30 women of CGHS start 50-hr hunger strike

New Delhi, Apr 19: Thirty women employees of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) today started a 50-hour hunger strike here, protesting against the government's move to privatise CGHS.

The agitating employees, under the aegis of All India CGHS Employees' Association, are opposing the new policy, saying they are satisfied with the present system.

Association Secretary General Ramkishan said despite opposition from various quarters the government is interested in introducing Third Party Administration (TPA) in CGHS through a ''costlier and time-consuming'' process.

He said scores of women employees will stage a day-long sit-in tomorrow in support of the women on hunger strike.

''We will start a phased agitation if the authority remains adamant in pursuing privatisation even after the 50 hr hunger strike by the women employees,'' he added.

UNI