Doctors’ strike falls flat across state; govt deploys massive contingency workforce

The two-day strike called by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) over long-pending service-related demands evoked limited response across the state on Monday, as the administration activated extensive contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted health services. The muted impact indicates that the state government is in no mood to succumb to what officials described as the association’s “blackmailing tactics.”

Doctors’ concerns will be addressed, says CM

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said in Chandigarh that the government had already fulfilled several demands earlier and that senior officials were in dialogue with the doctors. “All their concerns will be heard, and no one’s rights will be compromised,” he assured.

While striking doctors accused the government of “betraying them” by failing to implement accepted demands — particularly halting the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and issuing the notification for the modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) structure — most district hospitals, primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) remained functional, either partially or fully, owing to large-scale deployment of alternative medical staff.

Earlier meetings on December 3 and 5 between the HCMSA and senior bureaucrats resulted in the government agreeing to suspend SMO recruitment, but the ACP demand remained unresolved. Despite this partial concession, the association proceeded with the strike and threatened further escalation. HCMSA Karnal district president Dr Sanjay Verma warned that doctors would begin an indefinite strike from December 10 if their demands were not met.

In Karnal, where 91 of 151 government doctors joined the protest, the district administration mobilised 68 doctors from Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), 12 consultants, 16 newly recruited doctors, 46 NHM doctors, 86 Community Health Officers and 21 Ayush practitioners. Civil Surgeon Dr Poonam Chaudhary said OPD, emergency, MLC and post-mortem services continued, though long queues were seen at registration counters as patients waited to consult the deployed doctors.

To prevent disruptions around health facilities, Karnal Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning protests, slogans, sit-ins, tent installations, marches and obstruction within 200 metres of any government hospital, PHC, CHC, trauma centre or emergency unit. Violators face action under Section 223 and other legal provisions.

In Kaithal, Civil Surgeon Dr Renu Chawla said 26 of 69 doctors remained on duty. To bridge the shortfall, 14 NHM doctors, one consultant, 45 KCGMC doctors, 22 Ayush practitioners and 49 CHOs managed essential services, though patient load increased during peak hours.

In Rohtak, Civil Surgeon Dr Ramesh Chander said only 23 of 147 doctors participated and “all services ran smoothly.” However, HCMSA district president Dr Vishwajit claimed over 60 percent participation and said more doctors would join on Tuesday.

Stronger impact was seen in Jhajjar, where 140 of 201 doctors struck work. Deputy Commissioner S Ravindra Patil said temporary arrangements ensured OPD and emergency services remained functional.

Ambala saw no disruption, with Civil Surgeon Dr Rakesh Sehal reporting full attendance. Backup teams from NHM, Ayush and medical colleges remained on standby.

In Sirsa, with 123 of 140 doctors absent, hospitals relied on NHM doctors, consultants and Agroha Medical College faculty. Nearly 970 patients were treated across departments, and both normal and cesarean deliveries were conducted. Ultrasound services, however, were suspended.

Hisar experienced one of the highest participation levels, with 135 of 157 doctors striking. The administration deployed ESI doctors, retired doctors, NHM personnel and PG students from Agroha Medical College. Civil Surgeon Dr Sapna Gahlaut said OPD attendance reached 1,200 and scheduled surgeries went ahead. HCMSA acting district president Dr Manish Poonia criticised the government for delaying service rule amendments and ACP notification, pointing out that of the 644 sanctioned SMO posts, 200 are vacant and 160 are stuck due to pending rule changes.

Panipat and Sonepat reported severe disruption, with nearly all doctors striking and OPD, emergency, post-mortem and surgeries hit. The Health Department, however, maintained that services were managed through alternate staffing.