The impact of the strike is evident in critical diagnostic and surgical services.
Haryana Doctors' Strike Enters Day 4; Critical Hospital Services Disrupted Despite ESMA Order
In Haryana, government doctors are on indefinite strike under the banner of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA). The strike entered its fourth consecutive day on Thursday. It has severely disrupted key healthcare services across the state despite a government order under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) focused on restoring normalcy.
HCMSA state president Dr Rajesh Khyalia led the agitation. It is centred around longstanding grievances over direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and the non-implementation of a modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) structure for government doctors. The association has repeatedly insisted that without formal notification and execution of the revised ACP rules, career growth and professional security of doctors remain stalled, forcing them to escalate their protest.
Despite the ESMA order banning strikes by doctors and health staff for six months, HCMSA members refused to relent, extending the strike indefinitely after asserting that one of their key demands – the halt on SMO direct recruitment – had only been partly conceded by the government, while the ACP issue remains unresolved.
The impact of the strike is evident in critical diagnostic and surgical services. Ultrasound and CT scan reporting and planned surgeries are experiencing severe disruptions. Medico-legal cases are being redirected, adding pressure to on-duty staff, and patients are facing prolonged delays and uncertainty.
Outpatient departments (OPDs) at District Civil Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs) and primary health centres are functioning in a limited capacity through contingency deployments. The government has mobilised doctors from medical colleges, the National Health Mission, AYUSH services, dental departments, Ayushman Bharat-empanelled facilities and retired personnel to maintain basic care.
Doctors, including some on hunger strike outside the Directorate of Health Services office in Panchkula, have reiterated their stance that normal duties will not resume until all legitimate demands are met. A meeting between HCMSA leaders and Health Minister Arti Singh Rao is anticipated, with hopes to reach a negotiated solution.
Source: The Tribune
