Srinagar: The National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir on monday called upon the Omar Abdullah-led government to extend similar recognition and support to its employees, as demonstrated by the government of Maharashtra. The plea specifically concerns the long-serving employees working under the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission (NHM), many of whom have been working on a contractual basis for over a decade.In a statement issued here, the NHM highlighted that the Government of Maharashtra recently made a historic announcement to regularize NHM employees who had been working on contractual terms for past 10 years. As part of the move, Maharashtra’s government assured that these employees, who have been dedicatedly serving in the health sector, will now be accommodated in equivalent, permanent positions within the state’s health services.The announcement has brought a sense of optimism among NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir, who have long been advocating for job security and better recognition of their contributions. Following this significant development in Maharashtra, employees in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the government to implement a similar approach and provide a pathway to regularization for its own NHM workforce.Muneer Andrabi, the President of NHMEA Kashmir, expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the dedication and tireless work of NHM employees over the years. “Our employees have been working relentlessly, often in challenging conditions, to ensure public health services are accessible to all. They deserve to be recognized and given the job security they have earned through years of service,” Andrabi stated.He further emphasized the importance of fairness and equity, stating, “If a state like Maharashtra can recognize the value of its NHM employees and provide them with permanent positions, it is only fair that our government follows the same suit and regularizes the employees working under the ambit of Jammu and Kashmir NHM.”He urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to implement a similar model, thus ensuring the well-being and security of the NHM workforce in Jammu and Kashmir.The demand for regularization is not only a matter of fairness but also a recognition of the valuable role that NHM employees play in delivering essential health services across Jammu and Kashmir. Regularizing these employees would not only provide them with job security but also strengthen the healthcare system by ensuring that experienced professionals remain in the workforce.With the success of Maharashtra’s regularization initiative in mind, NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir hope that their government will follow the example set by their counterparts in Maharashtra, recognizing the need for stability, fairness, and respect for the dedicated workforce.
