia said on Wednesday.
"On July 18, we were assured by the additional chief secretary, health, that a notification would be issued before July 24 pertaining to two demands -- assured career progression and the bond issue -- but nothing has happened," he said.
"We had told the government a month back that we would be compelled to shut down all services from July 25 (if our demands are not met)," he added.
On the government's invitation for talks on Thursday, Khyalia said, "We will attend the meeting, but if there is no outcome, then our strike will continue indefinitely." In a letter to the HCMS Association, which represents government doctors in Haryana, Health Minister Kamal Gupta urged doctors to consider the impact of their strike on the general public.
"I understand that... numerous pressing demands (have been) put forth by your members, and I want to assure you that these concerns are being taken very seriously.
"Recently, I held a productive meeting with the chief minister and other higher officers to discuss these matters extensively. We recognise the importance of your demands and are actively working towards a resolution that will be satisfactory to all parties involved," he said.
"However, I urge each one of you to consider the impact of a strike on our patients and the general public. We have a responsibility to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted, especially for those who rely on us in their times of need," the minister said.
On July 15th, government doctors went on a two-hour strike to push for their demands. The strike disrupted outpatient department (OPD) services in government healthcare institutions across the state.
The HCMS Association mentioned that doctors are required to submit two bonds worth Rs 1 crore each for admission to postgraduate courses, which they believe is excessively high and should be significantly reduced.
Regarding the direct recruitment of SMOs, the association has expressed that it would hinder the advancement of numerous medical officers awaiting promotion to the post after completing 20 years of service.
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