Madhya Pradesh Health Crisis- The sudden change in retirement age policy has sent shockwaves across the state, particularly among contract health workers under the National Health Mission (NHM). More than 32,000 healthcare employees went on an indefinite strike on Wednesday, expressing extreme dissatisfaction at the government’s silence on their long-time demands.
This abrupt decision to bring down the retirement age to 62 years from 65 years has acted as a fire-starter in an already smoldering situation due to years of neglect or unfulfilled promises.
Why Did NHM Workers Go on Strike?
The anger of NHM workers has been simmering for months. The grievances are not new; however, with the latest advancement of a cut in the retirement age, they became agitated. The contract workers have listed eight important demands, which include:
Key Demands of NHM Contract Workers
- Contractual Policy 2025 Needs Reformation.
- 50% of Contract Workers must be regularized as Permanent on vacant posts.
- Reverse the retirement age cut from 65 to 62.
- End Contracts and Regularize.
- Withdraw the discriminatory Leave Policy (EL & Medical Separation).
- NPS, Gratuity, DA, and Health Insurance should be offered.
- Change the performance appraisal system.
- Equal pay for equal work.
These are not merely policy matters; they pertain to the livelihoods and dignity of thousands of families.
Broken Promises: The Seed of Discontent
Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan publicly committed the resolving contract workers’ grievances before the 2023 elections. Unfortunately, none of those promises came true. The strike today results from years spent waiting, hoping, and ultimately being ignored.
Back in April, protests began with the intention to increase visibility for workers’ grievances. However, the government went on to ignore calls for meaningful dialogue. The present indefinite strike is the last stand.
Who is Affected and How?
About 32,000 health workers across Madhya Pradesh have been engaged in the strike. Their absence is most severely felt in rural and remote areas, where primary health centers are already short-staffed.
Critical Health Services Disrupted:
- Vaccination drives
- Mother and child care programs
- General OPD service
- Malaria and dengue prevention efforts
These are not minor disruptions; they represent lifelines for thousands in underserved areas.
What’s the Government saying?
Up until now, the government has not made any official statement or put forth any offer. Sources have said that internal deliberations are ongoing. However, no concrete action has been communicated to the strikers.
With increasing pressure, the Health Department is gravely concerned about the increasing risk to public health and the heightened instability within the system.