Haryana doctors' strike hits day 4, key services disrupted despite government order

The strike by government doctors under the banner of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) entered its fourth day on Thursday, even as the state government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on Tuesday in an attempt to restore normal healthcare services.

Despite the ongoing agitation, health authorities have managed to keep Outpatient Departments (OPDs) functional at District Civil Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

However, key services such as ultrasound, CT scan reporting, and surgeries have been severely affected, raising concerns among patients.

Medico-legal cases from various field institutions are being referred to the District Civil Hospital, causing inconvenience to the public and increasing the workload of the already strained staff on duty.

The HCMSA has reiterated that doctors will not resume duties until the government meets their demands, which include halting direct recruitment of SMOs and implementing a modified ACP structure.

According to the doctors, while the government has agreed to stop direct recruitment of SMOs, no decision has been taken on the second demand. Consequently, the strike has been extended indefinitely.

Doctors, led by state president Dr Rajesh Khyalia, are also on a hunger strike outside the DG Health Services office in Panchkula.

A senior doctor confirmed that a meeting with Health Minister Arti Singh Rao is likely on Thursday evening in Chandigarh, and the doctors are hopeful for a resolution.

“We will not resume duty till the fulfillment of our genuine demands,” said Dr. Sanjay Verma, district Karnal president of HCMSA.