OPD services in Rajouri hospital hit as employees observe strike

Rajouri, Mar 12: The Outpatient Department (OPD) services at Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital Rajouri were affected on Thursday after employees, under the banner of the J&K Medical Employees Federation, observed a day-long token strike against the government.

The protest was launched in response to a recent circular issued by the J&K government under which the additional salary equivalent to two and a half days per month, earlier granted to Health Department employees for extra work has reportedly been withdrawn.

Demanding immediate revocation of the order, the protesting employees called for the restoration of the additional salary benefit.  On Thursday, staff members at GMC Rajouri suspended their routine duties and participated in the strike as a mark of protest.

Due to the agitation, routine OPD services at the hospital were disrupted, causing inconvenience to patients who had arrived for treatment.

However, emergency services remained operational during the strike. The employees also staged a protest outside the hospital premises, warning the authorities that the agitation could intensify in the coming days if their demands are not addressed.