Why HCMS cadre doctors are threatening to go on mass leave

Government doctors in Haryana, under the banner of the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association, have announced to go on a mass leave on December 8 and 9, with a warning of an indefinite statewide shutdown from December 10. Here is what you need to know about the issue.

What triggered the latest protest by HCMS cadre doctors?

HCMS doctors claim that the state government has failed to fulfil promises made to them last year regarding recruitment rules, promotions and pay-scale revisions. Despite repeated assurances, the demands that were accepted “in-principle” remain unimplemented, forcing the doctors to escalate their agitation.

What are the main demands of the doctors?

They have two major demands. First demand is the withdrawal of direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and filling these posts only through promotions of existing Medical Officers after amending service rules. They are also demanding the issuance of the modified assured career progression (ACP) notification, approved by the Chief Minister and cleared by the Finance Department, to revise their pay scales from Rs 8,700 to Rs 9,500 for those with 15 years of service, and from Rs 7,600 to Rs 8,000 for those with 10 years of service. The doctors say these changes are essential for career progression and parity with medical college faculty.

How long have the doctors been struggling for these demands?

The demands have been pending for over a year. Last year, the HCMS Association had launched protests and the government had agreed to accept their demands. However, the doctors say the assurances were never acted upon, forcing them to resume the agitation.

Why are doctors opposing direct recruitment of SMOs?

As per the doctors, the government’s decision undermines those who have been serving for years and are eligible for promotion. Out of 644 sanctioned SMO posts, 200 remain vacant, including 160 blocked due to non-amendment of rules. The association argues that promotions and not direct recruitment should be used to fill vacancies.

What alternative solution has the HCMS Association suggested?

The association proposes specialist incentives, Ayushman Bharat incentives or granting an optional non-practice allowance (NPA) to attract specialists instead of giving them direct entry as SMOs.

When was their previous protest held?

On November 27, government doctors across the state held a two-hour pen-down strike from 9 am to 11 am. OPD services were suspended, leading to long queues and inconvenience to patients. Emergency and labour room services, however, remained operational.

What is their plan for the upcoming mass leave?

The doctors plan to go on mass leave on December 8 and 9, during which all services — including OPD, emergency care, post-mortem, labour rooms, and operation theatres — will remain shut across government hospitals. If demands remain unmet, an indefinite shutdown will begin on December 10.

How is the agitation affecting patients?

During the pen-down strike, patients complained of long waiting period and the lack of prior notice. Some hospitals attempted mitigation by assigning duties to NHM doctors and consultants, but routine services remained disrupted. A two-day shutdown — and a possible indefinite strike — could severely impact healthcare delivery in the state.