Nearly 2,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, previously known as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, across Punjab have been rendered non-operational following an indefinite strike initiated by Community Health Officers (CHOs). The action commenced on Monday, with health officers protesting against existing government policies.
Health Officers Demand Policy Changes
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the state’s CHOs, who have been serving under the Health Department and the National Health Mission (NHM) for several years, are seeking significant policy amendments. Dr Shivraj Singh, state cashier of the Novel Integrated Association of Community Health Officers (NAICHO), Punjab, highlighted the CHOs’ dedicated contributions to the success of various health programmes, including those focused on TB, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and Maternal and Child Health, at the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The primary demands put forth by the striking officers encompass the implementation of the ‘Equal Work, Equal Wages’ principle for all NHM employees. They are also calling for the restoration of loyalty bonuses, the immediate withdrawal of newly introduced incentive performance structures, and the formal sectioning of posts and establishment of a dedicated cadre for CHOs. Furthermore, the officers wish for the merger of their salary and incentive components and the lifting of the ban on private practice for CHOs holding Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) qualifications. Dr Shivraj stated that despite numerous representations submitted to the relevant authorities, no substantive action has been taken to address these concerns.
“Due to continuous neglect by the government and the department, all the CHOs of Punjab have been forced to take the path of struggle,” Dr Shivraj explained. He confirmed that the work stoppage began on June 22, and the strike is slated to continue until their demands are met.
Impact of Strike on Public Health Services
The closure of these health facilities is expected to disrupt access to primary healthcare services for a significant portion of the state’s population. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs serve as crucial touchpoints for essential health interventions, disease prevention, and basic medical care in communities across Punjab. The indefinite nature of the strike raises concerns about the continuity of services related to maternal and child health, management of chronic diseases, and routine health screenings.
The National Health Mission, under which many of these officers operate, aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens, with a particular focus on underserved rural and urban populations. The current protest by the CHOs, who are frontline health workers, directly impacts the delivery of these essential services, potentially leading to delays in treatment, reduced access to medication, and a setback in public health initiatives. The union’s insistence on continuing the strike until their demands are fulfilled suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current working conditions and remuneration structure.
Previous efforts by the CHOs to engage with the administration through representations appear to have been insufficient in resolving the dispute, leading to the escalation to an industrial action. The outcome of this strike is anticipated to have ramifications not only for the health sector in Punjab but also for the broader discourse on the welfare and rights of contractual and mission-mode health workers across India, many of whom often face similar challenges regarding wages, job security, and career progression.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
