Assam: NHM employees stage mass protest in Barpeta, urge government to fill existing vacancies

Doctors, nurses, and employees under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam observed a statewide strike today, demanding job regularization and salary protection. Responding to the call of the All Assam Health and Technical Welfare Association, NHM workers in Barpeta also joined the three-day strike, affecting healthcare services in several hospitals across the state. However, emergency services were exempted to ensure critical patient care.

Around 22,000 NHM employees across Assam began their strike today, causing disruptions in medical services at government hospitals and health centers. In Barpeta, NHM workers, including doctors and nurses, abstained from their duties and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, outlining their key demands.
The protesting employees urged the government to fill existing vacancies in the health department and create new permanent positions. They demanded that contractual NHM employees, who have been serving for years, be given permanent appointments with Pay Protection and other benefits.

Additionally, they called for implementation of the 7th Pay Commission's salary structure, applicable from January 2016, ensuring parity with regular health department employees. They also sought pension benefits, gratuity, death benefits, various leave entitlements, and inclusion in the Mukhya Mantri Loksevak Arogya Yojana. Other financial demands included concessional home and vehicle loans under the Apun Ghar and Apun Bahon schemes.

The three-day strike has significantly impacted healthcare delivery across Assam, particularly in government hospitals. Many routine medical services were disrupted due to the absence of NHM staff. However, emergency and critical care services were kept operational to prevent serious patient hardships.