Talks between doctors, govt fail; stir on course

In talks lasting nearly seven hours between the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMS) and the Haryana Government, an agreement was reached on one demand, but the doctors remain adamant on their second demand and are proceeding with their strike.

The government agreed to halt the direct recruitment process for Senior Medical Officers (SMOs), but no agreement could be reached on the demand for Assured Career Progression (ACP). The association says that until both their demands are met, they would stand by their previous decisions. The association has announced a strike on December 8 and 9. If an agreement is still not reached, doctors will go on an indefinite strike from December 10.

Three rounds of talks were held on Friday between members of the doctors’ association and Haryana Government officials. The first round of talks was between the association and Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, the second round between the association and the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, and the third round between the association and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Sudhir Rajpal.

During these talks, officials agreed to halt the direct recruitment of SMOs. The association was opposing the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs). However, officials did not agree on the second demand regarding ACP.

Doctors in Haryana receive three ACPs throughout their careers. The association is agreeable to three ACPs, but they want an upgrade in the pay scale. Currently, they receive a grade pay of Rs 7,600 after 10 years, while their demand is for Rs 8,000. For the third grade pay, they receive Rs 8,700 and the association is demanding Rs 9,500. No agreement could be reached on this matter.

State president of the association, Dr Rajesh Khyalia, said that until their second demand is met, they would remain firm on their previously announced strike. If the government fulfils their demand before December 8, they would call off the strike.