Raipur, September 5,2025|SKY LINK TIMES
Chhattisgarh’s healthcare system faces a major crisis as more than 14,000 contractual officers and employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) have resigned following the dismissal of 25 union leaders spearheading an ongoing strike.
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The strike, which began on August 18, is being led by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh NHM Karamchari Sangh, demanding regularisation of services, grade pay, a public health cadre, and improved working conditions.
Why Are NHM Workers Protesting?
According to NHM union leaders, despite repeated memoranda and representations, their long-pending demands were ignored. The administration’s move to sack leaders including Dr Amit Kumar Miri (President) and Kaushlesh Tiwari (General Secretary) has escalated tensions.
> “This repressive action is unfair and a hindrance to dialogue. Angered by this, 14,678 officers and employees across the state have resigned,” said union leader Hemant Kumar Sinha.
Dr Miri added that over 160 memoranda were submitted without concrete responses, forcing workers into protest.
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Government’s Response
The state government claims that several demands have already been addressed:
1.27% salary hike – accepted and under process.
2.₹10 lakh cashless health insurance – approved for employees.
3.30 days paid leave for health issues or emergencies – implemented.
4.Transparency in Confidential Report (CR) evaluation – accepted.
Additionally, a committee has been formed to examine grade pay, compassionate appointments, and transfer policy. However, three core demands—regularisation of services, creation of a public health cadre, and reservation in regular recruitment—remain pending at the highest government level.
Impact on Healthcare Services
With around 16,000 staff on indefinite strike, healthcare services including maternal care, vaccination drives, and primary health programs have been severely disrupted. Rural and tribal areas, heavily dependent on NHM facilities, are facing the brunt of the crisis.
What’s Next?
Despite assurances, NHM workers have declared that the strike will continue until all 10 of their demands are met. The standoff between employees and the government is intensifying, raising fears of a deeper healthcare collapse in the state.
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