The month-long strike by contractual employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Chhattisgarh concluded on 19 Sept following discussions with Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal.
More than 16,000 NHM employees and officers had joined the strike, which began on August 18, pressing for a 10-point charter of demands that included higher pay, regularisation of jobs, and better working conditions. The protest had significantly affected healthcare services across the state.
After negotiations, the state government agreed to four major demands: a 5% salary increase effective from July 2023, 30 days of paid annual leave, greater transparency in performance evaluations, and cashless medical insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
To address the remaining issues such as grade pay, compassionate appointments, and transfer policies a committee has been formed. The panel will submit its recommendations within three months.
Health Minister Jaiswal met employee representatives and confirmed the government’s intent to resolve outstanding matters. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the decision to end the strike, stating that the government views employees as part of an extended workforce and remains committed to addressing their concerns.
With staff returning to duty, healthcare services across Chhattisgarh are expected to return to normal, providing relief to patients who had faced disruptions during the strike.
