Jammu, 06 April (H.S.): The ongoing strike by non-gazetted employees of Health and Medical Colleges across Jammu & Kashmir entered its fifth consecutive day today, with healthcare services continuing to remain affected across the Union Territory.

The agitation, being spearheaded by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), has witnessed widespread participation from healthcare workers protesting against the deduction of two-and-a-half days’ salary. The employees allege that the deductions were made despite their performing duties on Sundays, gazetted holidays and under round-the-clock roster schedules.

Addressing protesting employees at SMGS Hospital, chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), Sushil Sudan, expressed concern over the prolonged disruption in healthcare institutions, blaming what he described as the Government’s “non-serious approach” towards resolving the issue. He asserted that the employees’ demands were genuine and warranted immediate attention.

JKMEF president Jaswinder Singh also raised strong objections to the salary deductions and urged the authorities to revoke the order issued by the Director Finance on January 20. He demanded the immediate release of the deducted wages, and warned that continued inaction could escalate the situation further.

The employees cautioned that if their demands are not addressed by April 6, the JAC may intensify the agitation. This could include the suspension of emergency services, a move that may further impact patient care across hospitals in the region.

The protest has drawn significant support from healthcare staff across multiple districts, underlining the seriousness of the issue. Several union leaders, including Parfulat Singh, Arun Sharma, Anoop Kohli, Harpal Singh and others, reiterated the demand for restoration of service rights and called for an urgent resolution to the crisis.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar