Medical college employees’ strike enters 4th day, threaten clinical boycott
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the indefinite strike by non-gazetted employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla entered its fourth day on Thursday, with staff intensifying demands for framing of recruitment rules and resolution of pending promotion issues.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the employees said the absence of recruitment rules had severely affected functioning, with nearly 50% of the 541 sanctioned posts lying vacant. They noted that MBBS intake had increased from 100 to 150 seats and bed strength had risen by around 200, while patient inflow and new departments had added to the workload.
Protesters said despite years since the establishment of new GMCs in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities had failed to finalise recruitment rules, leaving hundreds without career progression, promotions and revised pay benefits. They added that while essential clinical services were being maintained during the strike, “nothing concrete” had come from the administration or the Health Minister.
The employees called for framing recruitment rules on the pattern of GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu, fill vacant posts, and address staff shortages to ensure smooth functioning of healthcare and academic services. They warned of a complete clinical boycott if demands were not met.
