HCMS doctors to go ahead with Dec 8-9 strike as talks with Health Minister fail

The crucial meeting between the Health Department and the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) failed to make any headway on Wednesday, with government doctors reaffirming their decision to go ahead with a complete shutdown of medical services on December 8 and 9.

The meeting, held at the Chandigarh residence of Health Minister Arti Rao, saw senior officials in attendance. However, the discussions remained deadlocked as the association reiterated its two long-pending demands —stoppage of direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and notification of the already approved modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) structure.

HCMSA state president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said both issues had been pending for 16 months despite multiple representations, even though the government had approved them last year. He said the minister acknowledged the concerns but did not provide any firm commitment on resolving them.

According to the association, officials informed them that the matter of halting direct SMO recruitment would need to be escalated to the Chief Minister, while the Finance Department’s opinion would be sought on notifying the modified ACP.

Terming the outcome “disappointing”, the HCMSA Action Committee said bureaucratic delays continue to stall solutions despite “strong political will.”

Following internal deliberations, the committee confirmed that all HCMSA members will proceed with the two-day complete shutdown, impacting OPD, emergency, post-mortem, surgeries, VIP duties and other services across the state. The association has also warned of an indefinite strike from December 10 if their demands remain unaddressed.