Why are Gujarat’s health workers protesting?  What is the reason?

Gujarat govt. terminates 2,000 healthcare workers

The Gujarat government has taken strict action against those healthcare workers protesting against the government for better pay and job recognition by terminating 2,000 employees from various PHCs and CHCs across eight districts. Besides, over 5,000 workers were served show cause notices, and an inquiry is pending against more than 1,000, where disciplinary actions may follow. Some employees have reported back to work, but the Health Workers Union has warned of a statewide agitation should the government remain adamant in responding to their demands, the most critical of which are salary hikes, pay classification changes, and exemption from departmental exams.

Reason?

Employees of primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centers (CHCs) have been amassing over the past five years for a salary revision. The government has made several attempts to negotiate a settlement, but all of these failed to meet the demands of these workers, who earn between Rs 12,000 and Rs 25,000 monthly. They have always argued that the workers served exceptionally well during the pandemic, even in their unsafe working conditions.

While the strike continues, 55 supervisors have also received charge sheets and the administration has initiated an inquiry against them. The authority insisted that there was a need for disciplinary action for the very survival of the state healthcare system, while the workers still hold their ground for fair wages and better working conditions.

With no respite, the crisis for the health sector is widening in Gujarat as even patients and hospitals groan under the burden of this stalemate.