LAGATAR24 NETWORK
Deoghar, Feb 2: The contractual health workers from Jharkhand, who have been on strike for over two weeks, today evoked Lord Shiva with a prayer to transform the government’s mindset towards them.
Under the banner of the Deoghar unit of The Jharkhand Medical & Public Health Employees Association, the agitating employees have submitted the application in the temple.
Talking to media persons, the district president of the association, Manoj Mishra, said that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had given them word to regularise their contract within three months but after three years of the formation of the government, no initiative has been taken so far.
He added that the CM is not even ready to hear their problems.
Around 21 employees have been sitting on fast-unto-death in Ranchi for their demand for one week but no initiative has been taken by the state govt.
“We have faith in Baba,” he added.
Notably, over 56000 health workers are on strike. Those who were on strike included 12000 contractual paramedics, 42000 Sahiyas, 2000 community health officers (CHOs). Their duration of strike is respectively 17, 10 and 3 days. These health workers are considered the backbone of the health system as they extend their services at those places where doctors avoid visiting regularly. They immunise children, feed lactating mothers, and take care of pregnants.
Paramedics and community health officers demand their service regularisation and facilities which regular government paramedical staff get. Sahiyas are demanding proper remuneration.
As many as 21 contractual paramedics are on fast unto death strike near Raj Bhawan and at least five of them were hospitalised as the government so far has not accepted their demands.
