Jammu, 03 April (H.S.): The 72-hour strike by non-gazetted (N-G) Health and Medical College employees across Jammu and Kashmir entered its second day today, further intensifying disruption in Government hospitals and significantly increasing patient suffering.

Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries remained suspended for the second consecutive day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, forcing a large number of patients to return from hospitals without treatment. Scenes of distress were witnessed at major health institutions, including Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and associated hospitals, where patients and attendants expressed frustration over the continued disruption.

The strike, spearheaded by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Health and medical college employees, is being held in protest against the Government’s decision to discontinue key duty allowances. Protesters have been demanding the restoration of an allowance equivalent to two-and-a-half days’ salary for duties performed on Sundays and public holidays.

Employees reiterated that the allowance, in place since 1991, recognized their services under the Essential Services Maintenance Act, which mandates their availability during holidays and emergencies. They termed its withdrawal as unjustified and detrimental to staff morale.

Union leaders, including representatives of the Jammu Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), stated that despite the formation of a special committee on March 11 to address the issue, no tangible progress has been made so far.

Protests continued across various medical institutions, including GMCs at Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda, SMGS Hospital Jammu, IG Dental College, and district hospitals in Poonch, Samba and Reasi.

While emergency services remained functional, the continued suspension of routine healthcare services has begun to severely affect patient care, with growing concerns likely to mount if the deadlock persists.

The JAC has once again appealed to the Government to intervene urgently and resolve the matter amicably to prevent further disruption in public healthcare services.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar