Healthcare paralysed as officers continue strike in Ludhiana

Healthcare services in the district, especially the rural areas, have been paralysed as the strike by community health officers (CHOs) entered the third day today. There are 260 posts of CHOs, of which 238 posts are filled and 90 per cent of them are working in rural areas.

CHOs are posted at the community health centres, primary health centres, sub-centres and Ayushman Arogya Kendras. Today was the third day of their strike, which left patients without essential services. As a result of the strike, routine checkups, vaccination drives and preventive care was suspended. This has left rural communities vulnerable as CHOs form the backbone of primary healthcare in villages.

In Ludhiana, the striking CHOs staged a sit-in outside the Civil Surgeon’s office, demanding redress of their grievances. Union leaders have announced a state-level protest on July 2, signalling an escalation in the confrontation. The strike is expected to intensify if the authorities fail to respond to the demands of the health officers.

Patients dependent on affordable care are now forced to travel long distances or pay higher costs for treatment. “We have nowhere else to go for basic treatment,” one villager said, highlighting the effects of the standoff.

“I walked nearly 5 km to reach the Ayushman Arogya Kendra, only to find the gates locked. My blood pressure medicines are finished, and now I don’t know where to go. This strike has left us helpless,” said Balkar Singh from Phullanwal village.

“My wife is in the last months of pregnancy, and the CHC was our only hope for regular checkups. With the centre closed, we are worried about her safety. The government must listen to these health workers before more families suffer,” said a worried Harjit Singh from a village near Jodhan.

Striking CHOs argue that their demands have been ignored for months, leaving them with no choice, but to go on strike.