Government doctors in Haryana have extended their protest indefinitely, demanding the implementation of a modified career progression scheme and halting direct recruitment of senior medical officers, creating a tense standoff with authorities under ESMA.
Haryana govt imposes Essential Services Maintenance Act to restrict doctors' strike in state.
Chandigarh: Government doctors in Haryana escalated their protest on Wednesday, extending a previously planned two-day strike to an indefinite one. The strike, organized by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, is aimed at pressing the state government to fulfill long-standing promises, particularly the implementation of the modified assured career progression scheme and halting direct recruitment of senior medical officers.
In response to the strike, the Haryana government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act, effectively prohibiting any further work stoppage by government doctors. The health department also announced that salaries of the doctors participating in the strike would be deducted for the days they remain absent from duty. Officials stated this step was necessary to maintain essential medical services across the state.
Dr Rajesh Khyalia, president of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, said the government had committed a year ago to implement their demands. “Our doctors are not getting promotions, and the government is attempting to suppress our voice through ESMA and warning letters rather than fulfilling its promise,” he said. The association is also advocating for a halt on the direct recruitment of senior medical officers, emphasizing that existing doctors deserve career progression based on their service.
Highlighting the seriousness of the protest, three doctors in Panchkula have begun a fast unto death, demanding immediate action from the government. Dr Khyalia stressed that the doctors remain open to dialogue, but no official invitation for talks has been received so far, prolonging the standoff.
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The strike affected certain services such as diagnostics, ultrasound, and CT scans in some hospitals. However, state authorities deployed doctors from the National Health Mission, medical colleges, ESIC, consultants, and Ayush practitioners to ensure that essential healthcare services continued. In Ambala, Civil Surgeon Dr Rakesh Sahal reported that all 168 doctors in the district were present on duty, keeping laboratories, imaging departments, and primary health centres operational. Patients continued to receive care without interruption.
In Kurukshetra, the strike had minimal impact. Chief Medical Officer Dr Sukhbir Singh Mehla confirmed that while there were absences on Monday and Tuesday, all doctors reported for duty on Wednesday at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain District Hospital. Medical services remained fully functional, and patients did not face any inconvenience.
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The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association continues to press for the implementation of the modified assured career progression scheme and a halt to direct recruitment of senior medical officers. With the strike now indefinite and hunger strikes underway, tensions between the government and doctors are likely to continue until a resolution is reached. Both sides have expressed willingness for dialogue, but a clear roadmap for negotiations is yet to be established.
