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The indefinite strike by National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Telangana continued for the fourth day on Friday, October 16, with thousands of healthcare workers pressing for regularisation of their services, better salaries, and improved employment benefits.
The employees, who launched the agitation on October 13, are seeking regularisation for 17,541 personnel belonging to 78 cadres across Telangana. Their demands include implementation of the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’, health and life insurance, job security, and 180 days of paid maternity leave for women employees.
Telangana BJP president N Ramachander Rao expressed support for the protesting workers and participated in their demonstration at Dharna Chowk. He criticised the Congress government for failing to address their grievances despite repeated representations to District Collectors and health officials.
“Nearly 70% of the 17,000 NHM employees are women, yet they are denied paid maternity leave, health and life insurance, and basic job security. Despite performing critical healthcare duties, they are burdened with additional clerical and administrative work,” Ramachander said.
NHM state general secretary Rama Rajesh Khanna said several employees had served for nearly two decades, performing responsibilities comparable to those of regular government staff, without receiving permanent employment status.
He also stressed the need for health cards, insurance coverage, and salary revisions, pointing out that rising prices had made it increasingly difficult for employees to meet their household expenses.
The protesting employees said they would continue the strike until the government responded positively to their demands. The agitation has raised concerns over disruptions to healthcare services across the state.
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