SRINAGAR, September 7 (KNS) : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Monday expressed serious concern over the growing unrest among healthcare workers in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government must urgently intervene as MBBS interns are on strike while NHM employees have announced a 72-hour UT-level strike from September 9.

In a statement issued, Inam Un Nabi said the simultaneous escalation by two important sections of the health workforce cannot be treated as isolated departmental matters. NHM employees have decided to proceed with the strike after their September 5 ultimatum to the government expired without what they described as a concrete or satisfactory response.

Inam Un Nabi said “On one side, young MBBS interns are on hunger strike for a stipend hike, while on the other, NHM employees are preparing for a 72-hour UT-wide strike after repeated representations and assurances. This should concern the entire government. If genuine grievances repeatedly end in hunger strikes and strike programmes, the issue is no longer merely departmental but one of governance and administrative responsiveness.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe Chief Minister, as head of the government, must ensure coordination and decisive action. Healthcare cannot be allowed to become a cycle of protests, assurances and inaction. The government must act before September 9, engage with both groups and provide concrete decisions, written commitments and clear timelines. The people of J&K cannot afford disruption in public healthcare, nor can the concerns of those running that system be left unresolved.”

Inam Un Nabi stressed that NHM and NTEP employees working across districts, blocks and field-level programmes form an important part of J&K's public healthcare system, while interns are also integral to hospital services and patient care.

Inam Un Nabi urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to immediately engage with representatives of both groups and establish a time-bound mechanism for resolving their genuine and long-pending demands.

The AIP Chief Spokesperson said the government should move swiftly to restore confidence among healthcare workers while ensuring uninterrupted patient services.(KNS)