Haryana Government Doctors' Strike to Persist Following Unfruitful Negotiations

The indefinite strike by around 3,000 government doctors in Haryana, which began on Thursday, has severely impacted services in state-run hospitals. The strike was initiated by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) to protest unmet demands. Despite extensive talks between the doctors' body and the government, no significant progress has been made.

Dr. Rajesh Khyalia, HCMSA president, stated that the strike would continue as there was no substantial outcome from the second round of discussions with the Additional Chief Secretary Health. "Not much headway has been made on demands like the career progression scheme. So, total shutdown of health services will continue," he said. The hunger strike by four doctors, including Khyalia, will also persist.

Impact on Healthcare Services

The strike has led to long queues outside outpatient departments (OPDs) and patients being treated by interns or retired doctors. Health officials claimed alternate arrangements were made to minimise inconvenience to patients. However, many patients reported delays and inadequate care at hospitals in Panipat, Gurugram, Bhiwani, and Hisar.

On Wednesday, four association members, including Khyalia, began an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of the health services director general in Panchkula. The doctors' demands include forming a specialist cadre and a career progression scheme ensuring parity with central government peers.

Government's Response and Ongoing Negotiations

The state government had invited the doctors' body for talks on Wednesday to resolve the issue. Rajesh Khullar, chief principal secretary to the chief minister, held discussions with the doctors' representatives in the afternoon, followed by another round with ACS Health. Despite these efforts, no agreement was reached.

Khyalia mentioned that during an earlier meeting, the government had agreed to their demand regarding the career progression scheme but is now reneging on this commitment. "We reminded in the meeting that the government had agreed to the demand pertaining to career progression scheme in an earlier meeting, but now government is not agreeing on this," he said.

Doctors' Demands and Government's Assurances

The association's demands also include reducing the bond amount required for admission to postgraduate courses from Rs 1 crore each to a more reasonable figure. They argue that direct recruitment of senior medical officers should be halted as it blocks promotions for medical officers who have completed 20 years of service.

At the end of the first round of talks on Thursday afternoon, Khyalia told reporters that the government had agreed to reduce the bond amount to Rs 50 lakh. However, further discussions on other demands with ACS Health at his residence did not yield significant results.

Doctors' Strike Continues Amidst Stalemate

Despite repeated assurances over several months regarding their demands, HCMSA decided to observe a total shutdown of health services from Thursday. "Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances pertaining to our various demands but those remain unfulfilled," Khyalia said.

Ahead of the strike call, Health Minister Kamal Gupta urged doctors to consider its impact on patients. In a letter to HCMSA on Wednesday, Gupta acknowledged their demands and assured them that efforts were being made towards a satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.

The indefinite strike by Haryana's government doctors continues as negotiations fail to resolve key issues. The prolonged disruption in healthcare services highlights ongoing challenges between medical professionals and state authorities over unmet demands and necessary reforms.