JAMMU / SRINAGAR: National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir commenced a 72-hour Union Territory-wide strike on Wednesday, pressing the government to resolve their long-pending demands regarding salary revision, job security, retirement benefits, and social security frameworks.

Organized under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) UT-Level Coordination Committee, the demonstration is being observed across district headquarters, hospitals, primary health centers, and field establishments in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

The protesting workforce comprises personnel across various NHM vertical programs and primary healthcare services, including doctors, paramedical staff, administrative personnel, and workers engaged under specialized programs like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Protesters assembled at their respective institutions and district headquarters, raising slogans to emphasize their service grievances. Representatives pointed out that the agitation was launched after repeated representations and official dialogues failed to produce a concrete policy outcome.

Speaking on the development, Abdul Rauoof, Chief Spokesperson of JKNHMEA, stated that the 72-hour work stoppage reflects widespread concern among the health workforce due to persistent delays in addressing core service issues.

“NHM employees have rendered years of dedicated service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their demands concerning job security, salary revision, retirement benefits and social security are genuine and deserve serious consideration,” said Abdul Rauoof, Chief Spokesperson of JKNHMEA.

The Association has submitted a four-point charter of demands to the administration, which includes:

• A comprehensive and secure job policy for contractual NHM employees.
• Revision and restructuring of the current salary framework to reflect workload and responsibilities.
• Provision of parity with NHM compensation structures offered in other States.
• Full social security and post-retirement benefits, including EPF, ESI, and comprehensive health insurance cover.

Employees highlighted that prolonged contractual tenure has created severe professional uncertainty for thousands of healthcare workers who have served the public health system for years, often under challenging conditions.

“NHM employees have been at the forefront of healthcare delivery, particularly during emergencies, but continue to face uncertainty over wages and job security,” said Uzair Ahmad, a protesting staff member.

The UT-Level Joint Coordination Committee had previously finalized the decision for a 72-hour strike following a strategic meeting on September 5, citing an absence of formal government commitments. The Association reaffirmed that while the workers remain deeply committed to public healthcare delivery, structured dialogue and time-bound negotiations are essential to safeguard the welfare of thousands of health workers and their families.