Progress in Talks: Haryana Government Addresses Some Demands of Doctors' Association

The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, representing government doctors, has reported positive developments in ongoing discussions with the state government. The government has reportedly agreed to certain demands, providing hope for a favourable resolution to all issues raised by the doctors' body.

During a prolonged meeting in Chandigarh on Monday, the doctors' association engaged with health department officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) and Director General of Health Services. The association expressed optimism regarding their key demands, such as the establishment of a specialist cadre for doctors, reduction in bond amounts for postgraduate courses, the implementation of a dynamic assured career progression (ACP) scheme comparable to central government doctors, and a halt to the direct recruitment of senior medical officers (SMOs).

Following a day-long strike on Friday – the second within a week – by government doctors in Haryana, which affected outpatient department (OPD) services in some hospitals, the association noted a positive outcome from the recent meeting. Dr. Anil Yadav, the general secretary of HCMS, stated that two demands would be addressed promptly: a reduction in the bond amount from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh, and a cessation of the direct recruitment of SMOs.

Dr. Yadav explained, "Medical officers are not being recruited to SMOs because there is another lateral entry of direct SMOs, so in that way, 25 per cent of the post of SMOs were blocked. If those seats are converted to seniority posts, more seats of SMOs will be available for promotion on a seniority basis."

While the talks progress, the association anticipates fruitful results for the remaining demands, including the formation of a specialist cadre. Further discussions involving the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and Health Minister Anil Vij are planned, providing hope for a comprehensive resolution in the near future. The doctors' association had previously threatened an indefinite strike if their demands were not addressed prompt