JAMMU: The 48-hour strike observed by National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu Division and Kashmir Division was called off on Thursday following a constructive meeting with J&K Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo.
The strike, organized by the All J&K National Health Mission Employees Association under its UT-level coordination committee, had been launched to press for long-pending demands of NHM employees across the Union Territory.
On the first day, employees observed a complete shutdown of services, raising key issues including formulation of a comprehensive job policy, pay revision, social security and retirement benefits, EPF coverage, payment parity, and loyalty benefits.
On the second day, the Health Minister, along with Mission Director NHM J&K Akriti Sagar, invited a delegation of the association for talks at the Civil Secretariat Jammu. The delegation was led by Provincial President Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, Provincial President Kashmir Muneer Ahmed Andrabi, and UT President NTEP (RNTCP) J&K Musadiq Rafiq, along with senior representatives.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the challenges faced by NHM employees, many of whom have served the healthcare sector for nearly two decades without job security or adequate benefits. The Minister acknowledged their concerns, termed the issues as genuine, and assured that a detailed review meeting would be convened soon to address them.
Following these assurances, the association decided to call off the strike in the larger interest of public healthcare services and resumed duties.
However, the association issued a two-month ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to resolve the issues within a reasonable timeframe could lead to intensified agitation.
The association expressed gratitude to the Health Minister and NHM leadership for the dialogue, and also thanked various employee bodies, including the J&K Medical Employees Federation, J&K EJAC, and the All CHOs Association J&K, for their support during the protest.
Reiterating their commitment, NHM employees said they remain hopeful of a positive resolution while continuing to serve the public with dedication.
