Pune: The contract National Health Mission employees on Wednesday called off their indefinite strike following a meeting with health minister Prakashrao Abitkar in Mumbai, who assured them that state govt would fulfil 10 of their 13 demands.The minister handed over a letter in this regard to office bearers of the National Health Mission (NHM) Coordination Committee, which had been leading the protest by about 39,500 employees, including 1,500 from Pune district, across Maharashtra since Aug 19. Confirming the development, the committee’s state coordinator Vijay Gaikwad told TOI: “Abitkar also assured us that the remaining three demands would be met soon. The minister suggested that we form a committee for further coordination and follow-up.”A press note issued by the committee on Wednesday said Gaikwad along with advocate Bhagyashree Rangare, health department commissioner Kadambari Balkawade and director of public health services Nitin Ambadekar were present among others for a discussion with Abitkar.The implementation of a March 14, 2024 govt resolution that mandates regularisation of contract employees with 10 years of service was the primary demand. The strike impacted essential govt health programmes, including screening and surveillance for TB, cancer, and vaccination.In the first phase, 13,000 employees who have completed more than 10 years of service will benefit, Gaikwad said. “We are aware that some demands will be fulfilled in phases, and for this to happen, we will cooperate with govt and the administration in every possible way. We will soon follow the minister’s instructions and form a committee,” Gaikwad added.Last week, Abitkar told TOI: “I have always insisted that the pending issues of contract officers and employees, including the adjustment process, should be resolved on priority. To ensure govt protocols are followed I have been in constant contact with the general administration, rural development, urban development and medical education departments.”Among other demands by the committee are a 15% honorarium hike, loyalty bonus, EPF coverage, group insurance, gratuity benefits, a transfer policy, ₹50 lakh ex-gratia for accidental death and ₹25 lakh for permanent disability, and medical assistance between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh in case of accidents on duty.
