CM Announces Salary for NHM Staff During 33-Day Strike Period, Employees Get Major Relief

Raipur

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that National Health Mission (NHM) employees will receive their salaries for the 33-day strike period, providing major relief to thousands of health workers across the state.

Addressing the state-level convention of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh NHM Employees Union at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, the Chief Minister described health workers as the backbone of the healthcare system and praised their contribution in delivering medical services to remote and inaccessible areas.

Recalling the role of NHM staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sai said that health workers risked their lives to serve humanity during the crisis. He noted that even today, many healthcare personnel travel long distances and cross rivers in areas lacking road connectivity to ensure people receive medical care.

Highlighting the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, the Chief Minister said healthcare teams are conducting door-to-door health screenings, with nearly 90% of Bastar’s population already covered under the campaign.

Sai also stated that efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have significantly curbed Naxalism in Bastar, creating new opportunities for development and public welfare. He added that healthcare expansion remains a key priority, with the establishment of new medical colleges and recruitment of doctors and paramedical staff strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said NHM employees have played a crucial role in strengthening healthcare services from Jashpur to Sukma. He announced that several employee demands have been fulfilled, a transfer policy has been implemented, and NHM personnel will now be covered under a cashless treatment scheme.

The minister also announced a life insurance scheme for NHM employees. Under the policy, families will receive ₹6 lakh in case of natural death, while ₹1.40 crore will be provided in the event of accidental death or permanent disability.

Jaiswal noted that the state’s maternal and infant mortality rates are steadily declining. He added that nurse recruitment is underway and locations for 116 new specialized health centres have been identified to further improve healthcare outcomes.

Following the announcement of salary payment for the strike period, representatives of the NHM Employees Union welcomed the Chief Minister. The event was attended by MLA Purandar Mishra, Chief Minister’s advisor Dr. Dhirendra Tiwari, NHM Employees Union President Dr. Amit Kumar Miri, and a large number of healthcare officials and employees.